A CHERISHED local charity that saves horses from slaughter and abuse has just been thrown a lifeline of its own.
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North West Equine Rescue (NWER), which has rehomed more than 500 horses in the past three years, was left without a Tamworth base when charity stalwart Pat Wall died suddenly earlier this year.
Without a property to train its horses, the charity’s future was plunged into doubt.
But, much to its relief, the committee last week found a 120-acre property on Warral Rd to transform into a new facility.
NWER founder Tianna Milovanovic said the leasing of the property would herald the dawn of a new era for the charity. “When Pat died, we closed overnight; we were forced shut,” Ms Milovanovic said.
“While we still had a property in Armidale, we lost the ability to take in stallions, troubled horses and horses deemed dangerous. It’s such a relief to find a new property.”
She said the new centre would be the first of its kind in Australia, offering a training and intensive care facility, as well as providing clinics and courses.
“We want to have dressage clinics and courses for problem loaders,” Ms Milovanovic said.
“We will also have animal welfare talks and we want to work with local schools and disadvantaged youth.”
To donate to NWER, visit its webpage at www.northwestequine.org.au
The charity originally took only ex-racehorses but has evolved to take neglected horses of all shapes and sizes.
“The need for our service has gone through the roof; we get phone calls from people every day,” Ms Milovanovic said.
“We work closely with the RSPCA and go to saleyards across Australia to bid on horses otherwise going to slaughter.”
The lease for the new property will be signed on November 6, allowing the charity to take up to 20 horses at a time.
Ms Milovanovic is asking for generous local businesses to donate time or materials to helping build the facility, with fencing and yard panels both in high demand.
To donate to NWER, visit its webpage at www.northwestequine.org.au