achievements.
Now, thanks to the generosity of member Emily Elias, Emerald Valley Horse Rescue, and Del Oeste Equine Hospital, all based in Lane County, OR, equines that have been rescued from neglect or abuse also have the chance for glory! Beginning this year, both a high point and reserve high point Rescue award will be given to recognize the achievements of horses, mules, or donkeys that have been rehabilitated from an abuse or neglect situation.
A number of rescue horses are already demonstrating that good care and training can transform even those who start off in terrible condition into successful, competitive athletes.
Frankie, who currently leads the national standings for Rescue horses competing in Working Equitation, was part of an Oregon Humane Society seizure in Clatskanie, OR, facilitated by Sound Equine Rescue Options, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity. According to her owner, Maartje Kasdorp, Frankie was “rescued as a two-year-old with 14 other horses from a property where one horse was found dead and others severely malnourished. Frankie was in such a bad condition that it looked like she would not survive. While they tried to load her in the trailer, she fell down from her weakness, and when they unloaded her at the vet she was down in the trailer, not being able to hold herself up.”
Frankie was pregnant at the time of the seizure, but her health was such that she was unable to carry the foal to term, and she lost it not long after she was rescued. Maartje started caring for Frankie at the location where Sound Equine Options placed her at a foster home. She spent hours taking care of Frankie, helping her gain her health. At first Frankie had to be on a strict refeeding diet, to make sure her body would get used to being fed again. Maartje spent time combing out her matted-down fur, severely affected with rain rot, and when Frankie started feeling a bit better, they went on short walks through the neighborhood to get some gentle exercise.
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By Julie Alonzo,
WE United President Elect
www.weunited.us
24 / Sport and Trail Magazine
E
very year, WE United recognizes horses and mules who excel in the sport of Working Equitation, through a robust Breed Performance Awards Program, in which 28 different varieties of horses, ponies, and mules are recognized for their achievements.
Now, thanks to the generosity of member Emily Elias, Emerald Valley Horse Rescue, and Del Oeste Equine Hospital, all based in Lane County, OR, equines that have been rescued from neglect or abuse also have the chance for glory! Beginning this year, both a high point and reserve high point Rescue award will be given to recognize the achievements of horses, mules, or donkeys that have been rehabilitated from an abuse or neglect situation. movements translate into the Ease of Handling trial, where obstacles are ridden with precision.
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Deidra Keithley and her Gypsy Vanner, Kiss My Angel, demonstrate nice bend as they make a turn in the Double Slalom obstacle.
Photo courtesy of Kellee Campbell, DVM
Rags at the time of rescue March 2013, owned by Carol Higgs. Left is Rags at present.
Working Equitation
WE United to Honor Athletes Rehabilitated from Abuse or Neglect
RAGS BEFORE