Living Edge - March 2025

Welcome to the latest newsletter and the March Muzzle Fest as we showcase some of the cutest and friendliest muzzles anywhere. 

Our small herd near Duncan on Vancouver Island, and the three horses wintering in nearby Chemainus, are cared for solely by volunteers. One of the best things about volunteering is getting to know the quirks and personalities of the horses. They, of course, come to know you, which can be truly heart warming. It's hard work volunteering at the farm, and there's never a dull moment. And you can always be assured of a friendly muzzle up close from the likes of Laney. 

A CRAZY WINTER

The year started with torrential rains and fierce winds, so it was almost a blessing when snow arrived. Thanks to our amazing community of supporters, the horses were prepared with new winter blankets, shown off here by Lucky and Cora, and new shelters, which replaced those destroyed by a storm. But, we weren't prepared for the unexpected.                                 

Our founder Rebecca (left), known for her boundless energy and commitment to the welfare of every horse, was hit hard with a virus and laid low. At the same time, other regular volunteers had medical issues. There was a huge void. 

But people stepped up. We've welcomed some new volunteers, but the greatest kudos go to Daragh (right, with River), who has handled weeks of feeding, often solo, along with the barn chores. That was on top of Daragh continuing her teaching career part-time and volunteering daily with Cowichan Cat Rescue, caring for feral cats. Thank you everyone.                                                                                            

10-YEAR $10 SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGE 

2025 marks 10 years and almost 650 horses rescued, almost all from slaughter. While that's a remarkable achievement, we've set another ambitious goal - to become sustainable. Imagine not having to continually ask for money, but instead have a steady income stream. 

Our 10-Year, $10 Sustainability Challenge is just two months in, and we're thrilled to report a growing army of horse heroes. As of the end of February, the campaign provided $2,392, which equates to 239 people donating $10 per month. There's a ways to go, but we are ever hopeful we are marching forward to full sustainability. (Patches, above).

Our goal:

1,261 more people donating $10/month, OR

630 people donating $20/month, OR

252 people donating $50/month, OR

126 people donating $100/month

(Mikey, left. Ellie, below)

What Your Monthly Support Provides:

• 24/7 Hay to ensure healthy digestion and free access for grazing
• Specialized Daily Mashes & Supplements to meet the unique nutritional needs of each horse
• Veterinary Care including yearly vaccines, teeth floating, x-rays when needed, and emergency care
• Farrier Care every 6-8 weeks to maintain healthy hooves for all horses
• Special Care such as acupuncture or osteopath treatments

(Saffron, left)

• Gravel & Hog Fuel for ground treatment, ensuring safe, secure areas for the horses to roam
• Safety Care for secure fencing, pathways and tools
• Shelters for protection from the elements
• Personalized Care like grooming tools, blankets, and more
• A Safe Home for our horses to thrive in

Every contribution makes a difference. Will you be one of the horse heroes to help us reach this goal? Sign up at humanityforhorses.com.

WOW! NEW BARN DOORS 

We want to send a huge shoutout to Don, our incredible barefoot trimmer who works with our special needs herd members, for going above and beyond for the rescue. Not only did he take it upon himself to custom-build a brand-new barn door, but he also secured donated materials from Mitchell at Nova Forest Products—and then recruited his neighbour Steve (left above, with Don) to help with the install.

This kind of generosity and teamwork is so appreciated. Horses on barn rest have a flow of fresh air and can visit with the herd. Chores are much easier for the volunteers especially moving horses in or out of the barn or wheeling out wheelbarrows. Thank you Don, Mitchell and Steve for your kindness and support. (Cruz and Moon, left) 

CRUZ IS HOME!

We breathed a huge sigh of relief when Cruz came home from the mainland where he received urgent care not available on Vancouver Island. What was exhibiting as colic turned out to be a displaced colon which had moved over his kidney. There are so many people to thank: our local vet Jessica Semper, who responded so quickly to his colic emergency and provided ongoing support, along with the team at the Paton and Martin Veterinary Hospital. No surgery was conducted, but rather a combination of meds and expert care. 

Many people stepped up. Thank you Daragh and Blue – for walking him, taking vitals and keeping him company. Jackie – for giving him the longest, gentlest brushing, which he absolutely milked for all it was worth. Eddie and Mercedes for transporting Cruz to the mainland. And Blue (right) – for bringing him home, and for his generous donation. Most of all, thank you to our compassionate community of supporters who rallied to fund his medical care.

Who is Cruz? 

Cruz came to us in April 2023 from the Westlock auction where he had been left in a horse trailer on his own and not run through the auction. He was under the possession of a dealer, who reached out to our contact to see if the rescue was interested in him. 

Rebecca was sent pictures of Cruz, alone in the trailer, stressed and wide-eyed, with a halter so tight on his face it had left marks. “I couldn’t say no,” she recalls. The rescue purchased him for $950; the meat price was an all-time high.  

Cruz was quarantined in Alberta where he had his initial vet check, was vaccinated, dewormed and had his teeth floated, which hadn’t been done before. He was fearful, trusting no one.  

Once at the rescue, Cruz (above in 2023) struggled with repeated colics and although all were mild, it was a concern. The vet suggest psyllium for 10 days. Within 12 hours, Cruz started passing small rocks, which amazingly hadn't killed him. Cruz passed rocks for three days. 

Today Cruz is a different horse. He can be cautious around people, but he enjoys attention, grooms his buddy Chester (left) and has started to rough house and play with other horses. He loves his mash; hay is hard for him to eat due to the condition of his teeth. Cruz often whinnies when you pull up to the farm because he knows a bucket of mash is coming his way soon. 

A REMARKABLE OPPORTUNITY

Dreams can come true. One of our amazing supporters is moving to Vancouver Island and is looking to purchase 30+ acres—which could be the future home for our rescue horses, including Cora (left). 

Our dream property:

Budget: Up to $2.5M

Location: Cowichan Valley to Comox

Must-Haves:

No flood zone

Great horse property

2+ dwellings

Barns are a plus

If you know a property for sale that fits this description, please send us an email humanityforhorsesfoundation@gmail.com. 

CLEANER AND GREENER HELPS THE HORSES 

An important step to sustainability is our tie to Melaleuca's Wellness Store. Through its non-profit program, we receive a monthly cheque ($273 in February) based on sales of high quality and affordable essentials like toothpaste, laundry detergent, supplements, snacks, coffee, and more. All delivered to your door. Check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USgtZR1zFnE     

The products are North American made and sourced. You receive cleaner, greener products from a company that has been supporting Canadian families for 30+ years. It's a win-win for everyone, including sweet Molly (above). Contact Wendy@businessboxbooks.ca.

EASY WAYS TO HELP

Our membership number: 857334

Use our membership number when fuelling up or shopping at Co-op. At year end we will receive a cheque based on the total purchases on our membership. 

Our code: 2507108079 

Cassie (above).

Masthead photo: The redheads - Mitchie (left) and Tucker

“Aiming to save, protect and improve the lives of horses in BC. Working towards saving horses bound for slaughter in BC and Alberta.”