Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC
HORSE NEWS FREE
New Save-A-Horse Program Started in the Valley By Joan Kibler, Editor Her lifelong love of horses goes so deep that she can’t bear to see one of God’s creatures cast aside because it’s no longer wanted. “Horses are such ‘giving’ creatures,” said Claudia Swisher, owner of Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC. “Handled correctly, they will do just about anything to please their human. “Unfortunately, though, some horses are tossed aside because they’re not the right fit for their owner. Perhaps the owner is inexperienced and fell off the horse, and now the owner is afraid. Or perhaps the horse is not right for what the owner wants to do. Or perhaps the horse has a behavior problem that the owner can’t solve. “And then there are hardship cases. Maybe the owner must move, or the owner becomes too ill to continue caring for the horse. Maybe the horse was part of a school program, and the school closed with nowhere to place the horse.
Spring/Summer 2017 - Vol. 4, No. 1 “Sometimes these unwanted horses are taken to a sale where they may go for slaughter. Or they are euthanized. There are good horses that just end up in a bad situation.” This heartbreaking situation has prompted Claudia and her husband Tom to start up a nonprofit Save-A-Horse program. “This program is different from an equine rescue program in that we will not take horses that fit into the categories of cruelty, abuse or starvation,” Claudia said. “The equine rescue operations typically get these types of referrals through law enforcement or animal control agencies. For our Save-A-Horse program, we will take animals referred through private individuals, veterinarians or animal health clinics.” Claudia said that the horses taken into the Save-A-Horse program will be evaluated for their medical and training needs. “With some retraining and a little diagnosis to solve any medical issues, our plan is to get these horses going well and then match them to the right person or farm for a long constructive life. Perhaps they could be used in schools, veteran programs, 4-H projects, and forever homes.” The Swishers are starting this program at their ranch in Gore, with plans to use specific paddocks and sheds for the incoming horses. They will keep these horses – and this nonprofit operation – separate from their lesson horses and boarders’ horses. “We’re looking for support from horseloving people who want to help with feeding, caring for, grooming, mucking, and retraining these horses,” Claudia said. “If you can’t provide hands-on help, there are many opportunities to volunteer, such as serving on a committee, fundraising, and doing public relations. We envision that, in time, we may need foster homes for the horses.”
When his jumping career ended, the Swishers took in Shamrock and used him to teach beginners to ride on the flat. He loved the camera and liked to stick out his tongue. His rider, Faye, however, wasn’t fond of the camera.
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