Yesterday morning, as the Homes for Horses Coalition Conference began, this situation was discussed. Regardless of who, what, where, or why these conditions came about, they did. Anyone can "Google" Paragallo and thoroughbreds, read the stories, and form their own opinions. I am simply grateful that these horse are now receiving help. I didn't check my email for the two days I was at the conference (my cell phone was on), and when I got back home and looked late last night, there were a number of linked emails (here's the first)asking if I had heard about this. Yes: I have. During this conference current mass seizures and surrenders of all and indeterminate breeds were also referenced.
Again, regardless of who or why, this is not an isolated incident. Nonetheless, it exemplifies one of the reasons Chez Chevaux has posted The Derby Dollar Challenge.
Melodee, http://www.chezchevaux.org
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Homes for Horses Coalition
I am back from the Homes for Horses Coalition Third Annual Conference and I am very grateful I was able to attend. The Conference itself was sponsored by the Animal Welfare Institute and The Humane Society of the United States. Members that were able to attend paid their own ways. The organization of the entire conference was wonderful and the panels, presenters and attendees from all over the U.S. had the opportunity to share a wealth of experience, information, and innovative and inspirational ideas devoted to the benefit of all equines and those who value them.
Panel topics included:
Working with Law Enforcement to Improve Equine Welfare
Finding Homes for Horses: Training and Marketing for Adoption success (my portion of this panel addressed retraining the OTTB - The Off-The-Track-Thoroughbred ex-racehorse)
The GFAS Horse Rescue and Sanctuary Accreditation Program
Euthanasia and Horse Rescues: An Ethical Discussion
Money Matters: Where and How to Seek Grants and Funds
Planning for the Worst: Being Prepared For a Major Disaster
Community Building: Forging Partnerships with State and Local Stakeholders
Keeping Volunteers Engaged: Attracting, Utilizing, and Retaining Volunteers
Promoting Owner and Breeder Responsibility in the Equestrian Community
The tone of this Conference was entirely positive and focused on cooperative solutions.
While it is true that in these current economic times an overwhelming number of horses, be they purebred, crossbred, or ? are in need, and while there are 501c-3 organizations dedicated to equine welfare striving to do what they can: All of us need public support, participation, and volunteers. Please explore the links on this post if you find a mission statement that speaks to you, please contact that worthy organization and ask how you can help.
Happy Easter!
Melodee, http://www.chezchevaux.org
Panel topics included:
Working with Law Enforcement to Improve Equine Welfare
Finding Homes for Horses: Training and Marketing for Adoption success (my portion of this panel addressed retraining the OTTB - The Off-The-Track-Thoroughbred ex-racehorse)
The GFAS Horse Rescue and Sanctuary Accreditation Program
Euthanasia and Horse Rescues: An Ethical Discussion
Money Matters: Where and How to Seek Grants and Funds
Planning for the Worst: Being Prepared For a Major Disaster
Community Building: Forging Partnerships with State and Local Stakeholders
Keeping Volunteers Engaged: Attracting, Utilizing, and Retaining Volunteers
Promoting Owner and Breeder Responsibility in the Equestrian Community
The tone of this Conference was entirely positive and focused on cooperative solutions.
While it is true that in these current economic times an overwhelming number of horses, be they purebred, crossbred, or ? are in need, and while there are 501c-3 organizations dedicated to equine welfare striving to do what they can: All of us need public support, participation, and volunteers. Please explore the links on this post if you find a mission statement that speaks to you, please contact that worthy organization and ask how you can help.
Happy Easter!
Melodee, http://www.chezchevaux.org
Thank You to After The Finish Line
We are very grateful to After the Finish Line . They have honored Chez Chevaux with a grant that will be used to purchase hay. ATFL has a major fundraiser planned for July 30, 2009, coinciding with the Del Mar racing meet. Please support AFTL's commitment to helping thoroughbreds in any way you might be able to .
