6/15/2010

Trelawney Goodell

Skagit County Animal Control seized 6 horses in March 2010 but didn't have the $750 intake fee to start their rehabilitation. Seeing the great need of the emaciated horses, referred to as the Skagit Six, People Helping Horses waived the fee and focused on treating rain rot, getting the horses to a normal body weight, and addressing their other needs.

Donations weren't covering the cost of veterinary services and other rehabilitation, so People Helping Horses asked for help. PetSmart Charities answered the call with an Emergency Relief Grant for multiple horses. "In today's tough economy, we are extremely grateful to PetSmart Charities for awarding us this grant. it will go a long way in helping us help these beautiful creatures," said Gretchen Salstrom, Executive Director and Founder of People Helping Horses.

The story of Penny, one of the Skagit Six

When Penny came to People Helping Horses, she was severely underweight with rain rot and bad teeth... and she was nine months pregnant. Through physical and emotional support that she received from the caring staff and volunteers at People Helping Horses, Penny grew stronger and gave birth to what seemed to be a healthy foal on April 28th. But, after a short week of life, he fell ill and faded fast. Like pregnant people, pregnant horses need good nutrition and safe care to bring healthy babies into this world. At this critical point in her life, Penny was underfed and not cared for, and she and her foal paid the price.

The loss of the foal saddened everyone who knew him, and friends and staff commented on Facebook about the tragic news. Soon calls came in requesting Penny as a nurse mare, one for a two-week-old foal who had lost its mother. Just over a day later, Penny nursed the orphan foal. If People Helping Horses had not stepped in to save Penny, she would not have been able to give hope, care, and nourishment to this two-week-old foal.

Penny's sweet nature persevered even in harsh conditions. And now that she is being shown kindness, she can take care of the orphan foal.

Since opening their doors in 2002, People Helping Horses has successfully rehabilitated and placed 100 horses into new, forever homes. To continue their great work, People Helping Horses needs your involvement. By donating your time or money, you can help improve the lives of horses like Penny. Learn more at www.peoplehelpinghorses.org.

About People Helping Horses

People Helping Horses is a nationally recognized 501(c)3 non-profit corporation dedicated to improving the horse-to-human relationship through Community Outreach, Rescue, Rehabilitation and Adoption services, and Therapeutic Riding for Disabled Children and Adults.

Please Support this Organization

11/9/2009

Stefanie Hargreaves

Seized by the county when her owner was accused of abuse and neglect, Dahlia the adorable dappled grey pony came into People Helping Horses care in August 2009. Little was known about the 20-year-old's background, though scars on her withers seem to indicate that she was used for cart work at some point in her mysterious past.

The pint-sized mare had little use for humans when she first arrived, the lack of love evident in her shying away from attention whenever someone was near. "She wasn't aggressive, just not interested," commented Meghan Valenti, PHH trainer. "I can't say that I blamed her."

All of that changed when it was discovered one morning that Dahlia was colicking. The vet was called immediately. Gretchen Salstrom, PHH Founder and Executive Director, recounts the difficult 24 hours following. "As with most colic cases, it's a game of wait and see. We made her as comfortable as possible and checked on her every two hours throughout the night." When the mare had failed to pass anything, the vet was summoned again the next morning, this time giving Dahlia a healthy does of mineral oil and suggesting IV fluids.

"The fluids and oil seemed to do the trick and within 24 hours we had poop--which, as any horse person will tell you, is a good thing!" Salstrom added. Dahlia's eyes brightened and her demeanor indicated that she was feeling much better, though the most remarkable aspect of all was her attitude towards those who had helped her through the difficult time. "She clearly now understands that humans can do good--not just bad. She's slowly but surely coming around, which is wonderful to see."

Apparently, you can teach an old pony new tricks.

11/6/2009

Stefanie Hargreaves

People Helping Horses Founder and Executive Director Gretchen Salstrom is pleased to announce that the organization's cause page on the social networking site Facebook has reached 1,000 members. "It's thrilling to know that our message is reaching 1,000--and hopefully even more as those who have joined the cause spread the PHH mission to friends, family, co-workers, and beyond."

Used by countless organizations as a way to raise awareness and funding, Facebook is a valuable tool in today's world where time and money are at a premium. "As a non-profit," Salstrom continued, "we must be mindful of every dollar we spend. Facebook is not only a quick, easy way to update our supporters on what's happening, but it's free."

