Yesterday, I visited a “Free 1- Day Open Door Shelter for Horses” at Solanco Fairgrounds located in Quarryville, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The Horse Plus Humane Society holds these one-of-a-kind events across the nation with its main facility located in Tennessee. They have partnered with the Right Horse Partners to help rescue, rehabilitate and adopt horses. These events also offer end of life services with no questions asked.
Only 15 miles away from the Solanco Fairgrounds is the New Holland auction house where horses are notoriously sent to slaughter. How great was it that over 25 horses were in Quarryville and not New Holland?!
As I drove closer to the building where the horses were held, I could see the beautiful creatures lined up inside. I have never attended an event like this for horses. Some equines were surrendered for health reasons. If they’re unable to help them medically, the decision would be made to humanely euthanize them. The ultimate goal is to save the horses. However, this compassionate humane society is there to help the people and their horses.
Tina Evangelista-Eppenstein
Who is the Horse Plus Humane Society? According to their website, they are the largest horse shelter in the United States. They are dedicated to preventing cruelty to horses and prosecuting the cruelty inflictors to the fullest extent of the law. This 501 (c) (3) animal welfare organization is the only open door (they don’t turn anyone or horse away) shelter for horses.
Upon arrival, I watched as this horse was being assessed. The horse was gorgeous and magnificent. I viewed the woman getting on the horse and riding him. Watching the two of them, it appeared the horse was fine and adoptable. My husband and I immensely enjoyed watching this elegant horse galloping around us. I smiled as I snapped some photos. Horses with their commanding presence are uplifting to see and view. I was so thrilled this horse was surrendered to be saved!
Tina Evangelista-Eppenstein
This 1 day open door events gives the owner of a horse an option he/she may not have previously had. It is costly to humanely euthanize a horse and remove the body of a deceased horse. The cost depends on the area in which you live. Some owners take their horses to auction because of this. For those who don’t want to go that awful route for their beloved horse, the owners may neglect their horses. Being cash-strapped for end of life services shouldn’t be a reason to allow your horse to suffer. It may not be intentional but it doesn’t negate that the horse is being neglected.
Tina Evangelista-Eppenstein
My dog, Brody, watching the horse too!
When I saw the horses, I had this overwhelming feeling of compassion. For a group of dedicated people traveling to Pennsylvania to save as many horses as possible is quite powerful for the devoted animal advocate to see. And seeing these majestic animals is a powerful site to behold.
The next 1 day open shelter event will be at the El Paso County Fair, Colorado on June 18th.
Here is a video the Humane Horse Society posted on facebook about the Quarryville 1 day open shelter:
https://www.facebook.com/horsehumane/videos/1472079926183140/
Tina Evangelista-Eppenstein is a television talk show host, speaker, writer and is an unabashed animal advocate . Her love for animals is what drives her to promote awareness of the many issues facing animals. She adores her tripawd, Brody! She hosts the show, ” A Close-Up Look at Animal Welfare Issues.” If you’d like Tina to talk to your group or have a story, please email her at tevangelistaepp@yahoo.com. Like https://www.facebook.com/ACloseUpLookAtAnimalWelfareIssues and check out AnimalWelfareIssues.com for all the tv shows, articles, and podcasts you may have missed!
That is so awesome I’ve never heard of it. Who can actually send their own pet horse to hunt auction to be slaughtered? This makes my heart smile.
Wow this is a great idea. New Holland auction is a sad place. Right in the middle of Lancaster County where horses are abused on a daily basis. At least something good comes out of that area. Too much bad karma for animals there.
Sounds like such a very cool idea to save horses. God knows they need all the help they can get. I always wanted a horse but it wasn’t practical. The cost alone is exuberant. My parents couldn’t afford it and neither can I as an adult. Very cool!
I love your dog watching the horse. So adorable.
What a novel and wonderful way to save horses. It is expensive to have horses euthanized and buried or taken away. If you have a horse, you need to take that into consideration. They’re huge animals, with huge vet bills, huge food bills, and huge end of care bills.
I never heard of this. What a novel idea. What I don’t understand is if someone can’t afford end of life costs, how did they ever afford to get a horse? You need a lot of money to have a horse. Shrugs shoulders.
Horses are so elegant. It takes a lot of hard work to maintain a horse. It sure it worth it if you can afford it. You can buy horses cheap at an auction or a shelter but you need the money to take care of all of its needs and people seem to forget this. I like this idea.