SummerWinds Stables
From AlexBrownRacing
Contents |
Basics
Web Address: The SummerWind Stables
Phone: 302-382-4709
E-mail: stabledis@yahoo.com
Paypal link http://www.summerwindsstables.com/donate.html
Fundraising Drives on TWR:
Media stories:
Description of Rescue
The SummerWinds Stables is a non-profit equine rescue and community outreach facility co-located in Hartly, Delaware and Warwick, Maryland. Visit us online at www.SummerWindsStables.com!
Mission Statement
To provide rescue and a sanctuary for abused, injured, or homeless horses; to utilize these horses in therapeutic programs assisting low income, at-risk youths; and to deepen the natural bond between humans and horses through state-of-the-art educational programs.
History
The SWS is a non-profit equine rescue located in Hartly, Delaware, dedicated to the rescue of abused, neglected, abandoned and “off the track” horses. Our organization offers sanctuary, medical care, rehabilitative services and training to these horses and then places them in carefully screened, loving and permanent homes. We receive our horses from many different sources – private owners, veterinarian recommendations, the SPCA, racetracks and boarding facilities. To date, the SWS has rescued over 150 horses placed in our care. We also successfully coordinated the placement of 11 “off the track” horses from the Finger Lakes Race Track in New York into new homes. However, our waiting list of horses in need is long and continues to grow everyday.
The SWS has a track record of success. Since its incorporation in 2001, the SWS has grown from a small rescue facility to a multi-faceted rescue, educational and outreach organization. In 2003, the SWS established an Equine-Assisted Learning Program (EAL) at our facility. The EAL pairs at-risk children from local schools, Scout groups, and mental health and substance abuse programs with horses in our rescue. Our EAL program has proven successful in assisting children who have not been helped in other therapeutic or social service programs. Underprivileged, emotionally and physically challenged children have found safe haven at the SWS, a place to reflect upon themselves and others and a place in which to heal. In many cases, they have learned a sense of purpose and witnessed the benefits of teamwork for the first time in their lives. The SWS believes in full accountability to the horses and community we serve. To this end, the SWS established its Community Outreach Program in 2003. Outreach Program members assist with feeding the horses, cleaning stalls, washing tack as well as grooming and exercising our horses. The experience gained in the Outreach Program has a profound effect on the lives of many adults, children and horses alike.
In 2006, the SWS implemented a week-long, day camp, utilizing EAL, that helped teenage girls from residential treatment facilities in Dover, Delaware overcome emotional and behavioral problems. The results were outstanding to include improved creative problem solving skills, better inter-personal communication between participants, and an application of leadership skills. A primary benefit of the EAL program is that both children and horses learn, some for the first time, how to trust.
In 2007, the SWS expanded ten-fold when it acquired a long term lease of a 200 acre facility. The acquisition of this property will enable the SWS to meet its mission: “Joining Hoofs & Hearts to Heal”.
The SWS has a long waiting list of horses that need the sanctuary. There is a special need to create a safe home for horses that are abused and/or homeless. Horses from our rescue participate in the EAL. Most of these horses would have gone to the slaughterhouse long ago had it not been for the sanctuary the SWS provides. Today, because of the efforts of our volunteers and the programs our horses participate in, they find a purpose and a reason to live.
Youth & Rescue Outreach Programs
As you know, 85% of our horses are thoroughbred race horses who were extraordinary athletes, injured at the race track and are now too old to participate in the world of racing. They performed at the highest level in the competitive equestrian world and in the process of giving their all were injured physically or psychologically. We believe they deserve a second chance after their final race. We provide these horses with a safe home or find a foster home for them. The horses receive expert vet care and loving attention from 30 volunteers.
Those not adopted into approved homes are rehabilitated for educational and therapeutic experiences with children in our outreach program.
Not all horses in the Equine Sanctuary were top athletes in the racing or show worlds. One was so badly abused his head was beaten in, but his sight barely survived in one eye. Another is a registered quarter horse who suddenly lost sight in both eyes four years ago. “Pops” is so gentle that he can be ridden by children. He came from a top racing stable where he had enough to eat but no one to care for him. Consequently, before coming to SWS, “Pops” was confined to a world of darkness, alone and with only limited contact with human or equine friends.
At the SWS, our volunteers witness the miracle of giving. From the quiet determination of a thoroughbred horse rescued from neglect and abuse to the smiles of children as they get to work with a horse for the first time in their lives and learn about compassion and community service, our organization touches so many.
Our goal is simply stated. We want to help as many horses and to positively touch as many lives as possible. Achieving that goal is more complicated and we pledge to do our utmost to make that happen for our horses, our volunteers and our program participants.
Rescue Network
Whimsical Equine Rescue, Seaford, Delaware
FOB Horses
We are new here! Please help us help the horses who need it most!
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.
