Sadly this plea has become more and more common lately, but no doubt Equine Rescue Association is a very worthy cause.
Constant Struggle
I’ve written about this operation before and was recently contacted by them with new developments.
The woman who runs the Equine Rescue Association is Dr. Vel Moore, a 76 year old woman who not only rescues troubled horses at her establishment, but she rescues troubled teens too.
An Old Story
We all know the troubles rescues are facing right now and every little bit helps to make a difference. Vel has been experiencing health issues and recently went back into the hospital. The website says she is back, which is great news, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t need help.
A Lot Of Work
Most of my readers are horse people, so they understand the sheer volume that is required to care for upwards of 25 horses (many with special needs, meds and feed).
How You Can Help
There are a number of ways you can get involved and help.
Donations – Of course cold, hard cash is always a welcome resource.
Volunteering – The whole establishment is run by volunteers, they have no full-time staff. Even if you are a horse novice, there are plenty of ways to help. Not to mention volunteers learn a great deal on the job.
Maintenance Volunteers – Horse people are usually pretty handy, but nothing beats a pro job. If you have maintenance experience or are handy with motors and fencing, they could use your help.
Community Awareness Volunteers – If you are local to the Seattle area, they can always use help with various administration and community tasks.
Horse Sponsorship – A horse sponsor pays for feed, vet & farrier care and meds while not taking on the physical burden of a large animal.
Scholarships – A riding scholarship sponsors one of the riding students for a month.
A Little About The Rescue
Horse rescue operations are not all created equal, here is a little about the organization.
- They are a non-profit, charitable organization run by volunteers
- They are funded by donations and their own educational programs
- They operate a horse shelter 40 minutes north of Seattle in Marysville, WA
- They care for a permanent herd averaging 25-28 horses
- They arrange good private homes for older and animals that can’t be ridden
- They take in animals for temporary care until owners can provide suitable lodgings
- They accept and acquire horses for adoption
- They offer consultation on issues of horse protection & intervention into abusive situations
- They provide an opportunity for novice horse people to gain “hands on” horse experience
More Ways To Help
There are plenty of ways to help starved and abused horses, hopefully one of them suits you.
Dr.Moore is home. At this time, We all are rushing to get the news out about or rescue. I know we’re not the only ones. But right now we’re in a critical condition. We would love to get some sort of sponsership from any Human or buisness. Any reference would be greatful. We’re located in Washington, 45 mins from Seattle. As I remind others Dr. Moore has currently been labled with Breast Cancer. It’s already in her bones and in the blood. She use to be a college professor. She gave up her proffesional career. To take care of horses and soon found out that some of her student’s needed some rescueing them selfs. She’s done her job so very well, Even if it met sleeping in trailers with no running water for herself. Just for the rescued horses. Please look in to our story maybe there will be something you can do. Thank you Very much!!!!!!
Vel Moore Passed thursday may 28th 2009
Vel was a huge influence in my life. !st at Canyon Riding club in Grananda Hills CA. when I was all of 8 years old ,…and then as I grew up …at Stoney Point Ca. Vel always put her horses (Dogs and students) first! I learned so much about horses from her, but also the value of hard work and being kind! I remember mucking stalls so we could ride ponies in the sprinklers or go on a trail ride! I remember the scary day when Vel was riding Lady and the horse slipped, landed on vel and broke her pelvis. I remember her calling me “Shortie” and also how much she loved POPCORN! I will always remember her and and be proud to have known her! xo
All those comments about Vel r so very true. Peanut butter. cheesecake n pop corn. She was highly intelligent! I miss her more n more everyday. I let her down y I stood back n watched those devil people tare vels dream up n made their own. She deserved everything she ever worked for an so much more.
I knew Vel Moore at Stoney Point in CA, from about 1991 until she moved to WA in 1994 or 1995. Her passion for rescuing horses was amazing. I learned so much from her. She always had a pack of dogs around her feet, and so much knowledge. She will be missed.