Magic (mother) gave birth to Charro 12 days ago. I captured this pictured as they mother and foal were in the pasture.
Hidden in the bucolic rural regions of Berks County, PA’s countryside landscape is a sanctuary that is home to approximately 100 animals.
Eden Farm Equine Sanctuary has been operating since 1999. It is owned and operated by Gayle Cooper at 5181, Rt. 419, Womelsdorf, PA 19567.
A menagerie of animals awaits any visitor who stops in the one-of-a-kind sanctuary. Among the 100 farm animals are horses, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, a mule, pony, cats, potbellied pig and puppy mill rescue dogs.
All animals rescued by Gayle will remain at her sanctuary for the rest of their lives.
Gayle’s passion for horses began when she was a young girl. That passion turned into a place that has become her serenity. It is where she is happiest. To be able to walk a few feet from her home and be amongst the horses, ducks, geese, chickens and more gives her peace in this fast-paced, hurried lives of ours.
This is where these animals need not worry that they will be slaughtered one day. Gayle has saved horses from certain death from the horrific slaughterhouses.
Magic was saved from slaughter but Gayle had no idea she was saving two lives. Unknown to anyone, Magic was pregnant but never showed until very late in her pregnancy. At 10 months, an ultrasound was performed and confirmed a foal was due in a month. The gestation period for a horse is 11 months.
Gayle and her volunteers had to prepare for the birth of this very special foal. Charro was born on May 8th at 3 AM. With the help of her dedicated volunteers, Magic and Charro are during very well.
Charro is a very special foal due to the fact she is an uncommon Medicine Hat Paint..the most desired color among our native ancestors. The markings can be found on her face and tail. She also has one blue eye while the other is brown.
Unfortunately, this has placed more of a financial burden on Gayle and the sanctuary. A stall has to be built in less than four months for Charro. Charro stays by her mom’s side (for the most part-she’s quite the independent foal) for now. The time will pass by very quickly when she will grow, needing that extra stall.
A fan must be installed to help keep them cool especially with the warmer temperatures.
The sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and relies on donations. Gayle works as a nurse at a nursing home and spends 70% of her income to support the needs of the animals.
Volunteers are the backbone behind the scenes. When I was there this past Saturday, my friend Nellie and another volunteer, Kaitlyn, both worked there most of the day. Kaitlyn was giving Charro medicine to stop her diarrhea which is normal in a young foal, according to Gayle.
As I stood there listening to all three of them, I couldn’t help but hear and feel the love and dedication all of them have for this safe haven for animals. They work hard and tirelessly to keep this sanctuary going. They absolutely love these animals. I knew this was their place of serenity as well. Their place to escape when the rest of the world becomes crazy. A place where they feel fulfilled.
Eden Farm Equine Sanctuary has a bookstore on its premises with all profits going directly back into the sanctuary.
I saw the faces of all the gentle horses. A pony, Princess Lizzie, who is 42 yrs. of age- the oldest of all who live at the Eden Farm- is as gentle as can be.
I was petting a friendly “giant” turkey- one of two sister turkeys- who enjoyed having her neck and head rubbed. The proof was evident as her eyes slowly started to close. Her sister loves to peck at you. She can relax since she was saved from being on a holiday dinner plate.
Gayle needs a few more volunteers. If you are interested in helping out, call the sanctuary to see how you may be able to help. There are multiple facets of the farm that need help.
You can also sponsor one of the many animals. Be sure to check out their website for more information or call Gayle at 610-589-1049 or 717-679-5178 (cell).
The sanctuary’s hours are M-F, 9 AM – 2 PM, Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM, Sunday- closed.
If you drive by on Rt. 419, you just may see Magic and Charro out in the pasture. Check out all of the animals!
I love horses! Wished i lived closer.
It’s not cheap taking care of horses and other farm animals. I wish I could help. God Bless Gayle and the volunteers for helping them.
It’s on Rt 419 off of Rt 422 in Womelsdorf like the article says.
Where is this?
J, Amee is correct. Depending which direction you are heading on Rt 422, turn at the light at the intersection of McDonald’s onto Rt 419. The address is 5181 , Rt. 419. It will be on the right side of the road. I hope you get a chance to see the sanctuary. Thank you.
That’s an awesome photograph of mother and foal.
Gorgeous horses.
That is a beautiful photo of mom and foal. I love the coloring of them. If only I had room, I would have a horse. I’m glad this place takes care of different animals. It has to cost alot to run. Do you know how the foal is doing?