Horses and humans share a special bond, and at the Old Friends Canada Horse Rescue in Lake Country, B.C., horses that have been hurt by humans can find healing. The rescue, run by Alexandra Macdonald and her husband Dave Gormley, offers a sanctuary for horses that are closer to the end of their life cycle, focusing on care rather than rehab and rehoming. The couple is introducing new programming such as equine therapy and community events to steer the rescue in a new direction.
The sanctuary costs about $150,000 to run each year, which is offset through fundraising and sponsorships. Currently, all animals have one sponsor, but they need eight sponsors to cover their costs. Volunteers, like Darienne Dunn, donate their time to the farm, forming bonds with the horses. Dunn has bonded with a horse named ‘Socks’ and helps her learn to be around people and be touched again.
The sanctuary is home to 23 horses, and families can meet and bond with them at the Easter celebration on April 19. The event will include games, an Easter egg hunt, crafts, and more for the whole family. The couple hopes to see more community involvement and growth in the sanctuary over the next five years.
