Folks, I know this may sound self-serving and I don't mean it all to be... but PLEASE support a local horse rescue. Here's how you can help:

Volunteer: There are many ways you can help a rescue operate, give a little of your time to pitch in with the chores, help get hay, come up with some fundraising ideas and help plan and execute them.

Train: Perhaps you are a skilled at training or a good rider that can help with training or putting some miles on a green horse. It will help make a horse more adoptable, which makes space for others in need. It also will save the rescue money in training costs.

Donate: If you have stuff kicking around that you no longer use, donate it to a rescue. They can either use it or sell it to raise some much needed funds. Please, though, don't dump your torn blankets, broken-treed saddles, or other irreparable stuff onto them. They won't have time or resources to repair it. Rule of thumb, if you can't use it because it's broken, they probably can't either. I hope that didn't sound ungrateful, but it's true. It's kind of like giving a five year old can of lima beans to a soup kitchen...if you can't eat it, they won't either. Monetary donations are always especially needed, but even donating your bottles and cans, or put your spare change in a can every day and give it to them when you have the can full. Have a bake-sale at your next yard sale and donate the proceeds to a rescue. Whatever you can do is appreciated and helpful.

Adopt: If you are looking for a horse, check with your local rescues first before buying. Understand that some really nice horses live in rescues. Some may need additional training or schooling, but I've found that between the typically lower adoption fees versus purchase price for "made" horses, that you will invest about the same amount and may end up with a better horse in the long run.

Pray: This is a very difficult time we are heading into. Many people are losing their homes and jobs, and can no longer afford (or have a place) to keep their horses. I just ask that you take a minute and ask God to bless anyone who works so hard to protect and restore His creatures, to help them meet their financial needs, to give them grace and strength to keep going in spite of the challenges. And this is something that everyone can do!
The above suggestions were writen by Jen Winchester of Spirit of Hope Farm and Equine Rescue

Other ways you can help...