CHR staff (from left to right) Sarah Hofkamp, Susan Chandler and Grace Degnan with rescued horses. (Photo courtesy: Colorado Horse Rescue).
Karen Libin, KL Realty
Everyday during this pandemic, people have asked me, “How can I help make a difference?” If you are an animal lover, I know a great way. I’m involved with a local organization that is in urgent need of assistance.
Since 1986, the Boulder County non-profit Colorado Horse Rescue (CHR) has been saving at-risk horses that otherwise would be sent to unsafe situations or slaughter facilities. Every day, CHR provides continuous care, rehabilitation and training for 60 horses, as well as supporting up to 20 additional horses in foster care. They also help educate horse owners and potential owners through equine clinics. In 2019 they facilitated the adoption of 61 horses into loving homes. All this amazing work takes an incredible amount of effort and resources, provided by a devoted staff and volunteers, and generous contributing individuals.
But now these much-needed services are at risk due to the fall out from COVID-19. To ensure utmost safety, CHR has reduced its staff of volunteers from 100 to 10, obviously resulting in an immense amount of additional work and pressure on the staff. The center has had to close to all visitors, thus losing valuable drop-in donations. They have also had to cancel all revenue-generating clinics, putting them in an even more precarious financial situation.
Most distressing is that all this is happening when CHR’s services are needed the most: Many horse owners are facing financial hardships and don’t have the resources to pay for boarding fees or hay. The organization’s Leg Up Program addresses this situation by providing devoted horse owners with temporary financial support to help them keep and maintain their horses. Unfortunately this program is now inundated with applications and funds are running out.
Additionally, horse surrender applications are increasing as more people lose their jobs and simply can no longer afford to care for them. CHR is working hard to establish temporary foster homes to meet this growing need.
Please help if you can. To make a donation to help Colorado Horse Rescue continue to do its much-needed work, go to: cohorserescue.ejoinme.org/MyPages/DonateNow/tabid/171583/Default.aspx.
If you may be able to provide a temporary foster home, please contact Sharon Gilbert at
[email protected] or call 720.494.1414 ext. 2203.
By Karen Libin. Karen is the owner and managing broker of KL Realty, and has more than 29 years of experience in the Boulder County real estate market. Contact Karen at KL Realty, call 303.444.3177, e-mail [email protected] or visit klrealty.net.
