LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Horses are known for their beauty and therapeutic disposition. But horses also need a lot of care, and it can be costly. For those facing a long-term illness or financial hardship, the options — before now — were limited. That’s where Hearts Alive Village Horse Rescue comes in. It gives these animals and some of their owners a second chance.
“I found that early on, when I started coming up here, I just started singing and a horse would come over because it’s kind of unusual.” However, nothing about Dr. Alice Whitfield-Hammer who sings to horses is ordinary. From her lime green locks to her beautiful voice, she offers a glimpse into her stories past in show business. Now she spends her days just below Kyle Canyon at the ranch.
Joking with the pony she said, “You’re my size.” While she may be petite, it was her big plans and her husband’s financial backing that created a safe space to take in and rehab horses. “This is literally the case if it weren’t for us, Joe would be euthanized,” said Whitfield-Hammer showing off one of the horses at the ranch.
It’s 15 acres and has more than two dozen horses, along with staff and volunteers, who bring a lot of heart and love.
“People should come up and see this place and see what Sharon does,” said Whitfield-Hammer. She’s talking about Sharon McGarrey. McGarrey holds the reins to this ranch. She’s in charge of operations and development. McGarrey said, “Everything comes in with the idea that it’s going to be adopted out again.”
McGarrey said X-rays of the feet and spine are done when each horse comes to the ranch. With the right veterinarian care and training, it’s a sanctuary for many of these animals and it’s why Sandy Williams brought her horse Dusty to HAV Horse Rescue.
“They soothe your soul, they mend your heart,” Williams said. She said Dusty needed a companion and she could no longer care for her. “It broke my heart because I surrendered her. But she’ll always be my baby and I’m her volunteer. I get to take care of my horse up here and I can see her whenever I want.”
McGarrey said, “We always encourage those who surrender their horses to come back and visit their horses as often as possible. It’s really important to the horse and that’s what we’re all about.”
For Williams, HAV Horse Rescue has given her a new purpose. “I never thought I could get back into the horse life again, but I am starting another phase of it,” she said.
It’s a one-of-a-kind place.
Right now, HAV has one main barn with 10 stalls and sheds where the horses live in little herds. When HAV has finished building, they’ll have six pastures and a senior center for the long-term, sanctuary horses. Those are the ones that won’t likely be adopted because of medical reasons. For more information visit: click here.
