Barnyard Expansion – LEK Endowment Fund
This story is from our Fall 2022 newsletter. See the full newsletter here!
A little bump to your side, coarse fur grazing your arm, and a wet muzzle reaching for your hand. You will feel a little nudge of love everywhere you take a step at Home on the Range
Animal Haven (HORAH). Animals who were once abandoned have no shortage of love, now, to give back to others.
The animals at HORAH come from bad situations. Some were abandoned or neglected, passed around from owner to owner, and have health issues. They had never known a secure or loving home until they came to HORAH. Once the animals are safely in their new home at HORAH, they will spend the rest of their lives on the range.
A grant from the Wyoming Community Foundation will support new shelter structures for newly rescued equines. The new barnyard shelters will provide additional space for the animals, and for volunteers to interact with them.
Deb Roberts, Executive Director, and caretaker at HORAH, explains that coming by building materials has been tough. “Everything is more expensive and taking longer to order and ship,” says Deb. Construction and delivery timelines for a new loafing shed can take 6-9 months. But, undeterred, she says that “expansion and improvements hope to be completed by the end of summer or early fall.”
Because of your support, animals will get the new shelter they deserve and HORAH can continue their community involvement.
Not only does HORAH provide a safe and loving space for the animals, but the sanctuary is also a place where volunteers and visitors walk away with a sense of accomplishment and connection. They fi nd purpose and joy through interaction and grooming. Many groups use their visits as therapy. “HORAH provides the opportunity to complete volunteer work as well as hands-on therapeutic time with the animals,” says Pam Brekken, President of the Board of Directors.
With tears in her eyes, Deb recounted a moment during a therapy visit with a client. Visiting from Peak Wellness, this client had gone through a rough time in life herself. But when she met one of HORAH’s donkeys, she found common ground with the animal. It helped her connect what she was going through to what her equine friends had experienced. “They come from bad places but they’re good, just like people are.”
Because of thoughtful donors like you, the animals at HORAH will continue to feel loved and safe in their forever home.