Bay State Equine Rescue Newsletter -
Winter 2008
The Wonder of Winter
Most people resolve to be better in some way: a better diet, start exercising, stop smoking, lose weight, etc. This year, I resolve to make a difference. Can I end world hunger? No. Can I find a cure for cancer? No. But I can make a difference right here in our community. By supporting Bay State Equine Rescue (BSER), I can make a difference in the lives of many needy horses. Horses that have, for one reason or another, been deemed unusable and cast aside. Horses that have given so much of themselves only to be sent to auction when they no longer serve a particular purpose. Horses that have been neglected to the point of near death. Horses that, without BSER, wouldn’t otherwise have a safe haven to reclaim their lives. By volunteering my time and supporting BSER fundraisers, I can make a difference, and I welcome you to make a difference as well. Happy New Year!
Wine and Beer Tasting
Our 5th annual gala Wine and Beer Tasting will be held at the four-star Castle Restaurant on Route 9, Leicester, MA. Treat yourself to a fun afternoon on Sunday, March 30, from 3 to 6 pm. Enjoy hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, a raffle, and a silent auction. This event is sponsored by MASS Liquors and Hardwick Winery. New this year: More beer and a bigger wine selection. Plan to order your favorites from MASS Liquors at a discount or buy directly from Hardwick on the day of the event. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Call Karin at 508-892-4765 or e-mail her at kmo@baystateequinerescue.com.
Employment
Are you a senior who enjoys working around horses? BSER has a part-time (20 hour/week) Senior Aide position that includes, but is not limited to, working with the horses and maintaining the property. The qualified applicant must be 55+ and able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. Horse experience is helpful but not required. You must be willing to “get your hands dirty.” If this sounds like you, please contact us at info@baystateequinerescue.com.
Welcome!
Meet the latest additions to BSER.
Cassandra - A 3-year-old paint/Arab cross, Cassandra was rescued from an uncertain future at the auction. Instead of being vibrant, playful, and full of life, this gentle, fine-boned, chestnut-hued beauty was dejected, frightened, and battered beyond her years. Deemed "too small" by her owner, Cassandra was fortunate to arrive at BSER's barn. With us, she has made a new start, and already she has begun to blossom. As soon as she is ready, BSER hopes to offer this treasure to her forever adopters.
Merlin - A 17-year-old, 17.1-hand Dutch Warmblood gelding, Merlin stood out at the auction for his impressive height and serene demeanor. Confined in a small, dim, less-than-clean holding pen, this gentle if imposing giant seemed unswayed by his trampled pile of dingy hay and filthy water bucket. Merlin's handler claimed to have rescued him from abandonment in a New Hampshire cow pasture. He also claimed to have given the horse the best possible care. Merlin's appearance, however, told a starkly different tale. Severely underweight, Merlin desperately needed proper nutrition and basic veterinary care. According to his handler, Merlin was "too large" for his task, as well as "unfit." In the short time he has been in BSER care, Merlin has proven large - in kindness, generosity, and loving spirit. Despite his lack of proper care, Merlin continues to remain a true gentle giant, one with soft, liquid eyes and a seemingly endless pool of forgiveness. With large doses of love and care to match his towering stature, Merlin will some day be ready for his proper reward: a permanent, loving home to call his own.
Alf - A 12-year-old Fjord gelding, Alf (pronounced All-f) has a perfectly sweet personality, always ready to greet BSER visitors with a gentle nicker. Dumped in the auction underweight and in need of dietary attention, Alf improved significantly after just a short time in BSER's care. With volunteers now attending to his nutritional needs daily, Alf is putting on weight and approaching the time when he can join his lucky adopters.
Storm - Storm is a sweet and gentle 14-year-old Haflinger gelding whose eyes bely a calm, intelligent interior. Although he is trained to voice command under saddle, he suffers from a condition called roaring, which will require surgery. With that procedure behind him, Storm will be breathing properly and ready to find his forever family.
