Horse rescue program faces hard times

Running an animal rescue is a balancing act, a tightrope of meeting the animals' needs and fiscal security. Doing so in a time of national recession magnifies the challenges. Equine Outreach Inc. is Central Oregon's largest horse rescue organization, and the cold spring is stretching resources.

Joan Steelhammer, founder of the non-profit, says their most critical need at present is for hay, with cash for vet bills running a close

second.

"We feed three-quarters of a ton of hay each day," she said.

That's 25-30 bales daily, year-round. This amounts to around 300 tons each year for the 100 horses that currently reside at Equine Outreach.

Steelhammer noted that this is the time of year when hay barns get cleared out to make way for the new season's crop. Hay donations may be made as an "in-kind" tax deduction since Equine Outreach is a 501(C)(3) organization.

The non-profit's original limit of 50 horses expanded to just over 100 in recent years as the recession's grip tightened.

Steelhammer said four general situations contribute to the problem of unwanted horses. Abuse caused by cruelty is brought to Equine Outreach's attention either by confidential tips from the public or by working directly with law enforcement agencies.

Collectors, the second group of contributors, are often ignorant of horses' needs and quickly become overwhelmed with their care, which can lead to unintended cruelty.

The financial problems of many property owners, especially in Central Oregon, have created a type of rescue horse that is surrendered with much angst on the part of the

owners.

"We've seen a huge spike in the numbers of these cases," said Steelhammer.

These are generally good horses that are very adoptable, if surrendered before their physical condition becomes critical.

Backyard breeders who produce horses indiscriminately are the bane of Steelhammer's existence. They practice non-selective breeding, then try to dump their unwanted young horses on rescue organizations.

The team of volunteers that runs Equine Outreach works with trainers, farriers, and veterinarians to ensure timely and quality care for the horses. They are pleased with the successful adoptions that have occurred over the years, and are determined to face each challenge the economy presents. Volunteer inquiries are

welcome.

Equine Outreach is located at 63220 Silvis Rd., east of Bend, and serves all of Central Oregon, including the Sisters Country. For more information on Equine Outreach and their horses, or to make a hay donation, visit

http://www.equineoutreach.com or call 541-419-4842.