Equine Rescue Is Seeking Help

By Lynn Wright

The Georgia Equine Rescue League (GERL) is looking for new members and/or donations to help starved and neglected horses picked up by the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA).

The GERL pays for the hay, feed and vet care for all the horses impounded by the state. Currently, the cost for rehabilitating a horse is approximately $150 per month per horse.

To become a member of this worthy organization is beneficial in helping horses in-need as well as educating the public to the situation of unwanted horses in Georgia. Memberships, donations and fundraisers are the only means for raising money to pay for this horse care. A membership/donation form can be found on the GERL web site at www.gerlltd.org.

Next month features the Georgia Department of Agriculture Equine Auction in Mansfield, on April 14. Other equine events sponsored by GERL are trail rides in April, a polo match in July and the Rescue Challenge in October. Details about these events can be found on the Event Calendar, also found on the GERL web site.

The GERL is currently looking for horse trainers to work with their rescue horses to compete in the Rescue Challenge, which will be held October 20 of this year. Deadline for entries is April 29. The GERL Rescue Challenge is about giving a second chance to rescued horses that no one wanted to adopt due to a lack of training and providing them with the skills necessary to find a loving forever home. This is a competition which results in cash prizes. Rules and more information are explained on the GERL website.

To report a case of horse abuse or neglect, call the GERL Hotline: 770-464-0138, or the Georgia Department of Agriculture Equine Division, Monday – Friday | 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 404-656-3713 or 800-282-5852.

The Georgia Equine Rescue League, Ltd is a certified 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, 100% volunteer run and operates solely on donations. Please consider a membership or tax-deductible donation today.