Eye of the Storm Equine Rescue Help

Eye of the Storm is a horse rescue and sanctuary that has been in operation since 1999, housing between fourteen and eighteen horses. We have taken in end of-the-line horses and with the help of people to care for them despite their infirmities, they can live a long, healthy life. These horses would otherwise be euthanized or sent to slaughter. Most of our horses can no longer be ridden due to blindness or career-ending lameness. One horse had post-traumatic stress that caused her debilitating nightmares and anxiety attacks from having been “trained” as a Spanish dancing horse. She recently died at the age of 29 in our loving arms. Like her, most of our horses remain with us for their entire lives or are fostered to trusted friends. We do not adopt out our horses to the general public as most of them could not thrive elsewhere.

We also educate the public on the plight of the unwanted horse as well as expose atrocities within the industry from a common sense prospective, through our blog and Facebook page. We are internationally known for finding a natural remedy to manage Equine Cushing’s Disease. We are the longest running small equine rescue in the state of Massachusetts and are completely run by volunteers. 100-percent of all the money raised goes directly to the horses’ care.

Most of the girl volunteers have come and gone through Eye of the Storm have been unique, artistic, and creative people. Horses tend to ground us in an otherwise difficult world. Many of the girls have told us about their difficulty at school and with friends; some had formerly considered suicide. The horses provide them a healthy, safe relationship free of judgment or bullying. We strive to teach responsibility and compassion. So far, they have all grown up to be healthy, well-adjusted adults. Many start out doing community service for us, but end up staying for years. Horses and our girls thrive on their love for each other.

One of our goals is to set up an area of the barn where these girls can feel safe and comfortable. We want a warm and nurturing place where the can do their homework while sitting with their favorite pony. We would like to be able to encourage them to pursue their talents and teach them that being a little different is okay. They feel valued because the horses need them. They would be welcome to stay with us long term, or just stop by then they need.

Our problem is that the property that we presently rent does not fulfill our longer term goals. Our aging landlord is now considering selling off the property, leaving our horses homeless. It is an old chicken farm and the barn, actually an old chicken coop, is over 70 years old with outdated electric and water systems. (We routinely have to fish small wildlife out of the well.) There is no bathroom or caretaker’s living quarters on the property. We’re constantly trying to patch the barn and its roof, but sometimes it seems that it is only being held together by love. We really need to move before the situation becomes direr, but currently lack the funds.

We want to rent or purchase a farm that fits our needs. Ideally, this would include a barn with between 10-12 stalls, a caretaker unit, and enough fenced pasturage to turn the horses out in good weather. We also need to hire a general handyman, preferably a veteran. Any grants approved will go into an account specifically for this project. Our target goal is $500,000. We, of course, still need to feed and care for our horses at our current location, but can no longer spend any money improving the building or fences. We are requesting any amount of money that deem fit to help our cause. The soon we attain our goals, the sooner we can set up our program to help all involved. We have proven that we are in it for the long term after being in operation for over fifteen years.

From all the equine and volunteers, thank you for your time and support.