Horseplay Equine Rescue and Sanctuary

"Show me your horse, and I will tell you who you are"--Unknown

Last week, I received an email plea from a close friend of mine. An avid animal lover with a compassionate heart, she knows of an equine rescue organization that is falling on hard times with winter approaching and 19 horses to feed and care for. I will always hold the deepest admiration for those who take on the thankless job of caring for unwanted horses.

The economic downturn coupled with the rising cost of fuel have had devastating impacts on the "backyard" horse community as well as the higher end breeding horse community.. There is a glut of unwanted horses on the market now that people just cannot afford to feed and care for. These horses, more often than not, end up in the hands of "kill buyers" and are sent to slaughter. Contrary to popular belief most horses sent to slaughter are healthy and sound. Pregnant mares, mares with foals, geldings, stallion, there is no discrimination. 

Caring for horses is not cheap and it is very labor intensive. Here in the Northeast, the climate is brutal, there is not a lot of pasture, and caring for horses throughout the cold dark winters is a labor of love to say the least. Add to that the cost and time involved in caring for horses that have health issues and need rehabilitation and the task becomes daunting.

The horse and human have had a special relationship for thousands of years. He is a creature with a big heart who is willing to sacrifice himself in the service of his keepers. He deserves to be treated with dignity and not disposed of as if he had no value. 

I have made a donation to Horseplay that will be matched 100% by my company.

Please check out Horseplay Equine Rescue and Sanctuary for more information.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Happy Giving!

Update 12/01/2011 - here is a great source for information about Horse Slaughter http://www.avma.org/issues/animal_welfare/unwanted_horses_faq.asp

First Steps Towards Simplication

The Beauty of Simplicity

Part of my focus to prepare for next year's project is lifestyle simplification. It is well known that the more people make, the more they spend. We are committed to ending this trend in our life and teaching our children a better way. We do not need a bigger house, more toys, and more things. In fact, in order to achieve the lifestyle we want, we need fewer distractions, which means fewer things, and less maintenance of the things that don't matter in life.

We tend to get bogged down by pressures from the outside. Pressure to "Keep up with the Jones." But what I have found is an incredible relief in stepping away from that. I now look at friends who keep upgrading and upgrading with a certain amount of sadness as I see the exterior measures of wealth burdening them and pulling them away from their families. Little kids isolated from their parents in huge bedrooms laden with electronic toys.

I love the book Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne. He explains the basic concept of "less is more" in reference to children and the preservation of childhood. The book takes a simple approach to streamlining the rhythm of family life and making time and space for children to play imaginatively without the distraction of the adult consumer world. In Mr. Payne's vision, children should be protected from too much, too fast, too soon and I completely agree. My children don't know how to play a Wii, operate a Tivo, or use a PlayStation and that is fine with me. I don't believe they will be any less capable as adults if they only use these products at their friend's houses.

We have implemented a new process for everything in the house. When something comes in, at least one thing goes out. The piles of unused toys are disappearing. When my 5 year old begs for a new stuffed animal, we talk about it, think about it, and decide which stuffed animals will go when the new one comes in. It's become a little game and the kids like it!

As I get closer to 2012 and giving each week, I plan to involve the kids and let them choose where some of the donations will go. I want them to grow up feeling the power of giving more than the power of "having." As my list of charitable organizations grows, I am getting more and more excited about the coming year. And that makes me happy......