CL Ad - NorCal Woman Needs Help w/Board

[bridgetah]

I saw this ad on CL. I emailed her asking about her circumstances, and I do think she's on the up-and-up. I'm going to send her something - probably $10 or so.

I just want to add that her horse is boarded in Danville. She's trying to raise $150.

Anne
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Reply to: [e-mail]
Date: 2008-12-28, 12:05PM

Hello, I am in need of help this month with bording fees for a rescue horse by the name of Buddy. I know that there are lots of others in need but if you are a horse lover and want to help, Buddy could really use it. Please don't respond with unkind remarks like if you cant afford a horse you shouldnt have one. I have tried to sell Buddy and even give him away but in this economy it is not possible. I have had him for 4 years and this month is just very hard financially. I do have a job (at least for now) and help others whenever possible. please contact me and we can make arrangements.
Thank you from the bottom of Buddy's Heart

[bridgetah]

I notice that this message has a lot of "hits," but no one has contacted me.

I posted this because the message felt sincere to me and I felt bad about the situation. IMO, it is better to help an owner hang onto a horse, if at all possible, and that's where I'm trying to direct my efforts and contributions until this economy improves.

So, knowing that I was going to keep trying, I drove out to Danville and met Gina and Buddy. Danville, to locals implies great riches. And, it's true.

But, the ranch where he is boarded is a working cattle ranch located out beyond the mansions - think ramshackle wood frame houses, handmade "Firewood for Sale," signs and the usual junky old cars. The boarding facility itself is shelters or stalls w/paddocks, and a couple of arenas. This not an pricey show barn, but it is clean, safe and well-maintained. The board is very reasonable for the East Bay.

Buddy is a gorgeous, dark bay rescue OTTB. He's a very gentle, kindly horse and very calm when handled and ridden. She is very committed to him.

Gina is just down on her luck at the moment. She has a job in real estate (something to do with escrow) but that market has tanked and she's come up short this month. The board is a little over $300 and she needs $130 (I and another person have already donated $10 each).

Gina's problems started last year when Buddy colicked (Thanksgiving Day), and needed surgery. She was able to pay it at the time w/Care Credit, but it cost thousands, and that, compounded by our current tanking economy, has taken it's toll.

That is a very familiar story, BTW, because I recently treated a dog for melanoma (vaccine at Davis, followed by radiation). The dog is doing well and I've no regrets, but it has caused many sleepless nights. I don't doubt for a minute that that was the beginning of her present problems.

This is a temporary situation - Gina is employed, she's mature (mid-40s), and very committed to her horse. She's also the kind of person who has helped animals (and people), over the years, just as an individual, not with any group.

If you are interested in helping out, please email me.

[mickeyfan3]

Hey Anne -

Thanks for checking up on that.....

Would she be willing to board him somewhere, also clean and safe, in Livermore for less money?

Is he in a stall or pasture???

There is space available at the place I board....you've got my email, or have her contact me if she's interested, if that will help at all. Of course when gas goes up again that might eat up any savings, but still.......
Stac

[bridgetah]

Jan 6, 2009 17:07:43 GMT -5 mickeyfan3 said:

Hey Anne -

Thanks for checking up on that.....

Would she be willing to board him somewhere, also clean and safe, in Livermore for less money?

Is he in a stall or pasture???

There is space available at the place I board....you've got my email, or have her contact me if she's interested, if that will help at all. Of course when gas goes up again that might eat up any savings, but still.......
Stac

I'll contact her about this. My guess is that she wants to stay put for now, if she can. She's been there for four years and the people there seem very supportive. She's green and so is horse and there is a lot of casual (but expert), training help available.

However, she will do what she needs to do to care for her horse.

Buddy is in a stall with a big turnout. There is pasture available, but it is very hilly - the barns are at the bottom of a very high hill and much of the pasture seems to be a narrow strip along the fenceline.

Buddy was injured on the track - he's sound on the flat, but she's uncomfortable putting him in that situation. He also doesn't do well in herds - other horses chase him, pick on him and get at his food. She's basically afraid of injuries.

If you don't mind, I'll forward your message to her.

Anne

[halfwayhome]

HI, Thanks for taking the time to check this out and meet them. I could manage $10, let me know where I can send it, thanks. If we can help people one time in situations like this, then its for the good of the horse and heaven knows there are not enough places for horses in need to go these days.

[mickeyfan3]

Thanks Anne...I think you've got my email and phone # so feel free to pass it on. There may be more space opening up....and the people at our barn are very helpful. I've been really happy there.

[bridgetah]

Thanks, Stacie. I'll pass it along.

[bridgetah]

Update-

Things are working out well for Gina and Buddy. A woman who lives nearby, and knows Buddy, is now leasing him part-time.

Thanks to everyone for their interest and support.

Anne

[caryn]

Wonderful news

[halfwayhome]

Oh good to hear! I sent off my little donation earlier this week, glad it is working out for her.

[mickeyfan3]

Great to hear that!