Courtesy/THS

THS News:

SANTA FE — The Horse Shelter (THS) took 13 horses into rescue in early November, all in dire need of rehabilitation after a cruelty seizure and relinquishment procedure through the New Mexico Livestock Board.

A total of 34 were placed in registered New Mexican equine rescues. Placements were facilitated by the New Mexico Equine Rescue Alliance (NMERA), which consists of all 10 registered equine rescue facilities.

“This is the largest number of intakes we have received at one time,” said Executive Director Susan Hemmerle for The Horse Shelter and co-chair of NMERA, located on a 127-acre ranch in Cerrillos. “There are five minis, five grade horses and three thoroughbreds. Almost all in pretty bad shape, many with overgrown hooves needing immediate attention. Some are emaciated and suffer from the trauma of starvation and multiple relocations.”

Rehabilitating rescued horses and preparing them for adoption is time intensive and costly. For daily feedings, significant veterinary and hoof care needs, immunizations, and ground and riding work, the new intakes require financial support. Basic care and feeding for a single horse cost a minimum of $3,000 per year. The cost of hay has increased by 21 percent, and with the shelter near capacity, the annual feed bill is more than $130,000. THS purchases more than 8,000 bales of hay each year. Unlike small animal shelters, many abused or abandoned horses take years to be ready for adoption.

To do right by these horses, The Horse Shelter is putting out a call to the community for donations. To donate, visit https://TheHorseShelter.org/ or call 505.471.6179. Any amount will support the herd.

Interested parties also may support The Horse Shelter by shopping at their Resale Store in Santa Fe at 821 W. San Mateo Road.