“Saving one horse won’t change the world, but it will change the world for that one horse.”
Proof comes in the work of Brenda Grimmett at B&C Equine Rescue, Inc., Carbondale.
Thus, the dedicated horse woman has requested others to: “Help a horse, lend a hand.”
“It’s the objective for our Help A Horse Day Frenzy 2016 Sunday, April 24, and there’ll be considerable more for anyone interested in horses,” explained Grimmett, who with her husband, Cecil, are hosting the program at the horse rescue unit, identified after their first names.
“It’ll be a day of information for those who know nothing, little or have a definite desire to learn more about horses,” Grimmett said.
Coordinated as part of the nationwide American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Help A Horse Day, the program will center on horses that don’t have a home, horses owners who want to get rid of them, and horses that are hungry, or are being mistreated.
“We’ll emphasize horse rescue, and rehabilitation as well as how to properly care for a horse,” explained Grimmett, who has operated the 501C3 not-for-profit facility since 2007.
“There’ll be discussion about the role community, law enforcement officials and rescue units have in saving horses from abuse and neglect,” Grimmett continued.
“Most importantly, those attending the Help A Horse Day will learn how they can lend a hand assisting with the continuing problems for horses,” Grimmett clarified.
“To enhance attendance, there’s free admission, refreshments and raffles. Everything has come together with generous support from so many businesses and individuals,” Grimmett credited.
Activities are scheduled to get underway at 11:30, Sunday morning, when Rusty Walker of The BIG 94.5 Country top-rated Morning Show greets and introduces the hosts, speakers and serves as program mistress.
Osage County Sheriff Laurie Dunn is be featured first on the program with “Horse 911,” reviewing her department’s involvement in rescuing and finding homes for starving, abused and unwanted horses.
Schedule: horseshoe contest, 1-3; kids’ contests, 12:30-2:30; draft horse wagon rides by Howard and Bev Myers, 1-3; veterinary education, Dr. Eric Carlson, Heartland Equine Hospital, 1 o’clock; cake walk, 1:30-3; side saddle demonstration, Ellen Noll, 1:30; horse rides, 2-4; dental health, Ed McCarty, 2 o’clock; hand painting the horse, 2:30-4; and proper tack cleaning, Ellen Noll, 3 o’clock.
There’ll be a silent fund raising auction throughout the day, with settlement at 4 o’clock.
A number of vendors will be open, and space is available for more. The Osage County 4-H Horse Club and the Carbondale Fire Department plan displays.
Concessions, a horse kissing booth, and opportunity to assist with the Horse Rescue Wish List are planned. Horse treats and compost will be for sale.
“We still need volunteers to help Saturday, and with activities, Sunday,” Grimmett said.
“The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), founded in 1866 in New York City, provides effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States,” Grimmett said. “The ASPCA works nationally to rescue abused animals, develop humane legislation and shares resources with others.”
Incentive for Grimmett to host the Sunday program derived with the ASPCA. “They have offered four major grants for hosting a Help A Horse Day, and we can use every bit of assistance,” Grimmett emphasized.
With 23 horses now at the 14-acre B&C Equine Rescue, Grimmett said that’s capacity, but when emergency situations arise, assistance can be provided in some form.
Horses come from many locales, including those who contact Grimmett to take the horses when they no longer have means to care for them.
Some horses have been starved, or abused, and confiscated by lawmen.
“We have generally been able to get the owners to surrender horses, rather than having them seized by law enforcement,” Grimmett said.
“We’re fortunate to have feed donated regularly. Others assist with chores and care of horses and facilities. More people have been generous in cash donations since we’re not-for-profit status,” Grimmett credited.
“Rehabilitation of malnourished, injured or abused often requires considerable time, let alone money. Young and old horses take even more work,” Grimmett commented.
“We adopt horses to suitable new homes. They must be adopted by someone who has the knowledge, desire and financial capabilities of caring for the horse,” Grimmett explained.
“Horses are not food for human consumption in this country. They should not be slaughtered,” Grimmett said.
“Buying a horse is the cheapest part of ownership. That’s when expenses and demands begin,” Grimmett said. “Education is the only possible solution.”
B&C Equine Rescue is at 740 West 125th Street, Carbondale. Information on the Help A Horse Frenzy 2016, Sunday, April 24, is available at 785-633-3318, or e- mail brendagrimmett@sbcglobal.net.
“It’ll be a fun and educational day, so bring the kids, grand kids, family, and your camera,” Grimmett welcomed.
