Equine rescue hopes to find homes for horses

Vinny, a pony whose ear was chewed off by a dog, will be there. So will Flagg, a filly who survived a kidney infection, and Freckles, a pregnant mare.

And if those three don’t make you open your heart and your wallet, perhaps the other 30 or so rescued horses will.

DreamCatchers Equine Rescue and other groups that save horses are holding an emergency adoption fair March 8, trying to find homes for animals that were seized by authorities or surrendered by troubled rescue operations around the state in the last few months. The horses have been checked by a vet, vaccinated, dewormed, given farrier attention and received dental work.

DreamCatchers and other Colorado rescue operations are also creating Project HORSE, a coalition that will, in effect, rescue the rescuers. Its job is to help organizations that are full of good intentions but often not savvy to run a viable rescue operation. The coalition’s goal is to prevent problems before authorities have to step in and confiscate animals.

“We will provide a consistent and structured response to horse neglect, abandonment and related emergencies statewide,” says Pat Miller, a coalition member and a founding director of Ruby Ranch Horse Rescue in Ramah.

Project HORSE will set up an intervention program that will provide funds, emergency rations and supplies to struggling rescue groups, and take in additional horses if needed.

Educating rescue groups in good business practices will be an important part of their work.

In January, law enforcement officers seized 27 sick and neglected horses from a shelter in Park County. In December, 30 horses were seized from a Larimer County operation. There have been other incidents in Teller and Custer counties.

“There won’t be any excuses for that happening anymore. Caregivers can call for help,” Miller says.

Buyers at the March 8 adoption fair can choose from a variety of breeds. Some ponies will be available.

A veterinarian and farrier will be on hand to answer questions, and a Colorado brand inspector will be there to aid in transfer of ownership.

DETAILS

What: Emergency adoption fair for rescued horses When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 8. (In case of bad weather, the event will take place the same time March 9.)

Where: Double J Ranch south of Fountain. To get to there, take Interstate 25 to Exit 119. On the east side of the overpass, find the Double J Ranch road to the right. You can see red buildings from the road.

Et cetera: Horses cost $375, with an application that must be filled out in advance or at the event. You can get the application at dreamcatchersequine rescue.com. There will also be used tack for sale.

For more information and to see horses in advance, call 382-4166.