Horse rescue sanctuary full and running low on hay
Posted May 30, 2016 9:11 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Albertans are handing over their saddles as money woes have many giving up their horses. Bear Valley Rescue says its 40 acres are full, and it’s caring for more than 150 equines.
President Kathy Bartley says this week alone she’s had to find extra space for house 10 yearlings, two mini-mules, a pony mare and a skinny gelding that would have been shipped for slaughter next week. She says the animals are very difficult to rehome.
“I think part of the problem is because there is a meat market for horses, there’s always that threat if you take your horse to an auction or you try and resell it,” says Bartley.
She says the cost of hay skyrocketed in the past year, with the rescue facility paying more than $120,000.
“Last year we paid about $105 – $120 for a round bale. So it really went up, it really drained our resources. All the reserve that we had went to buying hay. The price really hasn’t dropped. Everyone’s hoping that it’s going to be a good hay year,” says Bartley.
People can help out by donating cash to Bear Valley Rescue. Barley says she’s not sure if there will be enough money to buy hay for the fall.
