A severely underweight horse (Serif), a wild alpine weanling (Jamaal) and an abused mustang (Willow) have been taken into the care of Canham Farm Horse Rescue, a nonprofit horse rescue and rehabilitation center in Scotts Valley that is asking for financial donations and volunteers to help the horses in need.
As the only local horse rescue that advocates for the nation’s wild horses, Canham Farm Horse Rescue, located on 333 Canham Road, Scotts Valley, is committed to reducing the greatest amount of suffering for the largest number of horses and, when possible, exposing cruelty and prosecuting abusers.
“We are a small nonprofit horse rescue that is struggling financially,” founder Julia Hyde said. “We try to be self-sufficient but sometimes we have to ask for help. This is one of those times.”
Hay prices have been rising due to a number of factors, including wet weather, drought and high fuel prices. According to the most recent “Giving USA” report, overall charitable giving dropped 2.1% in 2023 after inflation, and giving by individuals dropped by 2.4%.
“With so many nonprofits competing for funds, small entities like ours are often overlooked,” said Hyde.
According to Hyde, the past few months have hit the rescue hard: “We’ve spent extra on food, we have had veterinary bills for one of our wild horses’ allergies, extra bedding and grain, not to mention necessities such as fly spray, dewormer, ointments and medication. The list just keeps getting longer.”
“With only seven rescued horses, eight being the maximum we can take in, we cannot afford to take in anymore,” Hyde said. “What we can do, with the community’s help, is to make sure we have enough money to cover the costs of the horses we have now, without eating into our back-up funds.”
Emma Martinson, a Zoologist and certified animal trainer, has been volunteering with Canham Farm Horse Rescue for the past year.
“Working with animals that have experienced trauma takes special care and skills,” Martinson said. “It also requires a specific mindset to put the animals first and to suspend our human ego. I have been involved with other animal rescues in my professional career and can confirm that Canham Farm authenticity is dedicated to their mission.”
“We need more experienced volunteers like Emma,” Hyde added. “We need board members to help with fundraising, accounting and advocacy. We could also use the services of advocates and researchers to help us keep track of the round up of wild horses and investigate what happens to these captured horses after they leave the control of the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service.”
For volunteer opportunities with Canham Farm Horse Rescue, or to donate, visit canhamfarm.com.
