ENCINITAS, CA - National Equine Resource Network’s (NERN) low-cost gelding clinic drive that has already gelded over 150 CA horses in 2012 will be expanding to other states this Fall.
"Our goal has always been to develop a model that will work anywhere. We believe that with the success of our pilot program in California we've done just that," stated Shirley Puga, NERN Executive Director. "Now it's time to take it on the road."
NERN’s low cost gelding clinics have allowed horse owners, struggling in today's economy, to geld of their horses via leading equine vets for $75 per animal - a nominal fee compared to the average cost for this procedure of $150-300 or more.
Since March of 2011 a total of 242 horses have been gelded in heavily equine populated communities throughout California. In a world where there aren’t enough good homes for existing horses, this represents approximately 1,200 future foals that won't be sired.
The out-of-state clinics will assist in further reducing the country's future (excess) equine population, and will engage non profit equine rescues and equine veterinarians as partners. The first such clinic will be held this September in Washington State.
The Washington clinic, a two-day affair scheduled for Sep 8 & 9, will be co-hosted by three horse rescue affiliates - Horse Harbor Foundation in Kitsap County, Sunrise Equine Rescue in Mason County, and Center Valley Animal Rescue in Jefferson County.
These three 501(c)(3) equine rescue sanctuaries partnered on Project Safety Net, a local owner assistance program, that enabled over 60 horses to remain safe in their homes, with good owners who were struggling due to layoffs, unemployment and other factors.
A requirement for assistance in the Project Safety Net program was that any stallions or colts be gelded before any assistance was provided. For that reason, these horse rescuers were highly receptive to the NERN gelding clinic program.
In addition to Fall clinics in CA and WA, NERN is organizing a 2-day clinic in Nevada, and also exploring opportunities in other western states. Visit their website atwww.nationalequine.org for a current schedule of clinics or contact NERN at nationalequine@gmail.com to inquire about participation.
To date, the NERN Gelding Program has received financial support from One Horse At A Time, BiSaddular, Tigertail Foods, Honest Kitchen and GreaterGood.Org. Further support is needed to assist NERN in expanding this highly successful, proactive program. Tax deductible donations can be made directly though the website, at www.nationalequine.org. Or contact: Shirley Puga 760-419-2462.
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