Wind Ridge Farm Equine Sanctuary, Inc.
1981 Ridge Road, Wellsville, PA 17365
The Wind Ridge Farm Equine Sanctuary has been chosen as our charity this year by our Guest of Honor, Nancy Springer. Nancy volunteers for the Equine Sanctuary and we at NTC are proud to be able to offer some financial support to this worthy cause. Please give freely at the Charity Auction this year, or look into becoming a member of the WRFES, an annual membership can be as little as $5 and is tax deductible. Thank you for your interest in Name That Con and for your support in helping our chosen charities each year.
THE "FAQS" ABOUT WRFES
Stray, injured and otherwise needy animals have a better chance now than ever before of finding help. "Pounds" have evolved into breed-specific rescues, and no-kill and humane shelters. The plight of all kinds of exotic and domestic species -- from ferrets to rabbits -- has inspired the formation of protective groups. Dedicated individuals work tirelessly for long-term change through population control and legislative action. And animal rights activists challenge our basic notions about all creatures.
Organizations and individuals take a different approach to achieving their goals, and we'd like to let you know more about us by answering a few FAQ's (frequently asked questions).
What go you started in all of this?
We have a great love for all animals -- horses in particular -- and have always been interested in the work of organizations like the Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area. We felt it was a natural step to establish a safe haven for horses and ponies, who suffer from problems similar to those experienced by dogs and cats. It all started with Clyde, a wonderful old thoroughbred/Clydesdale cross who came to us after being rescued in the winter of 1988 by a caring woman in Connecticut. In the most basic sense, WRFES was organized to provide a home for horses like him. That is still our primary goal.
How do you decide who to take into the sanctuary?
Those in critical need receive priority consideration. For example: If a horse or pony needs to be removed by a humane agency because of cruelty or neglect, we do everything we can to make room for that animal. We also give priority to those abandoned by their owners or those in poor physical condition. If we learn of horses with concerned owners in predicaments that prevent them from providing necessary care, we place them on our waiting list until space becomes available.
Do you allow people to adopt animals?
We don't do adoptions for two reasons. Most people want to adopt an animal who can be ridden or otherwise used -- ours can't be used for anything other than to be loved for themselves! (That's why they came here in the first place.) Additionally, even if we could take in "rehabilitation" cases, we don't have the humanpower to operate a successful adoption program.
How do you keep up with all the work?
There is so much work to do! The daily care of the horses, combined with administrative tasks, sometimes can feel overwhelming! Despite occasional set-backs and temporary bouts of discouragement, the work has tremendous rewards. We are rewarded many times over when we can bring a horse in critical condition back to full health, from starvation to normal weight and energy. There's nothing better than seeing him canter majestically into the pasture with his buddies.
We're also rewarded by the support we receive from contributors and volunteers -- and by knowing that others feel the same way we do about these wonderful creatures. The words of encouragement that come with donations help to keep us going. We are very grateful for the positive feedback we have received and the growing interest in our cause.