Melodee, http://www.chezchevaux.org
Melodee, http://www.chezchevaux.org
Sunday, April 5, 2009
The Derby Dollar Challenge
As the 135th Kentucky Derby is but weeks away, I am asking anyone and everyone who can donate even one dollar towards rescuing and supporting thoroughbred ex-racehorse in need to do so. Given the current economic climate, many lovely and heathy thoroughbreds that have great potential for second-careers are indeed going to slaughter in Mexico and Canada. Rescues and sanctuaries are challenged as well right now. Please see our website for more about the Derby Dollar Challenge. I love watching The Derby too, but I know all too well what happens to many wonderful and deserving thoroughbreds that do not make it to the top of the game. Even the fastest, such as Ferdinand, may meet their ends at slaughter.
Melodee, http://www.chezchevaux.org
Melodee, http://www.chezchevaux.org
The Homes for Horses Coalition Conference
April 9-10, 2009, on behalf of Chez Chevaux, I will be attending the Homes for Horses Coalition Third Annual Conference at Bally's Las Vegas. This conference is sponsored by The Animal Welfare Institute and The Humane Society of the United States.A number of rescue,sanctuary,animal welfare advocates and equine industry professional will be in attendance for broad and beneficial panel discussions. I will be participating in a panel discussion on April 9th, from 11:00-12:30 devoted to Finding Homes for Horses:Training and Marketing for Adoption Success. As it is my area of expertise, I will be addressing specifics related to the thoroughbred breed, with emphasis on the ex-race horse, and appropriate pertinent marketing options for adoptions thereby. I am quite excited about this conference and I'll post a synopsis when I get back.
Best to All,
Melodee , http://www.chezchevaux.org
Best to All,
Melodee , http://www.chezchevaux.org
Thursday, February 26, 2009
What One Dollar Can-and Cannot-Do
While the current economic climate in the U.S. is affecting all animals, it is a reality is that large animals are exponentially more impacted as they simply cost more to care for- It takes more money to feed and care for a horse than it does to house a cat. Furthermore, cats and dogs are not being shipped to Mexico and/or Canada for slaughter.
To date in 2009, Chez Chevaux has received more than 30 calls and emails from TB owners, and owners of other breeds seeking placement assistance, who want to surrender their horses as they feel they can no longer afford them. We have been asked to take in 4 TB's seized by Animal Control.
In December of 2008 I answered a call from a Real Estate Appraiser in Pierce County: He had gone out to appraise a foreclosure and found two apparently abandoned horses on the property, without visible food and water. Yes-this is happening.
We cannot take in any more horses here at this time-We are full with a waiting list-and our current budget does not offer us the option of expansion without additional funding. As the pleas for assistance have increased, the number of adoption inquiries have trickled down to nearly nil.
Rescues are now often finding that they must fulfill an often lengthy sanctuary function throughout this recessionary period. This is especially true if any of their residents are, perhaps, less than "perfect" show prospects.
I just returned from a trip to southern California searching out horse properties. Against all apparent odds and media economic predictions, we are determined to go forward: Our goal is to expand our mission with a true sanctuary in a warmer climate. California also sports a large population of sport horse performance and pleasure enthusiasts.
While so many legitimate rescues and sanctuaries that do committed and fantastic jobs every day are struggling right now to raise funds, it sadly appears there are those who are less than caring and scrupulous: When I read this article about Dancing Star I was amazed. I oughtn't have been. Over the years we have taken in starved and neglected horses from people whose socio-economic status and education might have been thought to include a sense of stewardship. Yet, I have seen many more people put their companion animals at the top of their priority list. Just such a caring person contacted me recently: She is going through a divorce, downsized at work, and desperately concerned that she might have to seek rehoming options for her dogs. Yes, we are a Thoroughbred Horse Rescue-but this type of call is truly indicative of this place in time. It now turns out that her dogs will be able to stay with her.
In the process, she shared an interesting concept: The Adventurers Club has a good idea about what just one dollar can do-one person at a time, one charity at a time.
As so many people who call us now never thought they would have to ask for help, I would challenge everyone to be pet-proactive: Select a pet charity or rescue/sanctuary you like-a cause that calls to you. Involve your friends. Call and talk to the organization, visit, and/or ask for references. Carefully choose an organization that resonates with you.If you cannot adopt an animal at this time, then syndicate your caring-pool your resources and help sponsor one.
