“A horse is the projection of peoples’ dreams about themselves – strong, powerful, beautiful – and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane existence.” – Pam Brown

This morning I want to recognize a horse rescue located in Farmington, MO.

“People think we save these horses, but the truth is – they save us.” – Barbara Hutchinson founder of Renaissance Rescue.

Barbara had a lucrative career as an attorney and she walked away from it to turn her full-time attention to horses.  She was know around the show jumping circles and was a a regular competitor.   Barbara and her husband, Laurence relocated to Farmington, MO. in 2005.  Not long after came Zoe, Bailey and then Tristan, dogs who found a loving home then came cats.

Not long after came the horses.  As word got out about her home for retired and injured racehorses, Fairmount  Racetrack in Illinois began sending horses whose careers had been ended due to injury.  Barbara says with a smile on her face, “I just couldn’t turn them away.”

 

“I call horses “divine mirrors” – they reflect back the emotions you put in.  If you put in love and respect and kindness and curiosity, the horse will return that.” – Allan Hamilton

The Horses

Some arrive with injuries they incurred at the track that ended their careers.  Renaissance Rescue Ranch (RRR) provides rehabilitation and medical care.  Some have been abandoned and some were on their way to the shaughterhouse.

A major international racing syndicate, Team Valor, also places horses with them.  Barbara says she has put a lot of miles on her truck retrieving horses that were many states away.

Their Mission

RRR’s mission is to rescue, protect, and rehabilitate thoroughbreds in need.  We are a “no kill” sanctuary and will never put down a horse unless there is a medical reason and all other options have been exhausted.  Our hope is to find loving homes for all our horses.

Renaissance Rescue Ranch is located on 75 acres and presently caring for 130 horses.  There are medical expenses, food, shelter and maintenance costs also.  Visitors are welcome and tours are available.  You get a chance to visit it is certainly worth your time.

The expense of taking care of these equines is a huge undertaking and any volunteers or donations is greatly appreciated.  You can visit their website: http://www.renaissancerescue.com and donate through their PayPal account or send your donation to:

Renaissance Rescue Ranch

4305 HWY O

Farmington, MO 63640

(573)-915-4627

RRR doesn’t rescue only Thoroughbreds.  They have quite a diversity of equines.  I have visited on numerous occasions and can tell you that their rescues are very well taken care of.  They are fed well and loved by the staff and volunteers.  If you live in the area and want to help with daily chores they welcome volunteers.

Thank you for taking time to read my blog.  This is a very worth while rescue and I appreciate the work they do in giving these equines another chance in life.  My hat is off to them for doing such a good job.  Remember, spread the love.