I love horses! And if you ‘re reading this article, I’ll bet you’re a horse lover, too! My personal love affair with these magnificent animals was born inside of me. Down in the deepest parts of our minds and souls, where our dreams meet reality, I am totally, passionately in love with all things horse. And if I wasn’t, I would never be able to devote all my waking hours to their care. I know it all sounds a bit crazy and I never have claimed to be a typical “old lady.” It’s a wonderful feeling to help, to give, to love, unconditionally. Rainhill is a 501c3 non-profit organization. No one here receives a salary of any kind. I do this work out of concern for these unfortunate animals that society has forgotten. And even worse – they have been discarded like yesterday’s trash.
I realize that not everyone can do what I do, nor would they want to. But I can and so I do.
That being said, I get far more calls from folks wanting to “give me” their horse than I could ever take and so the answer is usually, “Sorry, but I’m full.”
I always feel bad, but I can’t jeopardize all of my horses by taking more than I can care for. A horse is a demanding animal, needing a great amount of food, water and space to keep them happy and healthy.
In June, I received a call about two horses in desperate need of a sanctuary home. Rainhill is indeed a sanctuary, meaning that when we accept a horse, we will care for that animal until he passes away. Depending upon the horse’s age, that could mean a commitment of 20 years or more. Rainhill has many horses that have been here for over 17 years. It’s a big commitment and one that I don’t take lightly.
We were right in the middle of putting in new fences and building a new run-in shed, so we felt we would have the space and I said yes. Now, in case you don’t know, “right in the middle” means it’s going to be finished in, maybe, eight more weeks. There is always more work involved than we think and more time is always needed.
The horses arrived in late August after a sixteen-hour trailer ride from West Virginia. Yes, they were weary as they stepped off the trailer and into a stall and their new home. They are both Thoroughbreds. Both raced many times and had the injuries to show for it. The mare is 14. We named her Sally. The gelding is only six. We named him Harry. Yes, I know what you’re thinking. This is where Harry met Sally.
The photos shown are taken after about ten days resting in their stalls. Both appeared confused and worried, I’m sure about what was going to happen next. When nothing bad happened – just freedom and sunshine and grass and two meals a day, they relaxed and have been enjoying life ever since.
This is why I do this work. But this work is expensive. If you’ve been touched by our little stories and would like to help, we’d be honored. Donations are always appreciated to purchase hay and grain. Gift cards to Lowe’s, Tractor Supply and Home Depot always help with weekly supplies and repairs. No donation is too small, it all adds up!
Harry and Sally need sponsors. Would you like to be their special someone? The sponsorship is $25 a month or a one-time donation of $300 a year. I send photos and updates so you can see how they are doing.
Thank you all so very much for helping and God bless!
-by Karen Thurman
Rainhill Equine Facility
11125 Ky. Hwy. 185
Bowling Green, KY 42101
270-777-3164