Chez Chevaux currently has two resident thoroughbreds ready for adoption:
Elliott: Just now four years old, he will easily be 17+ hands when mature. Right now his hip is higher than his withers-he is busy playing and GROWING. He had three starts as race horse and showed no interest in racing. He is completely sound.He's loving and lively, a BIG inquisitive baby, but essentially mellow and logical. He will sequentially select the grooming tools for you from the caddy.SUPER athletic.
Cooper is 11 years old. He has past eventing experience but currently seems to prefer the arena: Lovely dressage movement and likes stadium jumping. Totally sweet and very sensitive: He is best suited to a quiet, soft, supportive and confident rider with an educated leg. He tries to please with every step he takes. Permanent Brand Inspection card.
All of our residents have their original Jockey Club papers and all are microchipped with ISO microchips on record with the Jockey Club.
We do have an adoption application process and we do establish reasonable and appropriate adoption fees. Chez Chevaux does not give away horses. We are committed to making the best permanent equine and human matches.
Melodee, http://www.chezchevaux.org
To date in 2009, Chez Chevaux has received more than 30 calls and emails from TB owners, and owners of other breeds seeking placement assistance, who want to surrender their horses as they feel they can no longer afford them. We have been asked to take in 4 TB's seized by Animal Control.
In December of 2008 I answered a call from a Real Estate Appraiser in Pierce County: He had gone out to appraise a foreclosure and found two apparently abandoned horses on the property, without visible food and water. Yes-this is happening.
We cannot take in any more horses here at this time-We are full with a waiting list-and our current budget does not offer us the option of expansion without additional funding. As the pleas for assistance have increased, the number of adoption inquiries have trickled down to nearly nil.
Rescues are now often finding that they must fulfill an often lengthy sanctuary function throughout this recessionary period. This is especially true if any of their residents are, perhaps, less than "perfect" show prospects.
I just returned from a trip to southern California searching out horse properties. Against all apparent odds and media economic predictions, we are determined to go forward: Our goal is to expand our mission with a true sanctuary in a warmer climate. California also sports a large population of sport horse performance and pleasure enthusiasts.
While so many legitimate rescues and sanctuaries that do committed and fantastic jobs every day are struggling right now to raise funds, it sadly appears there are those who are less than caring and scrupulous: When I read this article about Dancing Star I was amazed. I oughtn't have been. Over the years we have taken in starved and neglected horses from people whose socio-economic status and education might have been thought to include a sense of stewardship. Yet, I have seen many more people put their companion animals at the top of their priority list. Just such a caring person contacted me recently: She is going through a divorce, downsized at work, and desperately concerned that she might have to seek rehoming options for her dogs. Yes, we are a Thoroughbred Horse Rescue-but this type of call is truly indicative of this place in time. It now turns out that her dogs will be able to stay with her.
In the process, she shared an interesting concept: The Adventurers Club has a good idea about what just one dollar can do-one person at a time, one charity at a time.
As so many people who call us now never thought they would have to ask for help, I would challenge everyone to be pet-proactive: Select a pet charity or rescue/sanctuary you like-a cause that calls to you. Involve your friends. Call and talk to the organization, visit, and/or ask for references. Carefully choose an organization that resonates with you.If you cannot adopt an animal at this time, then syndicate your caring-pool your resources and help sponsor one.
Chez Chevaux currently has two resident thoroughbreds ready for adoption:
Elliott: Just now four years old, he will easily be 17+ hands when mature. Right now his hip is higher than his withers-he is busy playing and GROWING. He had three starts as race horse and showed no interest in racing. He is completely sound.He's loving and lively, a BIG inquisitive baby, but essentially mellow and logical. He will sequentially select the grooming tools for you from the caddy.SUPER athletic.
Cooper is 11 years old. He has past eventing experience but currently seems to prefer the arena: Lovely dressage movement and likes stadium jumping. Totally sweet and very sensitive: He is best suited to a quiet, soft, supportive and confident rider with an educated leg. He tries to please with every step he takes. Permanent Brand Inspection card.
All of our residents have their original Jockey Club papers and all are microchipped with ISO microchips on record with the Jockey Club.
We do have an adoption application process and we do establish reasonable and appropriate adoption fees. Chez Chevaux does not give away horses. We are committed to making the best permanent equine and human matches.
Melodee, http://www.chezchevaux.org
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
