A local trio have teamed up to form the charity Haven 4 Hooves.

kelsee downie, kelly hirsch, and meghan senger created the group haven 4 hooves and have been rescuing horses from auction they believe would otherwise go to slaughter.

Jon Anderson, owner of Rocky Mountain Show Jumping in De Winton and Hirsch's husband, is currently housing some of the animals at his facility.

Downie says she sees horses in both poor and fantastic condition go through auction ring, and that the transformation she's see in some of the animals since being in the group's care is amazing.

"We've definitely been very lucky to see some of them come around once they've had the chance to have proper nutrition, maybe some de-worming."

"The girls spend some time, they come after work and they sit in the stall with it for an hour or two, they're approaching it, and now you can lead it around and it's starting to trust again because it's not just another number, it's a real live animal." Anderson adds.

To date, the group has rescued 14 horses from auctions.

Downie explains they make sure the horses are the right fit for their potential new homes.

"We go through a process and just chat with them on what they're looking for and what their situation is, and if we have something that matches their skill level and what they want to do with the horses so we can make sure it's a good match for the horse and the new adoptee family."

"Some of these horses that come become pets. There's a couple of horses here we think can be ridden but they're going to have to be broke properly. Some people have little acreages and they just want to have a little lawn ornament that helps mow the grass that they can look after and care for and become part of the family." says Anderson.

All of the adoption fees and funds raised go back into the care of the animals in the organization.

Haven 4 Hooves is currently in the process of gaining official charitable status.

To learn more and help support Haven 4 Hooves click here.

 

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email news@okotoksonline.com