Published in the Sept. 16-30, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Staff Report
Lynn Hummer with her horse
The Pregnant Mare Rescue Foundation is an equine sanctuary that has rescued more than 150 pregnant mares and orphaned foals from imminent slaughter. Since its founding in May 2006, it has been committed to rehabilitating abused horses, to advocating humane treatment and to providing a safe haven for equines too damaged to re-home.
A special benefit concert fundraiser for the foundation will be held Friday Sept. 25 at 5 p.m. in San Martin. Music will be provided by the tribal Celtic band The Wicked Tinkers. Morgan Hill Life asked founder Lynn Hummer about the foundation and how it is involved in helping horses.
What is the Pregnant Mare Rescue Foundation and who supports it?
Our foundation is specifically devoted to rescuing pregnant mares and orphaned foals from imminent slaughter. We are an equine sanctuary committed to rehabilitating abused horses, to advocating humane treatment and to providing a safe haven for equines too damaged to re-home.
Our goal is to fully expand our work and existing programs, to secure a permanent home for our sanctuary, to create a legacy and to move towards being financially self-sufficient. Our strategies behind and our reasons motivating this expansion are key to the ultimate success of our work. Horses will graze, heal and teach. We will uphold environmental guidelines honoring indigenous vegetation surrounding the Monterey Bay area.
We are honored to have Dwight Clark, retired San Francisco 49er, Linda Blair, founder of the Linda Blair World Heart Foundation, and Jen Pryor from Pryor’s Planet make up our honorary advisory board.
Where do the horses you protect come from?
Most horse rescues are located in small remote rural areas sometimes hours away. One of our important differentiating factors is our location. Our current facility and the land parcels we are evaluating are in close proximity to the greater San Francisco Bay Area communities, and Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, making accessibility easy.
Why is the abuse of horses such a problem – especially with a recent event in the South Valley region involving a man neglecting these equine animals?
Equine abuse is everywhere, and the South Valley region is no exception. This is why education is such an important part of rescue. 160,000 horses are sent to slaughterhouses annually.
Your foundation helps educate the public on how to appreciate horses – and provides the community with opportunities to “experience the magic and wonder of horses.” How do you go about doing this?
The wonder of horses allows people to come and experience horses first hand. They can learn about the subtle messages horses share with their body language. They learn how to stay safe in their company and learn to halter , and walk them. These moment create the opportunity for people to see just how special and amazing horses are. It plants the seed and it is just the beginning. Horses are so much more than something to ride.
DETAILS OF FUNDRAISER
What Wicked Tinkers Benefit Concert For Pregnant Mare Rescue Foundation
When: 5 p.m. Friday Sept. 25
Where: 221 Highland Ave., San Martin
Tickets: $49
www.eventbrite.com/e/benefit-concert-wicked-tinkers-for-the-pregnant-mare-rescue-tickets-17271827501
