Rescue celebrates 1000th saved horse with a donation drive, new blog, and more.
[November 20, 2018] – Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society (BEHS) rescues horses, ponies, donkeys, mules and miniature horses from bad situations. The organization recently took it its 1000th equine. And they’re already looking forward to the next 1,000 needy equines.
“I really hate that we’re needed,” says the organization’s Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Williams. “I wish every horse, donkey, mule, pony, and miniature horse in our state had loving homes. But since so many equines are starving, abused, and abandoned each year, I’m glad we can help them.”
The 1,000th equine into the rescue epitomizes what Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society does. The gelding was removed from negligent owners by law enforcement and placed with the rescue. When he arrived, he was emaciated: his skeletal structure was easily visible beneath his skin, and his hair coat was course and unhealthy. He is gaining weight and looking better each day. But recovery takes time.
In order to honor him and the other 1,000 equines they’ve helped and to prepare for the next 1,000 who need them, Bluebonnet has launched a campaign called 1000 Donors for 1000 Horses. The goal is raise funds to provide veterinary and farrier care as well as feed to the next needy horses who need them. Routine veterinary care for a single horse can cost around $400 per year – and that doesn’t include farrier care, feed, or other expenses.
For every $10 donated to the 1000 Donors for 1000 Horses campaign, the donor will be entered into a drawing to get to name the 1,000th Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society horse. And each donor will be part of the team who helps needy horses get the care they need. Right now, Bluebonnet has recruited 155 of the 1,000 donors they hope to recruit.
“We know we’ve set an ambitious goal,” says Williams. “But we want to be able to help as many horses as possible, and that’s going to take a lot of help from the community. We hope that our campaign will not only raise donations to help more horses, but that we can also raise awareness and recruit more foster homes and volunteers. Working together, we can make a huge difference for needy horses.”
The organization is also launching a new blog: 1000 Horses and Counting. The blog, which can be found at http://1000horsesandcounting.bluebonnetequine.org/, will highlight stories of the horses and other equines that the rescue has helped over the years. If you have a story about a Bluebonnet equine, they’re also asking for more stories to share.
BEHS is a 501(c)(3) equine welfare and protection organization that operates throughout Texas. Founded in 2005 by a group of horse enthusiasts, BEHS primarily works with law enforcement agencies to take in abused, neglected, estray, and abandoned horses. Rescued horses are placed in foster homes where they are rehabilitated by experienced horseman and professional trainers until they are healthy and ready for adoption to loving homes. BEHS achieves its mission through the generosity and support from fosters, donors, and volunteers. People interested in learning more about BEHS or getting involved can visit http://www.bluebonnetequine.org.