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One Cumming Farm Rescues Horses from Neglect and Abuse I just always wanted a horse.” Ask any volunteer at this ranch in Cumming why they dedicate their time to caring for rescued horses and you’ll hear this response time and time again. Such is the story with Cheryl Flanagan, director of Horse Rescue, Relief and Retirement Fund, Inc. (HRRRFI), whose childhood wish to have a horse has grown into a full-time, make that an overtime, labor of love. “People who really love horses, it’s in their blood,” Flanagan said, pushing her blonde hair away from her face. Resident Rescues When I met Flanagan on a scorching afternoon in mid-August, the temperature had climbed into triple digits but she and her team had already put in several hours tending to the farm’s inhabitants, including smaller farm animals and a flock of friendly dogs. Taking a turn in front of one of the barn’s fans we shared stories of our love for animals and she described the places that love has taken her. In the days following Hurricane Katrina, she and her cohorts filled a trailer with feed and supplies and headed to Louisiana to help “people, but also horses,” she said, smiling. Flanagan has seen firsthand how animals can be burdened by human irresponsibility, and she is devoted to righting such wrongs when possible. She takes in horses whose owners have met with unforeseen financial troubles; aging family pets who have fallen victim to a disposable society; thoroughbreds who have been pushed to the point of injury and then “traded in;” entertainment retirees who are discarded when no longer useful; rescues from slaughterhouses; and cases of unimaginable neglect, abuse and brutality. At HRRRFI, each horse is given time and care to mend his body, and patient affection to heal his spirit. Horses with special needs are recognized and receive personalized care. On this hot day, Flanagan cooled down a horse with equine anhidrosis, a condition that leaves him unable to sweat to lower his body temperature. She calmly misted him with cool water as he stood in a shaded stall, protected from the blazing afternoon sun. Another must have limited pasture exposure during daylight hours due to his fair complexion, which puts him at an increased risk for sun damage. Many of the equines at HRRRFI are suitable for adoption with “Cheryl-approved” families, while others who need unique care, or who themselves choose to stick around, become permanent residents of this safe haven. Many of the horses roam freely and do as they like, whether it’s resting inside the barn, strolling through the pasture with a friend, or rolling in the hay, so to speak. If you’ve never seen a 900-pound horse roll on its back during a dust bath in the yard, it’s definitely a sight to behold. HRRRFI also strives to educate the public and volunteers are taught basic feeding and grooming, as well as interpretation of equine body language. Being well versed enables people to truly appreciate the extraordinary bond between human and horse, and to provide the horses with exceptional care. Horsing Around With as many as 60 horses onsite, it may at first be difficult to distinguish one from the next, but you’ll quickly discover that behind each regal face is an individual story, a distinct personality and dazzling depth of character. Bravo, a 2-year-old Shire gelding with beautiful downy feet, is HRRRFI’s new mascot. Once scheduled for slaughter, fate intervened in the form of Flanagan, and Bravo’s star quality and impressive stature have made him an ideal greeter and advocate for all the wonderful horses at HRRRFI. Roy, a statuesque blonde who was once a carriage horse at Stone Mountain Park, is now enjoying retirement at the farm and has formed a tight bond with fellow resident, Scotty. They can often be found relaxing in the barn, nose-to-nose. Rebel is a 9-year-old horse whose leg had fallen through a wooden bridge, trapping him for three days and leaving him with a traumatic leg injury. Upon arrival at HRRRFI, his X-rays were sent to legendary racehorse Barbaro’s surgeon, who agreed to help out. Rebel is now recuperating at the farm and enjoying his freedom. Kids can also help the horses while getting up close and personal with them. Birthday parties feature a tour of the farm, pony rides, horseshoe painting and a visit to the petting area where kids can pet dwarf ponies, potbellied pigs, goats and a resident sheep named Rambo. Summer, a thoroughbred gelding was a prized jumper, but was sold by his owners when he began bucking wildly during rides. At HRRRFI he was diagnosed with a painful spinal malady but a few chiropractic adjustments set him straight. Summer is now used for therapeutic rides. The “Dreams of Courage” program pairs rescued horses like Summer with children and adults living with conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injuries. As Flanagan and her staff believe, “On the back of a horse, a disabled person becomes equal as they ride beside able-bodied persons.” Wendy, a young Appaloosa with lovely honey-colored specks, was given up by her owners because she is blind. Penne Crews, a new volunteer, feels that what makes Wendy different also makes her special. “I began to wonder how many people want a perfect horse, not a handicapped horse, and I feel Wendy deserves as much attention as any,” Crews said. “I started going out and petting her and have now started taking her into the barn and grooming her, which she really seems to like. [Recently] after grazing and grooming, I took her back to remove her harness and when I turned to go to the gate, she followed me. That touches your heart when you realize a bond has formed.” Crews’ own experience at the farm convinced her to continue her support. “I see how much money it takes to buy feed, hay, water, pasture land and vet care for these animals on a daily basis. It isn’t cheap,” she said. And as for the interaction between human and horse, “it can be a very humbling and rewarding experience for children and adults.” Visitor Rebecca, 6, agrees. “My favorite thing is riding the horses and petting the ponies and goats,” she said.
