HorsesAdoptedOrGivenAway.info Website Helps Find Suitable New Homes for Unwanted or Distressed Horses

Sparks, NV, February 10, 2011 --(PR.com)-- “Today, we are announcing a new Internet site that helps us accomplish three important new missions, that directly affect unwanted and distressed horses,” said Babette Clough, Executive Director of Horse Rescue Haven; from its national headquarters, in Sparks, Nevada. “There simply are not enough horse rescue organizations, and related equestrian housing space, to take care of all the unwanted and distressed horses that are primarily being caused by today’s poor economy.”

“That is why,” she continued, “we are starting this important national campaign to: 1. Help those interested in adopting a horse, to more fully understand the cost of doing so, compared with other animals, such as a bird, cat or dog. This gives them the opportunity to first determine if a horse is a realistic investment within their budget. If it is not, we are hopeful they will avoid adopting a horse; that could easily become another distressed horse, in the weeks or months ahead; 2. Help people who currently have an unwanted or distressed horse, to be able to easily donate it, to a more-suitable owner, and thereby avoiding all future expenses and labor; 3. Provide a process where more-suitable new owners, such as members of the 4-H, FFA, The Grange, Farm Bureau, or other qualified new owners, can more easily locate, evaluate and adopt a needy horse, that currently is unwanted or distressed.”

Mrs. Clough explained, “Owning and caring for any animal requires a significant investment of money and time, but most owners believe it will, in return, provide hours of pleasure and recreation, which can improve their lives, and that of their new animal. However, when a new owner runs out of money, or time, this arrangement can go terribly wrong. According to ASPCA, these annual minimum costs increase dramatically, as the size of the animal increases: A fish costs $235 a year, small bird $270, small mammal $340, cat $1,035, rabbit $1,035, small dog $1,314, medium dog $1,580 and for a large dog $1,843; and these costs do not include the purchase price of the new animal.”

Mrs. Clough said, “Now, compare these with the minimum annual expense of caring for a horse (not including the purchase price of the horse). Our list of first-year horse expenses totals $4,600. If you are much more conservative, than our estimate, you may be able to save $1,600 off of this amount; however, most national sources agree the minimum annual cost is at least $3,000.

“Horses really know how to eat and drink. A horse can annually consume 7,000 pounds of hay, 500 pounds of grain and supplements, and 5,500 gallons of water. Annual medical care and immunizations are likely to exceed $600, mortality and medical insurance policy is $500 or more, and the cost of a used saddle and bridal can easily cost several hundred dollars. Now consider, our list does not include riding lessons, the cost of boarding away from your property (if necessary), pasture fencing, a horse trailer or barn. Just like your car and house, it is not enough to simply consider the purchase price. The total expense for owning a horse must include all of the various aspects of their up-keep, maintenance and care. In addition, you have to plan on dedicating hundreds-of-hours of unpaid annual labor, by you or your family, to feed and care for all of your horse's needs.”

Mrs. Clough summarized, “We, at Horse Rescue Haven, sincerely hope our campaign will improve the lives of current and prospective horse owners and their animals. We encourage everyone to take a serious look at our process, and learn how we help find suitable new homes for these unwanted or distressed horses; enabling them to have a bright, warm and loving future.”

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