McHenry County News
WOODSTOCK CAR WASH
FRE
E
N O W O P E N
11512 N. 2nd ST. • MACHESNEY PARK, IL 61115 • (815) 654-4850 • www.McHenrycountynewspaper.com Display Advertising & Classifieds: 815-654-4850 • Circulation: 815-654-4854 • E-mail:McHenrynews@rvpublishing.com
Volume 6 Issue 40
SEPTEMBER 29, 2016
• 3 Heated Bays • Brand New Vacuums • Automatic Wash Now Open • 7’ High and Large Enough for Dually Pickup Trucks
218 Fair Street, Woodstock, IL (Behind McDonalds)
239731
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The Midwest Renegades Drill Team is performing at the Hooved Animal Humane Society Annual Picnic and Horse Show.
The animals are all well cared for and rehabilitated.” – Crystal, a HAHS volunteer
BY
ANNE EICKSTADT
Putting their best hoof forward
I
’m paying more attention to the ground I am picking my way over than to the beautiful blue sky and fluffy, white clouds overhead. Today’s parking area has recently been cleared of the horses who usually pasture here and they have left ample evidence of their presence here at the Hooved Animal Humane Society [HAHS]. The gravel drive leading between fenced in pastures takes me to the performance arena. Elise and Jumping Bean, two tiny donkeys are trotting around the arena before being escorted out to make way for the Midwest Renegades Drill Team. This drill team is made up of girls aged seven – sixteen. They do a precision routine that many a rider would envy. The Midwest Renegades also
have a Trick Riding team, and a Flag team. They have also brought Merlin with them today. Merlin is a therapy ‘mini’ horse who can visit hospitals, schools, nursing homes and more. The Midwest Renegades are on hand to support the Hooved Animal Humane Society’s annual picnic and horse show fundraiser. “Our goal is to promote humane care of hooved animals,” says Jenna Dickson, the HAHS adoption coordinator here in Woodstock. “We are funded solely by donations. We work with the Sheriff’s Department and with Animal Control.” “We do investigations and rescues. We have about seventeen investigators. We serve all of Illinois,” she continues. “We have training programs so that the horses have a better chance of being adopted. Last year,
we adopted out 50 animals. We rescued 80.” HAHS currently houses 70 horses, 30 goats and sheep, 2 baby donkeys and 8 mini horses. “The animals are all well cared for and rehabilitated,” says Crystal, a HAHS volunteer. “I started volunteering here after my horse passed away two years ago.” Volunteers are all over today, taking gate admissions, giving directions, opening and closing gates for the performers and contestants, and running the events. The Long Eared Livery Service is carrying people from one end of the grounds to the other in a mule-drawn carriage. Inflatables are set up for children’s amusement outside of the main building. Inside is a craft fair, game and craft tables and lunch. HAHS is a non-profit organization that rescues hooved animals, brings them back to health, trains and adopts them out into permanent, loving homes. Over the years, the efforts of the HAHS national organization have produced the best laws in the country regarding horses. The Woodstock branch sends qualified horse people to test for the State Approved Humane Investigator Exam each year.
The general health maintenance of the animals at HAHS – Woodstock is provided by the U.S. Army, 719th Medical Detachment Veterinary Services. They use HAHS as a training ground where experienced veterinarians work with new veterinarians and teach proper care of large animals. They do this at no cost to HAHS. Contributions will enable the Hooved Animal Humane Society to continue to rescue and train hooved
animals. You can join the Adopt-A-Hoof program to sponsor the provision and training of one of the animals in HAHS’s care. You can also become a member of HAHS or volunteer at the farm. HAHS is located at 10804 McConnell Road, Woodstock, Illinois 60098. They can be found online at www. hahs.org or on their Facebook page at ‘Hooved Animals’.
ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTOS McHenry County News
Outlaw of the Midwest Renegades, is bowing during a Liberty act where there are no bridles, halters or other restraints on the horse.
251804
29th ANNUAL
Autumn Drive
2016
Merlin is a mini therapy horse. He visits hospitals, schools, nursing homes and anywhere a friendly animal will give enjoyment. There are eight minis waiting for adoption at HAHS right now.
CORRESPONDENT
Rural Woodstock and Marengo, Illinois
Antiques, Produce, Arts & Crafts
October 14, 15 & 16 Fri., Sat. & Sun. 9 am to 5 pm
For maps and more details go to
www.autumndrive.net