Some families got a taste of country living at A Horse Tale Rescue’s summer fundraiser in Vaudreuil-Dorion Saturday.
The “A Day in the Country” event isn’t complete without one of the most popular activities, a hayride to see some cows. Ask any child and they will tell you that the horses are their favorite attraction.
“I love horses,” said Ines Garrote-Fernandez. Her younger sister Lola Garrote-Fernandez agreed with “me too.”
Saturday marked the third anniversary of A Horse Tale Rescue opening its doors to the public. The rescue rehabilitates and rehomes horses that are in dire need of a second chance.
“They come from varying areas where the people can no longer afford (to keep them or may have a) change in lifestyle or some injuries. But we also have five that have come from Montreal’s calèche industry,” said A Horse Tale Rescue Executive Director, Mike Grenier.
Donna Munro, a Hudson resident has lived within close proximity to the rescue center for more than a ten years but only learned about it Saturday through a good friend.
“It’s amazing. I’m so excited just to be here and wander around,” said Munro
She was one of many visitors who got up close and personal to the 13 horses and learned how they were cared for.
“I’m amazed at how good the volunteers keep the horses. They were showing some pictures of the horses before they came and how they were terribly taken care of,” said John Martin, who travelled from Montreal for the event.
A horse’s daily routine includes eating 350 pounds of hay. It’s a necessity that is proving costly with the price of hay doubling in the past year.
“It costs between 30 to 40 thousand (dollars) a year just for hay,” said Grenier.
The fundraiser features hayrides as well as corn on the cob, photos with horses, a dunk tanks, and baked goods. All proceeds go to feed the herd.
“We, just like every other charity, are still in need. We need your help, so please give what you can. It’s going to a good cause,” said Grenier.
The organization hopes that giving people the opportunity to meet horses in person encourages them give back so that volunteers can continue caring for horses in need.
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