By Lynn Coakley | President
As we bid farewell to another year, it is often a time when we reflect on what and who we care most about. Protecting America's horses is a year-round pursuit for the EQUUS Foundation.
Teddy, a 14-year-old Standardbred, was tagged for meat and destined for slaughter when Cheryl Olsten learned of his plight. Without hesitation, Olsten, the owner of Lafitte De Muze, the EQUUS Foundation's first Equine Ambassador, posted his bail, and there began Teddy's recovery.
Teddy was one of over 70 horses dumped at a holding facility owned by a "kill buyer" who ships horses across our borders to be slaughtered for horse meat.
Olsten has provided funds to cover bail, quarantine, transportation, and the like, for many horses, but this time it was different. Olsten decided to adopt Teddy to learn firsthand what was involved with accepting responsibility for a horse so shamefully broken.
The Power of Giving
"Words are not adequate to describe the joy I have gotten from seeing the light in this sweet fellow's eyes emerge as he's healed. It has been immensely gratifying to put in the time and effort for Teddy to bloom into the horse he once was, before he landed in the wrong hands," said Olsten.
"Having Lafitte as an EQUUS Foundation Equine Ambassador has opened my eyes to the magnitude and the plight of all horses in jeopardy. As an animal lover, what can be better than to know you have helped horses be out of harm's way and get a second chance? Now, well along in his training as a riding horse, Teddy's next chapter will be as a pleasure horse – with me"
Tens of thousands of horses are abused, neglected and shipped across our borders for slaughter each year. NO HORSE should be subjected to this inhumane fate – especially because there are solutions within our reach.
The best way to help these horses is to transition them into a new life, role and purpose by providing viable options to owners when their owners cannot, or no longer wish to, care for them.
The EQUUS Foundation is committed to reducing the number of horses sent across our borders for slaughter to ZERO by increasing not only competitive and recreational programs involving horses, but also programs providing equine-assisted therapeutic services. Programs where people partner with horses to enhance their well-being offer limitless career opportunities for horses in transition.
On behalf of the horses who need a lifeline - Thank You!
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