Nonprofit aids horses in need
Published in the September 18, 2013 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Staff Report
Photo by Jody Swift
Volunteer Grace Swift and horse Jasmine at the Perfect Fit Equine Rescue facility.
Several years ago, Laura Trouard started fostering horses through the San Martin Animal Shelter and successfully found each horse in the adoption program a good home. After fostering for nearly a year, she decided to start an organization called Perfect Fit Equine Rescue on a ranch in Morgan Hill to help horses in need.
Morgan Hill Life recently asked Trouard, who serves as the director of Perfect Fit Equine Rescue, about her organization and why she is so passionate about helping horses find good homes.
How does the Perfect Fit Equine Rescue system work in helping people adopt horses?
After receiving a horse we take a couple months to get to know the horse, their personality, training level, any health concerns. Once we feel we know the horse well enough to properly place them, we start advertising online, with flyers, and by word of mouth. Just as our name says, we want to find the perfect fit for every horse and every owner.
How do you partner with the San Martin Animal Shelter in finding homes for horses?
The shelter receives horses when Santa Clara County Animal Control seizes a horse from abuse or neglect, or their officers pick up stray horses in unincorporated areas. In the case of stray horses, the shelter does a two-week hold to see if the horse will be claimed. If the horse is not claimed, we can step in and ask to have the horse surrendered to us. For seized horses we may have to wait longer for the paperwork for the legal ownership of the horse to be finalized in a court.
How does the adoption of a horse through your organization work?
Once someone has contacted us about a horse, we invite them out for a tour of the ranch, and a meet-and-greet with all the horses. If there’s a horse they would like to pursue adopting, we have them fill out an application and schedule the first test ride. If after the first ride we think the person and horse look like a good fit, we schedule a second ride and then, hopefully, finalize the adoption paperwork. Our adoption fees start at $300 and have not exceeded $1,200.
What health condition are the horses usually in?
It varies with each horse. We have had very skinny horses come to the rescue, almost near death. If a vet has not already examined them at the shelter, we will have them do a full exam and suggest a rehab plan. Other horses come to us in reasonable to good condition, with only minor issues such as untrimmed hooves or skin fungus. Every once and a while we are lucky to receive a healthy horse that does not need any immediate vet care other than having their vaccinations updated.
Where does your passion for horses come from?
I’ve been riding since I was 6, and couldn’t image not having horses in my life. I rode all the time as a child and was blessed to have parents that supported my passion. I received my first horse at 10 and was hooked. I grow tremendously as a horse person with each new horse I work with.
To volunteer or provide financial support, call Laura Trouard at (408) 843-6382 or visit www.perfectfitequinerescue.org
