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 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.
A county food bank for horses as a
temporary helping hand program.
A helping hand crew of volunteers to
assist with
repairs, etc. for those unable to help themselves.
A stallion low cost castration
(gelding) program
WE VERY MUCH NEED YOUR
HELP . . .
ESPECIALLY IN FOSTERING!
Dear Friends of Santa
Rosa County Horse Assistance Council;
Every year, thousands of horses are abused, neglected and abandoned.
But there is hope.
The Santa Rosa County Horse Assistance Council, working in conjunction with Santa Rosa County Animal Services provides sanctuary for mistreated, abandoned and neglected horses while new, loving homes are found for them. Together we are often saving a horse’s life.
Since 2007, our neighbor helping neighbor policies, as well as the education we provide, has helped horse owners get the information, resources and support they need to keep their horses healthy and able to remain with their caring owners. And, in the cases where owners were unwilling or unable to care for their horses, we provided fostering until good forever homes can be found. There’s really nothing to compare to the way that makes us feel. That’s why it’s a privilege to be able to volunteer OUR time and efforts to the community. Still, the food, shelter, and medical attention the horses so desperately need cost a lot of money and we are hoping that you can help.You can be certain that your annual donation of $10 or more will assist a great deal. And it will be greatly appreciated. We ask that you become a SRCHAC supporter and join us in volunteer efforts within our community. SRCHAC has laid a foundation and now it is our hope that you will join us in this worthwhile endeavor. The thing is, once you realize how you’re helping these horses, and the lives of people in our community whom our programs assist, the appreciation that you receive from the Santa Rosa County Horse Assistance Council will be second only to the appreciation that the horse community and new horse owners will have for you.
Please feel free to contact us at info@SRCHorseAssistance.org or Dave@SRCHorseAssistance.org. We’d like to tell you more about how our supporters and volunteers give horses that have been abused, neglected and abandoned a second chance.
We believe the more you know, the more you’ll realize what a positive change you can make. A positive change in the lives of these horses. And a positive change in another life - your own.
Sincerely, Dave Danielson, President, Santa Rosa County Horse Assistance CouncilWhat 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 seized 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 covered 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 directors 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. . . .
Dave Danielson - 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
Kim Gallagher - Vice President
Jennifer Boone - Secretary
Jennifer grew up in Kentucky horse country – and began riding lessons at age 6. Saddlebreds were the breed her grandparents and mother favored, so that’s where the life long horse craziness started. The first horse of ”her own” was a pass-along dapple gray Shetland pony, Tom Dooley. He endured the attentions of three girls, the less than warm welcome received taking him inside several friends’ homes, elaborate costume contests, and vigorous shampooing that included too much bluing (this was a few years ago) that turned his mane and tail a beautiful sky blue for several days. A member, competitor, and instructor with Long Run Pony Club in Louisville, KY, Jennifer competed with numerous ponies and horses in hunter/jumper shows, foxhunting and three-day eventing. The riding trip of a lifetime was the result of being chosen as one of 5 members of the US Pony Club to compete with their team in South Africa in 1973. That was followed by a 12 year stint training thoroughbred racehorses. Except when she could sneak away and join her mother, Lindsey Burns, riding and horses were put on the back burner for one son (now 25), more college, a BS in Environmental Management, and a “real” job. But two years ago, she finally got back to riding, just for fun and stress relief, on her paint mare, Dixie Rocks, of rescue origin.
Feel Free to contact Jennifer at jennifer@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
<>