Site Administrator: dave@SRCHorseAssistance.org
About us . . . .
The
Santa Rosa County Horse Assistance Council was founded by horse owners
who believe that working together (owners and county agencies) we can
improve upon the welfare of the nearly 14,000 horses in Santa Rosa
County, Florida. The SRC Horse Assistance Council operates with
volunters and is funded through the generosity of the public.
Our
goal is to . .
Accept Applications for foster care
providers
Accept horse welfare complaints in Santa Rosa County as
long as correct information regarding location is provided
Offer advice AND education regarding
care, feeding,
fencing, housing, etc. for owners in our county
Currently
we
are working on . .
A county food bank for horses as a
temporary helping hand program.
A helping hand crew to assist with
repairs, etc. for those unable to help themselves.
Currently
we have in place . .
Programs to assist horse owners during extreme emergency
situations such as natural disasters/hurricanes, etc.
Programs to assist horse owners in
surrendering horses for relocation homes and/or sale barns.
Quarterly training programs to assist
new and experienced horse owners with equine and equine industry
related issues.
What drives us
The majority of the horse population is well cared for; however, there are a growing number of horses who suffer from neglect, abuse or abandonment. Our mission is to provide the county with the volunteer help and financial assistance needed to assist in the handling of horse welfare issues. We also strive to improve horse welfare through community education, awareness programs and seminars and to offer horse management and welfare training.
Assistance
Under
the guidance of the Director of Santa Rosa Animal Control
Services, the SRCHAC will provide foster care for siezed or abandoned
horses, local resources for feed, hay, building supplies and other
necessities, educational assistance and counseling as needed. The
council will continue developing programs to insure that foster horses
receive quality nutrition and care. We plan to organize a "Helping
Hands" co-operative which would offer limited assistance toward
improving the overall health and welfare to Animal Service approved
horses in our county.
Our efforts to enrich the horse community through education is one of the most important goals we have set for ourselves. Through seminars, workshops, horse fairs and other educational events we will be able to reach the horse community to provide information necessary for maintaining a healthy horse. Some of the topics to be corvered in these seminars are horse health care issues, current information on deworming, vaccination, fencing, stabling facilities, hoof care, pasture management, nutrition, wound care, disease and lameness issues.
Council Leadership
The
current board of directiors are active members of the community and
"Horse People" with a sincere desire to assist horse owners within our
county. Feel free to contact them with any questions or comments.
Here's a little about each. . . .
Maureen Cleveland - President
I was always “horse crazy”; if I wasn’t riding a horse, I was pretending I was. Growing up in a rural area outside of Dallas I could always get my hands on a horse (and did). I grew up trail riding- running through the woods playing games with my friends. I was Annie Oakley, or Dale Evens and I never outgrew it...except for the running part!
I am fortunate to have known professional horsemen willing to “show me the ropes” from training to handling a breeding stallion to caring for a horse. As an adult, 38 years have been spent trail riding, raising my own horses, managing my own stallion and breeding program, starting and training my own horses and competing at regional and national levels with my Appaloosa horses as well as a couple of Quarter Horses. My passion for horses has brought some wonderful and dear people into my life.
I love Western Pleasure! I love the discipline, and the natural ability of these fine athletes. A good mind, good confirmation and superb athletic ability are traits I require in my horses, and I have been fortunate to have owned and raised such talented individuals. I also am a believer in giving back to the community and often welcome youth groups to visit and learn a little about horses and keeping them.
How did I get involved with HAC? What began as a simple “email” referencing how we might help within our county developed into an extraordinary idea welcomed by a number of extraordinary horse people living in Santa Rosa County!
How have horses affected her life? Maureen says: "Horses keep me centered, more balanced. They have taught me patience, trust, respect and great joy. Through the horse or because of them, I have had the opportunity to know some very special people in a number for states over the years who I can call friend."
Feel Free to contact her at: maureen@SRCHorseAssistance.org
Dave Danielson - Vice President
There were a few times when I was a kid that I was around horses . . mostly because of girlfriends, but it wasn’t until I married a certifiable horse nut that I really got involved. (Our house is filled with Breyers models, paintings and other assorted knick-knacks) Our first “Free” horse led to my education the hard way. I did a lot of listening, watching and then putting it all together to something useful.
