VISITORS WELCOMED
Rescued horses and other other animals greet people at open house for new barn
Asia thrust her big head far out over the stall door to make it easier for people to pet her. The lovely dun-colored mare especially likes the attention of children, so she was a big hit Sunday at the official open house of the newly built Quest Stables in South Park.
Asia, 11, was very busy, as several hundred people had accepted the invite from Renee Koroly, who owns and operates the barn as a nonprofit rescue for horses and other farm animals that no one else wants.
It was a wonderful opportunity for people who don’t have regular access to horses that they can touch and meet. For Asia and eight other horses, it was a chance to enjoy the attention and the kindness of strangers, including some who donated money to help build the barn.
Pigs named Reuben and Ellie, Maddox the goat, roosters Max and Arnold, and a flock of friendly hens rounded out the welcome committee at the 5-acre farm at the corner of Ridge and Wallace roads.
It was a happy event but bittersweet as well. A plaque in the new barn explains: “This barn is dedicated to those who perished March 20, 2016. They are always loved and remembered in our hearts forever.”
Seven horses, two goats, a pig, a cat, and a number of chickens and ducks died that day when the rescue operation’s 100year-old barn burned to the ground. The cause has not been determined. Seven wooden plaques list the name of each horse: Pegasus, Dorito, Commander, Hendrix, Sterling, George and Twinkle Toes.
Two horses who survived the fire now live in the new barn — Aladar, 20, an appaloosa who is blind because of abuse at the hands of a former owner, and an elderly pony, Romeo, 35.
The horses have sad backstories. The friendly and affectionate Asia was bought at auction by a “kill buyer” who planned to haul her to a slaughterhouse. The mare collapsed in the horse trailer, and slaughterhouses aren’t supposed to take in downed animals.
“They were just going to shoot her,” Ms. Koroly said.
Her veterinarian determined that Asia, thought to be about 11 years old, had a severe vitamin deficiency that probably led to her collapse. She is now healthy and happy.
In addition to operating Quest Stables for the past 11 years, Ms. Koroloy has a Facebook page, End of the Line Horse Placement. There she posts photos of horses and ponies bought by a kill buyer. Would-be rescuers can buy them directly from the buyer.
Recent posts of available horses are in the $400-$500 range. The price varies, depending on what slaughterhouses are paying for horses that would be killed and processed for dog food or as meat for human consumption in Europe.