Farther North
From AlexBrownRacing
Contents |
Basics
Web Address: Under Construction
Physical Address:
11966 Fredmar Drive, Interlochen, MI 49643
Phone:
E-mail: slmurphy@charter.net
Paypal link: slmurphy@charter.net
Description of Rescue
I am neither a non-profit or a rescue, just a private person trying to do the right thing. I am active in the local horse community as are my friends. I am the secretary of a local Open Horse Show Association - NMAWHC and I own 2 horses of my own.
My friend and I have been involved with trying to help horses in our area who are in need of help. Over the past few months, the rising costs of feed and fule have taken their toll in this area. We receive reports nearly daily of people wanting to give horses away, starving animals and animals heading for our local auction. We have mostly been bystanders - passing along information and quietly discussing what we can do. We had the workings of a plan to put in place after the first of the year - we were even discussing the benefits of submitting the non-profit paperwork.
Here in Northern Michigan hay is a real issue. Many of us have downsized our horse numbers to compensate for the lack of quality hay and the outrageous prices. I personally went from six horses to two. It is important to me to make sure my horses get the best possible care, and I knew I would not be comfortable with six and that if I got in trouble – I would be in a difficult situation to provide the care I want my animals to have. I, like my friends, have enough hay for our own horses – but not enough to add 2 more. To give you an example – last year I paid 30.00 for large round bales. This year they are 65.00. Last year I paid 3.00/bale for small squares – this year the prices are anywhere from 4.50 – 6.00. And that was if you had reserved and paid for your hay by September.
Rescue Network
List of other rescues this rescue works with.
Horses in need
How did I happen upon these horses – well – long story short – a friend called me because a man was in her barn asking if she could take 3 horses that had not been fed in three days. She has a full barn, but knows I don’t so she called me. Within 15 minutes we were on our way to assess the situation and would have removed them that night if needed. On the way I called another friend to see if she knew anyone who might have room, and we had another person with a stock trailer lined up to help haul. We determined we had a couple of days to make sure we had resources – and wanted to be sure the 2yo filly would be rehomed as well – or we will bring her along as well if she is not picked up as the current owner had arranged. I had never met the current owner before Sunday. What I learned is that her husband was in the hospital for a month and passed away recently. She runs a foster care facility and is overwhelmed.
These horses are near Traverse City. I have arranged for places to take them – at least for the short term. It would be great if we could raise some funds to cover the cost of the feed for the pair. When we went on Sunday to check it out – there were no footprints going to the horses – it snowed Thursday night. They have limited access to very poor hay. There is a 10% sweet feed on the property – but they are not being fed. While we were there checking out the situation – they took a 2-gallon pail of grain and dumped it on the ground for them. They are not in an extreme situation – the mare is in good flesh – though bloated and wormy, she is starting to lose her topline, the foal is in good condition, though not handled AT ALL. The mare needs her feet done and they need to be wormed – the filly will not be easy. I am certain they are not current on shots. I did find out they are heading to auction Dec. 13th if we don’t move them. My concern is that this is the line for them – get them out now and they will be fine – wait a few weeks – and it is a different ball game. Water freezes, path gets slippery… I prefer to act now.
They are being relinquished to me and we are picking them up Sunday afternoon. I will be posting photos Sunday evening as well as an update.
FOB Horses
Add updates of horses rescued with FOB fundraising money. Keep a running total on the number of successful FOB rescues ... all helps build a reputation with FOBs.
Feedback from FOBs
From volunteers who have visited the rescue etc which may include relevant links to the discussion board about the visit.
Questions from FOBs
This this space available for FOBs to ask questions. Answers can then be worked into the above content if appropriate.