Community Support The staff at the farm is made up of volunteers who donate their time and money to provide exceptional care to the animals, but more is needed. “We receive no grants, no money from the government,” said Henry Patton, an artist who has spent the past five years volunteering at HRRRFI. “One of my most memorable experiences was the first night I spent with our blind horse Acey and her newborn foal Pumpkin. Because Acey was blind and could not see where her baby was, we had to keep them separate so she wouldn’t step on Pumpkin, who needed to be fed about once an hour. Of course, [that] meant we had to milk Acey and feed Pumpkin with a bottle,” Patton recalled. “It was an experience of a lifetime for me and I will always remember and treasure that opportunity.” Realizing that the number of horses rescued relates directly to the financial support HRRRFI receives, Patton is driven to recruit sponsors and often spearheads fundraising efforts to benefit HRRRFI. He also donates a portion of the proceeds from his vivid paintings that capture the force and grace of the horses he has come to know and love. “The horses at the rescue have given me a passion to communicate to the rest of the world through my paintings what I see in these magnificent animals,” Patton said. Added Julia Lewis, volunteer and orientation leader, “Cheryl gets calls literally every day from people who want her to come get their horses. Due to space limitations, she can’t take in every one, but she’ll do what she can. Of course, if the situation is dire and the horse is in danger, she’ll get them.” Financial support is critical, especially now as the winter months approach. Monthly grain and hay costs alone can exceed $4,000, with supplements, veterinary care, farrier (blacksmith) services climbing even higher. And exceptional cases such as Rebel’s can incur surgical fees upward of $10,000. Kids can also help the horses while getting up close and personal with them. Birthday parties feature a tour of the farm, pony rides, horseshoe painting and a visit to the petting area where kids can pet dwarf ponies, potbellied pigs, goats and a resident sheep named Rambo. Parties can be reserved for a reasonable fee, and kids can feel great knowing they made a difference to the animals they’ve spent the day with. Field trips can also be arranged and children will hear stories of real life rescues and learn the importance of valuing life in all forms. “For me, horses are truly magnificent animals, even when they [have been] abused, mistreated and abandoned,” Patton said. “You can look in their eyes and see the love, gentleness and wisdom they continue to have.” PN Will You Help a Horse? Of Course! If you would like to get involved with Horse Rescue, Relief and Retirement Fund, Inc. (HRRRFI), sponsorship costs as little as $15 a month and allows you to visit the horse you choose to sponsor. Corporate sponsors also are encouraged and contributions are tax deductible. T-shirts and jewelry from local artisans may be purchased and donations may be made through the secure Web site, with proceeds funding HRRRFI. New Volunteer Orientation is available on Nov. 10 and Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please check the Events calendar on the Web site for more information, new volunteer orientation dates, fundraising meetings, horse clinics, children’s programs and more. To learn more, contact Cumming-based HRRRFI by calling 770-886-5419 or visit www.savethehorses.org. The Cost of Care $6 Buys one bale of hay and feeds two horses for one day |
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