Sunday January 31st, 2010

Okay, we can't believe it has been 3 weeks since we sat down to write and update everyone on the progress with BITS! Things have been moving along nicely and we are very excited for what we have been able to accomplish so far. Jumping into the non-profit sector and starting a horse rescue is something that we both, just not something we planned on doing. We have already had our list of set backs the first and most consistent is the liability issue. Everywhere we turn, we are faced with the issue of protecting ourselves from lawsuits. If you follow us on Facebook you will already know that the cost for our insurance is $700 for the year. Neither Deb and I have the money at the moment as all of the horse care is still being privately funded by ourselves. Hopefully once our 501C3 status is completed we will be able to apply for grants to help with the cost of rehabilitating and helping horses.

The hardest thing is knowing what we could accomplish for the horses and owners in need with the $700 (Geld 14 horses, pay for 20 trimmings, purchase 7 tons of hay or 70 bags of Elk Grove Stable Mix for the hay bank, 3 months of professional training for one of the rescued horses, an opening to care for a rescued horse, etc. etc..)We even tried to rent out a few facilities for the gelding clinic and each one turned us down for fear of liability issues. It does become slightly disheartening that in order to do any good you must first protect yourself..

Our January 12th Euthanasia Clinic was a success. We were able to help 3 horses who's owners could not afford the cost to euthanize and render their elderly and injured horses. Unfortunately, the cost of rendering is increasingly expensive due to the rise in its demand. Many years ago, you could still bury horses on private property, but with the expansion of housing and water contamination issues, this practice is not so frequently used. So good old supply & demand has made it even more costly to render along with the rise in gas, liability and workers compensation costs. Our clinic used several resources to be able to offer the service for $100 a horse. For every 2 paying horses we were able to offer a slot for free, without having to ask others to pay for the cost. Much can be done with Jamie’s office work of placing calls and calling on those who are willing to give their time, as we all know money is tight these days, but we can still accomplish much with the donation of time and product.
A special thanks goes out our vet Bear River Mobile Veternarian Service, Dr. Jennifer Dewey who donated her day and gas to come down here and perform the euthanasia. Without compassionate veterinarians like herself, this clinic would never have been possible.

And to North State Rendering Co, who like Sacramento Rendering Co gave us an excellent discount on the removal and disposal of the euthanized horses.

On a brighter note, Jamie is off to Auburn on Tuesday to do a walk-thur on a facility that is willing to partner with us in the gelding clinic. It is such a blessing to have a fellow horse rescue step up and offer their 20 stall barn, since we ran into lack of venue issue. Together we can accomplish much more and help those who are the heart of our operations- THE HORSES! We will officially open up the 5 available slots for the clinic once the time table and volunteer schedules have been completed. We still have a goal to geld 100 horses this year, so lets all pray that this event goes well enough that it will occur on a monthly basis.

Since is it is a lovely day, Jamie is off to take Bob out for yet another lesson on confidence and  Deb is already hot on the trails with Repo who's eye is completely healed with no sign of his melting ulcer.  See you all soon!