My Nonprofit Reviews

I got to know Cherina from Serenity Saviours when I was looking for a ride for my American Saddlebred newly purchased; from his birth farm in Virginia. It was in December-early January and cold up there. It was a long ride back to Florida and no commercial carrier would go to where he was; it was remote. Cherina heard of my plight and offered to go pick him up for a fair price when her partner was out picking up and delivering rescue horses in the area. It was a rough ride with winter weather and some unexpected hang ups; but he came to me safely; and since then I have become friends with her and Allan. I drew a portrait of a horse she had as a rescue a few years back she loved dearly, for part of the trip charge; who had passed from a freak accident. She loved it and her response to the picture and her continued love for this horse showed me how deeply she loves her rescue horses. They save allot of them - mostly American Saddlebreds; a nearly forgotten breed in our country; once the "Peacock of the Show Ring". Most go to Amish as buggy horses; or something similarly difficult; if they don't make it as a top of the line show prospect; which usually only one or two a breeding season will from any big breeding operation. Most Americans simply don't realize their Versatility because they were over promoted as Super show horses for so long. Only that small part of society, (Saddle Seat show people); pay much attention to them anymore. Her rescue mostly saves horses that have been on the road pulling Amish buggies on macadam...which being designed for cars; is too hard on their feet and joints and breaks them down quickly. Amish aren't sentimental about horses; they are vehicles only; and send them to kill pens for slaughter money when they aren't up to the job. Cherina and her rescue save them when they are still able to be great personal horses; and need a friend. She feeds them to health again; vets them and cares for their minds and spirits; and then finds young kids and happy adults to work with them. She lets them help others too in her therapy mission. She is a wonderful woman and she and Allan fill a much needed role in the rescue world; and are a credit to that profession and our equine community here in Florida.