For the past 20 or so years every major decision in our lives has been affected by our horses. Where we live, where we go, what we do when we get there and even our retirement outlook. For close to twelve of those years I wrote, published and distributed the Happy Hoofer as a guide for new and experienced horse owners. I have met some very interesting, caring and active horse owners over the years and have gained and passed on something from each. It has given Deb and I something to do together that is relaxing and enjoyable with our friends who have also, over the years, become mostly “Horse People”.
I guess what I enjoy the most is just being around my horses. Keeping carrot farmers in business is also a priority, and I constantly do my part. There are so many times that just being around them has calmed my nerves after a particularly hard day. To me . . . they are my pets, companions and a part of the family, each with their own personality. Oh . . riding is nice too. I wouldn't want to lose even one of them.
I got involved with the HAC after receiving calls and emails from concerned horse owners in Santa Rosa County. After discussing the increasing number of problems with the system(s) that were in place, I joined with this group of dedicated horse professionals to try and make a difference with our friends and neighbors by teaching proper care and helping owners take responsibility for their own horses. I am proud to be a part of this effort.
Horses have affected my life in nearly every way. Friends, hobbies, where I live and what I drive. Nothing was untouched. Everything stops when the horses are running in the field out the front window. We all just stop, watch, smile and comment how great they look having their fun. The Lakota refered to them as "Sacred Dogs". I understand why.
Feel free to contact Dave at: dave@SRCHorseAssistance.org
Keith Weekley - Secretary
What can we say . . . Doc is a big part of the help we get. Without him and the clinic I’m not sure what we would do. Doc has a concern for horses as well as their owners throughout the area . . . I just wish he would write a biography for this page . . . but, he’s a busy guy.
Feel free to contact him at: keith@SRCHorseAssistance.org
Joy Campbell - Treasurer
As a child Joy dreamed of owning a horse but as a military (Navy) family, it was not considered feasible. However, at 16, with their Dad TDA on a Med cruise, Joy and her younger sister bought a horse…and there began a lifetime of love and devotion.
When her daughter wanted a horse, Joy brought her childhood horse back into her life. Horses again shaped her life and her daughter’s as 4-H leader, show and Pony Club Mom. “Animals come and stay forever in our family”, says Joy. As her daughter became more involved in the competition world, first one than another horse would come into her life in desperate need of mending, healing and rehabbing. She started taking in rescue horses when people would call her for assistance; she would rehabilitate them then often find good homes for them. Joy was one of the few using beet pulp in her rehab program, a widely used feed product today.
Joy loves to trail ride. She takes dressage lessons when possible and her secret dream is to one day compete “once” in dressage.
Joy became involved with the HAC when a friend told her about a group of county horse people with an idea to assist the county and work toward improving the overall health and well-being of horses in
How have horsese affected her life? Joy says: “For as long as I can remember, they have determined where our home would be”.
Feel free to contact her at: joy@SRCHorseAssistance.org
Nita
Owens - Historian
I was born horse crazy, therefore, having no choice but to have them
always in my life.
Horses have
always been a vehicle to interact with other people who share or dream
of sharing a common thread. Horses have brought special friends
into my life and provided a world of knowledge in my journey from
handling and training mules & donkeys; raising horse foals and
watching them grow; loving the partnership between horse and rider in
competitive trail ride; hosting & sponsoring Pony Club; to my dream
of having a Therapeutic Riding Program. Horses open up
opportunities to make your world a bigger place. Growing up
around “old timers” who openly shared their wisdom, knowledge and
experience with those willing to listen, and learn—from training
techniques to “doctoring” was a sustaining education. I love old
horses! I have rehabilitated many old and injured horses, love to
watch them age and heal with dignity. And one of my joys has been
the chance to give back the collection of knowledge to “green” horse
people who come into my life.
One of the joys
derived from owning horses is the thrill of riding on trails with
people who enjoy the woods, the pleasure of those quiet moments, the
compatibility of friends and horses, and the fun and laughter shared.
How did I get
involve with HAC? If there is any small way, I want to make a
difference to help an animal—the joy in my life is so great, I want to
give back.
Horses have
improved my life, added to my children’s lives and my
grandchildren’s. They make a difference that continues, even when
we are gone.
Site Administrator: dave@SRCHorseAssistance.org
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