In Need of a Good Home
JJ, a sweet 15-year-old, 16h, bay Quarter horse gelding JJ goes both English and western, though he prefers to go western. He loves the trails and will go anywhere you want him to. Good on the road. Will go out alone or in a group. He has impeccable ground manners. Up to date on shots. He is an easy keeper. Needs an advanced rider. Asking $800 (negotiable) Contact Sandy at gpopcorn9@yahoo.com or 774-270-0917.
Regis, an 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding Regis is a handsome liver chestnut, 16.2h, and green broke. He is very willing. Good home with experienced handler a must. Call Joy 978-257-3232.
James, a 17-year-old, 17h bay Thoroughbred James has been used for pleasure, jumping, and showing. Sadly, my daughter has moved away and we must place him. Contact Verona at 978-355-2176,
Please Note: BSER assumes no responsible for the information, health, or outcome of the preceding information. Please do your research and make an informed decision.
Want to Help?
BSER will be starting an orientation program for children and adults in April. Our class covers the basics of horse care and is designed for those who will volunteer at BSER, are thinking of buying or adopting a horse, or who simply want to learn more about horses through this hands-on experience. Please consider making a donation to support this program so we may continue our mission to end neglect. Send your donation to BSER/Orientation.
New this May – Horsemanship Program. True horsemanship starts long before your foot goes in the stirrup. As any horse person will tell you, riding is a reward for the many hours spent on the daily upkeep and maintenance of a horse. This 4-week program will include all aspects of horse care and management, as well as riding. It is open to all ability levels. BSER is creating a scholarship fund, and we need your donations to make this program available to everyone. Send your donations to BSER scholarship fund.
A Note from the President
This year I resolve to do my professional best to pursue and procure equine integrity. It is my resolution to promote equine ethics to all professionals in the field. If we all resolve to improve credibility in all fields related to the horse, equine neglect, abuse, and abandonment would be virtually nonexistent. After all, we, the “professionals,” are teaching everyone what is proper treatment of these magnificent creatures.
Presently in Massachusetts, with barely any effort someone can open a boarding stable, offer riding lessons, train horses, sell equine products – the list is endless. There is no regulation. It is not expected that much will happen in this area during my lifetime. I would like to boldly suggest that we all become responsible. To do this you simply put the needs of the horse before your needs. This requires a large degree of forethought, honesty, and self-control. Let me cite a few examples of irresponsibility that occurred in 2007.
A woman who titles herself a “breeder” This farm has barely a barn standing on it. From the road, one can view a 12’ x 12’ run-in shed, a stock trailer with its door propped open, and a tattered tarp hanging across a couple fence posts. Many horses are in view – too many to count while passing by.
A group that titles itself a “rescue” Board members publicly stated that helmets are not a required piece of riding equipment. To quote: “Real cowboys don’t wear helmets.”
A Massachusetts institution of higher education with an Equine Management program Three horses were sent to public auction. The school could not sell these horses, did not think to retrain them. The result? They were sent off for a precarious future at best.
A man who titles himself a “trainer” At an Eastern States seminar, an equine owner was encouraged to work with a dangerously nervous horse. When the owner exhibited hesitation, the trainer put two barrels on their side and told the owner to stay close to the barrels if the horse posed a threat to her.
A backyard horse owner Due to a fondness for foals, this owner continually breeds her grade mares. With a total property size of less than 1 acre and a three-stall barn, this farm now houses 9 horses.
A well-established equine rescue Yes, a rescue has taken a stand for horse slaughter. The supporting documentation included long-term suffering of horses that would be better off slaughtered.
The list could go on and on. We can all relate to similar situations. The consequences are reflected in the horses. Change is never easy. It never happens without casualty. To support irresponsible practices only ensures that the suffering will never end.
Please act responsibly with all God's creatures. Happy New Year to you and yours.
Please Note
We are a corporation in the state of Massachusetts and have a list of volunteers ready and anxious to be a part of the rescue and rehabilitation process. We are a 501(c)(3), tax-deductible, publicly supported organization and depend entirely on the donations of concerned businesses and individuals. We are not in the business of relocating horses. Please support our mission… The horses need us!
For more information, you can call BSER, Inc., at 508-882-3704 or e-mail sms@baystateequinerescue.com or kmo@baystateequinerescue.com.
