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Free Spirit Equine Rescue Center This article was copied from the Powhatan County Patriot News website. COVER STORY: The Rescuers
Once upon a time, Cody was a champion. But life changed for him seven years ago, when the Quarter Horse, tired and sore from a strenuous series of barrel races, cut a corner a little too tight, knocking over a barrel. The collision hurt Cody’s legs. Worse, his owner, angry and frustrated at the accident, pulled so tightly on Cody’s reins that the bit nearly severed the horse’s tongue. The next day, Cody found himself at a new farm. But after his new owners learned that his racing days were over, he was shuffled yet again. The next few years were a blur for Cody until last summer, when an elderly man bought the horse at auction as a gift for his granddaughter. But rather than become the fairy tale farm Cody deserved, the horse’s treatment merely evolved from abuse to neglect. Over the next few months, the starving horse’s body wasted away to almost nothing. On the Henneke Scale of Condition (5 being normal, 9 being obese, 1 being near death), Cody scored a generous 1. Like most stories that begin with “once upon a time,” Cody’s has a happy ending. Last summer, Cody came to the attention of the Free Spirit Equine Rescue Shelter volunteers. Today, Cody’s rehabilitation is nearly complete, and the healthy, happy Quarter Horse will be ready to be placed into an approved adoptive home. “It’s just amazing to see the difference in him,” said Marie O’Brien, the shelter’s operations manager. “When he came to us, he was so thin, and his feet were in terrible shape. Now, he just needs to put on a little more weight and he’ll make somebody an incredible pleasure horse.” Cody is one of seven current residents of the northern Powhatan shelter. For the past year, he’s been under the loving care of O’Brien and a host of volunteers all working to ensure his full recovery and eventual adoption. “It’s hard work,” said volunteer Cindy Howard. “But when you see these beautiful animals bounce back, it’s all worth it.” Some of Free Spirit’s rescued horses come directly from owners who realize they can no longer take proper care of their animals. Other horses come to the facility via the county’s animal control officers. O’Brien said when owners are faced with voluntarily turning their animals over to the shelter or being charged for abuse or neglect, they typically choose to allow the shelter to rescue the animals. “Our goal is to try and make sure it doesn’t come to that,” she explained. “People don’t have to be embarrassed to ask for our help. Taking care of a horse is a tremendous responsibility, and in many cases where we get involved, someone simply didn’t realize how much is involved with horse ownership.” That’s why the shelter takes steps to ensure that once rescued, their horses stay rescued. Free Spirit’s adoption program is an excellent low-cost alternative to purchasing a horse, but the process does require a certain commitment from prospective adoptive owners. “We want to match horses with prospective owners to make sure they’re right for each other,” O’Brien said. The adoption process includes pre-adoptive sessions to ensure compatibility, facilities inspections to ensure the long-term safety and care of the animal, and even a couple of post-adoption follow-up visits. And there are some restrictions. Adopted horses cannot be used for breeding or re-sale, and they cannot be moved to different facilities without Free Spirit’s approval. Of course, if the placement doesn’t work, the horse is returned to the shelter. However, the cost of adoption — $200 to $900 — can be thousands of dollars less than a conventional purchase. Free Spirit is a non-profit organization under IRS Code 501(c)3, meaning donations to the organization — including adoption fees —are tax deductible. “Where else can you buy a wonderful horse and make the purchase a tax deduction?” O’Brien asked. Even the vets volunteer much of their service to the shelter. O’Brien was thankful for support from the Virginia Equine Center and Deer Creek Veterinarian Service. Free Spirit is a volunteer organization. All proceeds go directly to the care of the horses. “We’re working on upgrading fences and building new stalls, but it’s a long process since our funding goes to feed and medical supplies,” she said. “Any donated fencing materials would be greatly appreciated. For more information about Free Spirit Equine Rescue Shelter, write to P.O. Box 4940, Midlothian VA, 23112, or call O’Brien at 598-8132. |
