There are more abused and starving horses seized in the Province all of the time. Some make the news, and some are quietly treated without being in the spotlight. To continue these seizures, funding is needed to rehabilitate them. Costs such as feed, Vet care, Farrier, training and or retraining to make these horses suitable for new homes. Sometimes, long term rehabilitation is required due to the degree of abuse endured by these horses.

We believe that by fundraising for the B.C. SPCA, that this is the most effective way to help the neglected and unwanted horse. This way is not only legal, but consistent. It provides for the animals via the Emergency Welfare Equine Fund - specifically for the use of horses only.

With the massive fires in the Kamloops and Kelowna areas this past summer, and with the recent seizure of 29 horses from the Vernon Rescue, it is understandable that the B.C. SPCA funds are dwindling.

The B.C. Interior Horse Rescue assisted the B.C. SPCA during the fires, and thanks to their efforts were able to safely evacuate horses and other livestock from Kelowna to Pemberton. As stated in the Gaitpost Magazine, up to 400 horses were successfully moved to safety.

The B.C. Interior Horse Rescue moved these horses, provided care for many of them, while also managing to collect hay from several donors to feed these animals. They have worked hard to provide continued care, fundraise and build their organization in to one of the finest, and most importantly - legitimate organizations in the Province. The B.C. Interior Horse Rescue is the only Registered Society working with the BC SPCA.

A few of us decided that we would like to help the seized horses in whatever way we could. So, when we heard that winter blankets were needed for them, we asked a few locals for support, and it created an immediate ripple effect. Within the week we had enough blankets for the entire herd and then some. As well halters, lead ropes, leg wraps, ointments and grain were donated.

Shipping was handled by Trish at Crofton Stables, and Kevan at H-4 Equine Transport. The donated equipment was moved to the Interior by these kind folks for free, in their effort to help.

Next May 15th and 16th we are hosting an event called "Just Horsin' Around" at Beban Park in Nanaimo. We will have Booths, Demonstrations and Clinics. It should be an action packed couple of days, with something for everyone interested in horses. We hope to cover fencing, feeding, hoof care, lameness, saddle fit, bedding, tack, health care and many other topics of comfort for our equine partners. In our demos we are aiming to cover everything from vaulting to driving to trailer safety, to youngster starting, to search and rescue on horse back. And of course, many different fields of horse training. We want to showcase all aspects of the horse.

We are getting a lot of positive feedback from many representatives willing to work together to make this event a success. Plus, it is being held in the mid Island and should get a huge draw of support due to its easy access of location. We plan on it being the first of a yearly event too!

Our first goal is to help by fundraising to provide for abused and neglected equines, via the B.C. SPCA. Our second goal is to enjoy a weekend of horse fun. A „win, win‰ all the way around!

We hope that you also will be able to come, and make this event the BEST it can be.

Regards, Just Horsin‚ Around

Shannon Wheeler chestnuthill@shaw.ca

Jacque Duncan jacqued@shaw.ca

Robyn Speck rivertrailranch@aol.com

Rachel Eldred preldred@shaw.ca

Deb Rowbottom debrowbottom@shaw.ca