A horse rescue and sanctuary is under construction on 68 acres near Wicksburg, Alabama. The person behind this vision is Lori Woodham. A picture of a neglected horse on a social networking site caught Woodham’s attention and tugged at her heart strings. Her eyes were opened to the countless numbers of abused horses. The goal of the organization, “is to develop facilities, programs and a support organization that will meet the highest standard of treatment and rehabilitation for horses that have been neglected, abused or abandoned.”

The facility will extend an open invitation to volunteers. Volunteers may groom horses, muck stalls and feed horses. Currently, Woodham is asking for volunteers to set about 700 fence posts and assist with digging a well on Saturdays from 8 a.m. till 1 p.m. Foster homes are needed for horses waiting to be adopted. Fund raising efforts and many of the administrative duties are handled by volunteers.

Feed, tack supplies and financial donations will be welcomed at the site. Initial veterinarian fees for each rescued horse runs approximately $300.00. Yearly vaccinations and care runs an additional $180.00 and hoof care approximately $35.00. To make a difference in the life of a rescue horse, please visit the web site at http://www.wiregrasshorserescue.com.

Woodham works with veterinarians and law enforcement officials to paint a brighter future for abused and neglected horses in Houston County. There are currently 11 horses housed at Wiregrass Horse Rescue and Sanctuary. It is not unusual for the sanctuary to receive one to two calls per week concerning a horse that has been grossly neglected or badly abused.

There is a need for responsible owners that have the financial resources available to provide proper care and a home to adopt horses. The sanctuary requires that all potential owners complete an application with references. The potential owners can expect an interview and home inspection. The new owner must sign a humane care contract and agree to periodic visits by staff to assure the horse is well provided.

*Photo courtesy of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine by Nik Hawkins at Flickr's Creative Commons.