CATHEYS VALLEY – Small equine sanctuary Wayward Ponies’ Home is hosting the sixth annual Open House on Saturday, Feb. 21 from noon to 2 p.m.
Wayward Ponies’ Home is a nonprofit, permanent sanctuary whose mission is to provide a home for a limited number of ponies and horses.
The organization promotes compassionate care for all.
They currently have given a “forever home” to 14 four-legged souls, according to Lou Anne Sakaki. Owners try to educate the public on horse care through the website and by way of the open house, held every February.
Admission to the Wayward Ponies’ Home Open House is free, as are refreshments, children’s activities and one raffle ticket toward a gate prize. There will also be a $20 potluck-style raffle, in which each ticket buyer is guaranteed a pot full of prizes worth $50 or more. The event will be held rain or shine with an alternate location in case of wet weather.
According to the website, about 138,000 horses go unwanted in the United States each year. One of the horses at Wayward Ponies’ was reportedly rescued from slaughter in 1997 and the organization supports six horses and eight ponies, “mostly on the fading strength of one schoolteacher’s salary.” The animals are kept fed, groomed, wormed, trimmed, vaccinated and otherwise taken care of.
“When weather and strength permit, we build up our muscles trudging up and down their 3-acre turnout, attempting to keep their droppings in one pile ’til it can be removed.” Who needs a gym when you have horses?
The sanctuary does need tax-deductible donations of new, prize-worthy items or gift certificates. To donate and/or to receive an invitation card with directions to the event, call (209) 742-6808 or email help@waywardponies.org
Get more information through the website, www.waywardponies.org or on Facebook.
