The Horse’n Around Rescue will hold its 11th annual open house from 10am to 3pm, this Saturday, October 23, at its home on the Single Star Ranch located at 7484 E Highway 92, in Hereford, Arizona.
Cofounded by Theresa Warrell and Steve Boice, the Horse’n Around Rescue and its equine charges enjoy the use of nearly 1400 acres set in Hereford’s Miracle Valley neighborhood. It’s sloping, deep grasslands stretch eastward of the Bob Thompson Peak in the Huachuca Mountains range.
This Saturday’s open house will include plenty of time to stroll around the property to see how things are set up, chat with its volunteers, buy a fund-raising raffle ticket, and take time to pet the many equines on hand (horses, ponies, mules, donkeys). The first Horse’n Around Rescue open house had 40 guests, and last year’s welcomed 240.
As you arrive at the Single Star Ranch gate, each guest is asked to sign a waiver. While people attending the open house are certainly welcome to wear a mask, no COVID restrictions, mandate, etc. will be in effect.
Dress for success
As you get ready to visit, it’s a good time to choose cowboy or riding boots over sandals, or at least close-toed shoes over flip-flops. Exposed human tootsies are no match for the rock-hard hooves of a horse that does not mean to (but could) step on you. Add sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to your ranch-visiting gear too - that way you only return home with horse kisses, cellphone pics, and happy memories, versus a sunburn, dry eyeballs, and a wind-chapped face.
Plenty to see, do and learn
Naturally, there will be tons of Instagram-ready opportunities like the mini donkey kissing booth, kids craft area, and big truck demonstrations. Surely the most charming, snapshot-ready bit of fun has got to be the obstacle course set up for kids and their stick-horse mounts (tamed stick horses provided).
Hot dogs, water and soft drinks will be available for sale as well as ice cream desserts from Sierra Vista’s Julie and Sammy’s 33 Flavors food truck.
Horse’n Around Rescue’s professional trainer is Regi Richter of Tombstone Horsemanship. A multitalented, gifted horsewoman, Regi will be on tap to answer questions and will lead horse demonstrations using some of the many successful horse stories she has been a part of at the rescue.
Remember why Horse’n Around Rescue is needed
As you enjoy the open house and give your love and attention to the 50+ animals, it’s good to remember that most Horse’n Around Rescue residents are victims of animal cruelty and neglect. They have been treated inhumanely, starved, neglected, abandoned, and abused. Often once animals become old, injured, or ill, the owners no longer have a need for them and wish to discard their “problem.” Equines can become a burden to their owners for a multitude of reasons -- poor economic conditions, an unexpected crisis like COVID-19, job loss, relocation, loss of interest, or personal issues such as sickness or death -- which results in a desperate need to find a home for their animals. Horses are being euthanized for convenience, sent to Mexico for slaughter, and turned loose on public and/or private lands to fend for themselves. Horse’n Around Rescue serves to fill these needs by offering a safe, nurturing place for these unwanted animals.
Today, more than 175 equines have been rescued from difficult circumstances and are living life in a pasture with room to roam. Each has ample and appropriate feed, unlimited fresh water, medical care, health maintenance, and lots of positive attention. Some will be adopted into new homes while others will have a forever home at Horse’n Around Rescue. To date, 104 horses have been adopted!
Volunteer opportunities
Horse’n Around Rescue is run 100% on volunteer power because it has no paid staff. If you want to have a good time, don’t mind getting dirty and want to help some amazing horses, this is the place for you to give your time, treasure and talent.
Ask about its many volunteer opportunities during the open house or reach for further details: horsenaroundrescue@yahoo.com or phone: Theresa, 520-266-0236, or Steve Boice, 520-907-8765
Horse’n Around Rescue Ranch and Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Southeastern Arizona funded by generous donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. It is dedicated to rescuing equines, restoring their health and wellness, and providing a nurturing and natural environment where “horses can be horses” so they can be adopted into forever homes.
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