Giving Thanks by Giving Back

Earlier this week, my photographer friend and I were talking about a local horse rescue and sanctuary in Rockwall, http://www.throwawayponies.org/ .  The owner of the sanctuary, who is also a fulltime nurse, was having to work really hard to solicit money this season because the number of rescues has grown to 37 horses.  In fact, just that weekend she had gone to pick up one donkey that has been surrendered and the owner had in fact left her three! She had recently gotten a $500 donation but that month's farrier bill was $600. I guess this is a similar tale for many rescues.

As we talked, I started wondering how I could help besides sending the odd donation here and there. Her big charity golf tournament was at least 6 months away and she could really use some intermediate help. How could I build some awareness for this rescue and raise some funds at the same time?  Immediately, I thought of a schooling show to benefit TaPs.

As a dressage rider, I am lucky to have the funds for this sometimes expensive hobby.  My horse has never had a day of suffering (he may disagree) neglect or gone without a meal, a vet visit or a warm blanket; if I am lucky, he will never go without.  I know many other riders whose horses have had similarly pampered lives. If we've never rescued a horse,  I know many who've been touched in some way by someone who does do rescue, maybe has rescued a dog or a cat or taken on a OTTB project.  And in these economic times, with unemployment at an all time high, there are many animals out there that are going without and rescue organizations are working harder than ever before, TaPs included. We lucky dressage riders have an opportunity to help out when we can!

So, the plan is to organize a charity schooling show.  I've lined up the facility, a show manager, and the judge.  Now I just have to iron out all the little details and post the entry form!  I am really excited.  My goal is to raise enough funds to either cover a couple of months of farrier bills but the sky is the limit. I will post more details as I finalize them.

In the meantime, hug your pony, your puppies or your loved ones and give thanks that we are all heathy and surrounded by people and animals that we love and love us back unconditionally!

Happy Thanksgiving!