Horse Shelter hopes to rein in more cash
Horse Shelter Resale Store on San Mateo Road has ‘soft opening’ today
As costs to care for horses have continued to rise in recent years, particularly in times of drought, revenues at the Horse Shelter, nestled in the rolling hills of Cerrillos, have remained flat.
The nonprofit’s leaders say the $540,000 it brings in annually through donations and popular fundraisers — an Eq-Wine Dinner at Restaurant Martín, a spring auction and the Gimme Shelter professional horse trainer competition — isn’t enough to meet the demands of a growing number of horses in need.
In an effort to raise more money to care for the dozens of rescued horses that are rehabilitated and prepared for adoption each year at the shelter, the organization is opening a new resale store on San Mateo Road. The shop, which carries a mix of clothing, jewelry, art and riding gear, plans a Black Friday “soft opening.”
The Horse Shelter Resale Store, organizers say, is meant not only to help support horses in need, but also to increase the shelter’s visibility.
“People don’t actually find us unless they’re looking for us,” said Director Susan Hemmerle. “We hope the store will better connect us to the community — and to volunteers.”
On a recent day at the shelter, a row of horses popped their heads out from between the bars of their spacious pens to greet volunteers and staff members walking by.
There was Milo, a 2-year-old auburn-hued horse who was emaciated and standoffish when he was brought in earlier this year. Now, he has a full stomach and calm demeanor, allowing even strangers to stroke his forehead.
And there was Falsa, a neglected female pinto who came to the shelter with what one staff member called “the worst feet I’ve ever seen” — a condition that can cause a variety of general medical problems and joint issues for a horse.
She’s still a bit skittish, but Falsa now has healthy hooves and an upbeat energy.
Nutmeg, once a bit aggressive, now shows off her smile and nudges her snout in the air, seeking attention from passers-by.
These are just a few of the 70-plus horses housed at the shelter that are recovering from abuse and neglect.
It’s becoming increasingly expensive to care for them.
Feeding costs alone top $100,000 per year, Hemmerle said.
Michele Wolford, volunteer coordinator and co-manager of the shelter, said the ever-changing price of hay is one of the biggest concerns. With severe drought affecting the region a few years ago and again last summer, she said, hay costs have fluctuated dramatically — at times more than double than in the past.
Along with food, veterinary services and general upkeep of the ranch, funding to train the horses is a top priority, Wolford said.
Training to ensure the horses can be ridden by a new owner is key to ensuring they are adopted, she said, adding the shelter’s goal is a high turnover rate.
“The more horses we can put in good homes, the more we can take in,” Hemmerle said.
It now puts about 30 to 40 horses up for adoption each year, she said, and she’d love to see that number grow.
Better yet, she’d like the number of horses in need to drop altogether.
In the meantime, Hemmerle said, “The need made us grow.” Hence, the new store. On the bottom floor of the Horse Shelter Resale Store are shelves of antique silver goods, cabinets of Native American jewelry, piles of preowned jeans and racks packed with sweaters. High-end art also fills the space, including a $12,000 bronze statue of a calf donated by Oregon artist Jan Van Ek — a horse lover herself — and a colorful Santa Fe Southern Railway horse statue titled Tracker that’s priced at $4,800.
Upstairs, equine enthusiasts can find handwoven reins, bits, saddles, chaps, horse blankets and boots.
“It’s a very eclectic mix, I think,” said Hemmerle, showing off a military-style saddle she said is likely intended for decoration.
Because there are few places in town that offer horse equipment, Wolford said, she believes
the store fills a niche. Very few such retailers, if any, sell used items, she said. “Not everyone can afford to go out and buy all new tack.”
While rummaging through worn chaps and brand-new jackets, Hemmerle reflected on the purpose of the store: “It’s for the horses,” she said. “They really remind you why we’re doing this.”
“The horses really are the whole thing,” said store manager Ira Clark. “They come in looking like skeletons and come out looking like the shiny and beautiful animals that they are.”