I must admit I’m not a Star Trek fan. But seeing Captain Kirk rocket into space on the Blue Origin at 90 years old was amazingly inspiring! We should all be so lucky to still be filled with wonder and a sense of adventure at 90. For me, the biggest challenge in growing older is still believing I can do whatever I set my mind on. While others may poo-poo my plans and think me over the hill, I must trudge onward, over the hill, steep as it may become, to the place where dreams meet reality. My plans are not simply to be an old woman who cares for blind horses, but someone who sees a place where blind horses can be helped by knowledgeable people who strive to find options for helping these unfortunate animals regain their sight and, hence, their usefulness. It’s a lofty goal indeed but one always in the back of my mind. While it may seem impossible, so was the thought of William Shatner floating in zero gravity.
Meanwhile, back at Rainhill, we have been super busy getting ready for winter. I always dread those months when hoses freeze, pastures disappear and cold winds blow. It’s a terrible time for animals that have no shelter and must rely on trees or each other for protection. In the past year we have been building run-in shelters for all the horses except for one group, which I hope to have built before winter sets its grip on us. The photo on this page is of one of the sheds that was completed this spring. It’s 24×24 and split down the middle, making two 12×12 shelters. We build these sheds straddling two pastures so that two different groups of horses can utilize the protection they provide. Caring for as many blind horses as we do, great care must be taken to not crowd sightless horses, as they tend to panic in close spaces. These sheds are expensive, but every time I see the horses enjoying them I am happy all over again, knowing that I am doing the best I can for their health and safety.
So, I have one more big field with five horses. Actually, three are sighted and two are blind. They get along very well, having been together for over ten years. They have the only field without a run-in shed and my goal is to have one built. It’s an expensive time of year for Rainhill and probably not the best for extra funds for construction. But, I’m hoping, nevertheless, to get it done, and so if you’ve ever thought about helping these precious horses with a donation, now would be a wonderful time. We are a 501c3 non-profit and all money raised goes directly to the horses’ care and feeding. No one here ever receives a salary of any kind. If you can help, please do, we’d be so grateful.
Have a happy Thanksgiving and stay well. God bless you all for caring!
-by Karen Thurman
Rainhill Equine Facility, Inc.
11125 Ky. Hwy. 185
Bowling Green, KY 42101
270-777-3164
