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By John Karratti

The Charlotte Gazette

The medical bills are piling up. While that could be said for many people in our area, the same is true for White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue. Having just lost one of their long-time residents, Apollo, and currently taking care of several others, the price isn’t cheap. And that’s where the rescue could use some help of its own.

If horses need help in Lunenburg or the surrounding area, if they’ve been abandoned, beaten or in general need to recover, there’s one place to do it. And that’s White Bird. Their mission is to rescue and rehabilitate abused, neglected and at-risk horses. This includes senior horses, blind horses, and horses with medical conditions that require special diets and medicines.

Jorg and Tom Mayfield have always had a love of horses. Jorg developed a deep connection with the animals as she grew up, and when she met Tom, they fostered a connection with many beloved horses.

With their love of animals, the pair began working as animal rescue transporters, helping safely bring rescue animals from one area to another. But soon, they noticed that there was a huge need for horse rescue centers.

Places were quickly filling up, and rescuing horses requires not only financial resources, but a professional understanding of horses with trauma or disabilities. The Mayfields had both, and soon felt called to provide a safe haven for horses that no longer had a place to call home. White Bird was established in 2003 and currently, they house 25 horses on a well-kept 50 acre farm, with five barns and 27 stalls. The group has been recognized for their work on a national and global level, winning awards from the EQUUS Foundation and one from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

NEEDS FOR THE RESCUE

Now let’s get back to the needs. Right now, Tom says there’s specific items any donations would be used on.

“Donations to the rescue (will) go directly towards hay, feed, veterinary and farrier care,” Tom said. “We also appreciate donations of tack, supplements and barn supplies.”

But at the same time, Tom and Jorg both recognize not everyone can contribute in that way. If you don’t have any extra supplies or money to give, the couple would also greatly appreciate any time you could spend at the farm. The rescue has no paid staff and is supported by volunteers who donate their time and talents to help care for homeless horses.

“Volunteers are the backbone of the organization,” Tom said. “Anyone interested can simply email the rescue at: whitebirdapps@gmail.com.”

Jorg echoed that, saying volunteers are always welcome. It doesn’t matter if you’ve taken care of horses before or not.

“We take volunteers of all ages and appreciate the skills and talents that each brings to the rescue,” Jorg said. “We only ask that children be accompanied by an adult.”

WHY ARE DONATIONS NEEDED?

While they do bring in funds from sponsors, events and grants, sometimes it is just not enough to cover emergency expenses. For these unexpected expenses they rely on small fundraisers, asking the public to help them out. Because of the speed needed to raise extra money, most of their smaller fundraisers can be found on their Facebook business page.

If you are so inclined, you can also visit their website at any time and donate directly to the rescue.

You can visit WBAHR’s website at http://whitebirdapps.com or drop by their facebook at http://facebook.com/whitebirdrescue to schedule a visit, donate or just read more about what they are doing for the horse rescue community.