My new friend, Jean, who is a volunteer at The Equine Rescue farm in Bloomingburg, suggested I take a ride over there and see what it's about. I drove into the barn area and was greeted by a Rottweiler, a St. Bernard mix, a white dog, a sweet, old grey dog, and a pitbull. Knowing they would be there, I took dog biscuits with me. This went a long way in breaking the ice. I also knew to speak softly, walk quietly, and not try to pet anyone on a first visit. The dogs calmed down and the peacefulness of the farm washed over me.

Lynda and Mike Broas founded the rescue in 1996 and planned on helping just a few horses.

"We wanted to provide care, rehabilitation, and adoption services for abused, neglected, abandoned, and unwanted horses," Lynda said.

Twelve years later and with the recession, the farm now has about 30 residents. The following will show anyone considering a horse what the proper care and cost entails. This is from the Equine-Rescue website.

Daily Grain - Superior Senior Feed � 8lbs Daily

Vitalitty 10 percent Sweet � 2 lbs.daily

Hay Cubes - 50/50 Alfalfa/Timmothy � 7 lbs. (dry weight) daily;

Shredded Pre-Soaked Beet Pulp 2 lbs. (dry weight) daily

Total Funds Needed a Month $190.32

Total Funds Needed a Year $2,283.84

This amount is for food only. Excluded from the calculations are vaccines, emergency vet care, farrier, and any possible supplements or medicines that she may need. All horses and ponies on the farm are fed Strongid 2CX daily dewormer.

I met two Heritage ponies, Waldo and George, who were there because they were among several abandoned at a farm when the owners just ? Now they're safe and feisty. I met a horse with wobbly back legs, a blind horse, and I saw a field with senior horses in it. My personal favorite was Jim, a Sicilian donkey. There is nothing so nice as scratching donkey cheeks. Then Lynda introduced me to a mare who had undergone a most horrible neglectful life until she was rescued last week. The case is going to court, so all I can say now is that the woman responsible has to go to Wallkill Court on May 27, and I hope she gets a strong lecture and punishment. Susie's ribs showed and her face was bandaged, but she already seemed to show happiness and spunk.

Why do you suppose that horse and all the others return from near death experiences? It's Lynda and the volunteers. Lynda has that special touch that is needed after all the medications and expert veterinary care are given. She loves the horses and they know it.

Finally, as I was about to leave, a very large calico cat came sauntering out of the barn. The dogs watched her, but never bothered her. This happy lady was recently rescued from a shelter after being kept in a cage for three years. She now has total freedom, a nice barn to live in, and company, with the only downside being a possible diet.

If anyone would like to donate, adopt or volunteer you can go to the website: www.Equine-Rescue.org. Be sure to put in the hyphen. You can call 845-733-6085 or write to Equine Rescue, Inc. P.O. Box 392, Walden, NY 12158. The farm needs more help than usual due to the fact that more people have had to give up horses when losing jobs or being foreclosed on. You can do what I'm doing and sponsor a horse without owning him.

Jean did me a huge favor by telling me about Equine Rescue of Bloomingburg. Check it out.

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