The challenge now, as Salstrom sees it, is growing the PHH cause page and encouraging those members to join the fan page where daily updates our made concerning horses, events, and organizational needs. "More members joining our cause and fan pages means more people hearing our message--and, more importantly, more horses being saved."

Please join the People Helping Horses Facebook fan page here:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/People-Helping-Horses/118134535763?ref=ts

9/14/2009

Stefanie Hargreaves

Leg Up for Kids Therapeutic Riding, a service program operated by Arlington, WA based nonprofit organization People Helping Horses, is proud to welcome Emily Boirum! A North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) certified instructor, Emily joins the team after logging many hours as a faithful volunteer and intern. She’ll join head instructor Laurie Grow in teaching nearly XX riders with varying disabilities from across Western Washington.

Said Leg Up Volunteer Coordinator Melissa Anderson, “Emily’s enthusiasm, positive can-do attitude, and bright smile are inspiring.  She is a valuable asset to our organization and we are lucky to have her.  Simply put, we could not do what we do without her.”

Boirum also recently won the Volunteer of the Year award for her region through NARHA. She is now qualified to compete in November for the National Volunteer of the Year honor which will be awarded in Fort Worth, Texas at the NARHA National conference.

8/21/2009

Stefanie Hargreaves

Christopher Driver has been intrigued by the military his entire life. He joined the army at 17 with the dream of becoming an Army Ranger. His first tour in 2008 lasted 18 months where he ran convoys between Kuwait and Mazzule—one of the most dangerous routes a soldier can travel. Although his parents, Tim and Becky Pursley, are extremely proud of him, they spent his entire tour on pins and needles, the current situation in the Middle East making the wait that much more agonizing.

He returned unharmed and his family breathed a tremendous sigh of relief. Then, in January 2009, Christopher received word that he would be deployed to Afghanistan for a second tour of duty in August.

Stationed in Fort Carson Colorado for the interim, Christopher was granted a 10 day leave to return home to Washington State. As Chris and his mom Becky discussed the upcoming trip, Becky asked him what he wanted to do when he came home. His response surprised her: “Mom, I would really just like to spend some time with my family, visit with my friends and maybe go check out that horse rescue that you and Dad are always talking about.”

“I was shocked at first to learn that he was even listening to us as we rambled on about People Helping Horses,” Becky explained, “and I was excited that it peaked his interest enough to want to check it out while he was home." After Becky hung up, she sent an email to Gretchen Salstrom, Founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit horse rescue organization, asking if it would be possible for Christopher to tour the facility and spend some time with the rescue horses. Gretchen responded immediately, inviting Christopher out to PHH for the day for some quality time at the barn.

When Christopher and his parents arrived at PHH the following week, “everyone-- including staff that we didn’t even know that well--went out of their way to meet and talk with Christopher and answer all of his questions,” Becky recalls with gratitude. “After we had been there about 45 minutes, I realized that Christopher had become so fascinated with the horses he had wandered off by himself and was soon in his own world, as if nothing existed around him. For a short time he had no fears, no concerns--it was just him and the horses. We spent hours at the rescue that day, walking and talking to the horses. I have to say that was probably the best time we spent together in years.”

Becky added, “Christopher’s grandfather was a true cowboy in every sense of the word and they were very close. He passed away several years ago, and it has been very hard for Christopher to no longer have his grandfather around to talk to about his problems or even just have the opportunity to see what he has done with his life. I truly believe that Christopher feels closest to his grandfather when he is around the horses. I know if his grandfather could see him now he would be very proud of the man he has become. Words can never express how thankful his father and I are for PHH, Gretchen, Laura Laney, the Adoption Coordinator, and all the staff that worked so hard to welcome Christopher, our son and soldier, into the PHH family on that beautiful day.”

“Christopher’s story is a testament to the power that horses can have in our lives,” Gretchen added. “I know that now, as he faces the battle field, he carries with him the connection he formed with the PHH horses when he visited—a connection that will live on in his heart and soul and give him strength as he serves his country. Open your heart to a horse, and you open yourself to the possibility that lies in each and every one of us to do great things.”

People Helping Horses is a locally based, nationally recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the horse-to-human relationship through education, rehabilitation, and support for the equine community. Additional information can be found at www.peoplehelpinghorses.org, www.facebook.com/peoplehelpinghorsess, and www.twitter.com/HelpAHorse.