Summerwinds at Greener Pastures
From AlexBrownRacing
Contents |
About The SummerWinds Stables at Greener Pastures
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!
Basics
Web Address: [http://www.summerwindsstables.com
Phone: 302-382-4709
E-mail: stabledis@yahoo.com
Paypal link: http://www.summerwindsstables.com/donate.html
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 SummerWinds Stables has worked tirelessly to end horse slaughter and abuse, provide education for the public, and community outreach for children since 2001. In 2005, we were certified in the field of Equine Assisted Learning. In 2006, we expanded to a 160 acre equine sanctuary, that boasts a dog kennel, as well as a sanctuary for blue heron and eagles. Both facilities offer volunteer, youth and outreach programs to the community we serve in both Maryland and Delaware.
== 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.
