the happiness,
of the horses.�
separated turnout areas. Another challenge, which is faced by most farms with more than one horse, is figuring out which horses can be have turnout time together. Since these are retired horses, some more delicate than others, it is very important to circumvent avoidable injuries. A complex schedule is maintained to make sure every horse can get outside every day the weather cooperates. With Melissa managing the barn, Dee is able to focus on fundraising, as without it, Mitchell Farm couldn’t survive. When retirement horses are accepted at Mitchell Farm, their owners make a one-time donation and monthly pledges to the general operating fund for either the remaining life of the horse, or for six years. After six years, no additional funding is expected, although some people kindly continue donating. The average lifespan of a horse is 25 to 30 years, although there are some extreme cases, like Shayne, an Irish Draught/Thoroughbred, who lived to the ripe old age of 51. In the case of my horse Struts (who would have been retired at the age of 12), she could have required care for upwards of an additional 12 to 15 years. No expense is spared when it comes to the health of the horses at Mitchell Farm. If a horse gets sick or needs special hoof care, it is all covered. The major fundraising event for Mitchell Farm is their annual Music Festival, celebrating its 11th year this September, with featured acts Aztek Two-Step, Jonathan Edwards, and Jon Pousette-Dart. The event typically draws between 600 and 750 attendees, who enjoy food trucks, music, dancing, and interacting with grazing retired horses. This year, Dee is organizing a lobster dinner and clambake the day after the Music Festival to continue fundraising throughout the entire weekend.
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