A Safe 'Hay-ven'

A Safe “Hay”-ven

By Lauren Bertovich.

Every person is given qualities at birth that make us good people; caring, strong, determined. But every now and again you meet someone who seems to have a little extra in those areas, as if their hearts are a tad bigger or their bodies a bit stronger. Their kindness button comes with no “off ” switch and they turn adverse situations into something good. Those that speak for the ones with no voices are especially blessed.

The voiceless need a guardian angel to step in and ensure a peaceful existence. And a peaceful existence endures here in Greene County, high on a hill surrounded by clouds and colorful trees. Animals may feel truly saved here, with Darlene Moore as their hero.

Darlene Moore’s farm was built in 1892 and has seen 126 years of family memories. It’s a home to humanity and history. At age 7 Darlene received her first horse from her father as a Christmas gift, sparking a passion to love and care for her animals and her land. In 1982, she opened Save A Horse Stable to be able to care for even more animals.

Darlene’s 380-acre farm is home to herds of cattle, 10 rat-killin’ cats, 41 horses and donkeys, and a dog named Pebbles that seems to keep them all in line. She has dedicated her life and opened her home to many horses that were neglected, abused and approaching euthanasia or slaughter. She knows every animal’s name and can tell you exactly where they are on her 242-acre farm. Her husband Kevin, children Doug and Angela, and brother Larry are proud to keep the farm functioning efficiently, because it is the final home for many horses desperately in need of one. Many friends also serve as volunteers to help the farm function.

Darlene has rescued horses that have outlived their owners and ones seen as “yard pets”, purchased cheap and left outside merely to survive. She rescues as many horses as can be properly cared for at the farm and caring for them is no small job. It includes feeding, grooming, visits with vets, dentists, chiropractors, and blacksmiths. And every horse is given room to gallop and roam, which plays a key role in their vitality. Originally, to pay for the high costs of running the shelter, she had a riding stable but in 2012, she made the Save A Horse Stables non-profit, which gave her access to grants and allowed fundraising opportunities, like their annual open house event.

This year the farm has received the largest contribution in its history, leaving Darlene especially thankful to the unnamed patron and giving her peace of mind that all the animals will be fed over the next few months. “Save a Horse” is sustainable but still looks for help in the form of donations in addition to grants to assist with the costs of running a rescue home. Their annual open house allows guests to visit the farm, go on hayrides, listen to music, play games, grab a bite to eat, and interact with the horses. Darlene also works with Green ARC and its clients (individuals with disabilities), having them work with the horses as a form of therapy. The horses also provide therapy to victims of domestic abuse.

Darlene assists the Humane Society in removing horses from deplorable conditions. She recalls a specific horse, confined to a stall in a trailer park, too emaciated to walk and carried to her trailer on a tarp. Sadly, the horse died shortly after at her farm due to severe neglect and abuse it had suffered. But even after witnessing such cruelty her faith is never stronger and she gets up every day and works so that these animals can live a life of comfort and safety. Darlene misses riding her horses and recently underwent a hip replacement so she could do so in the future but says that right now there are just not enough hours in the day, something we can all relate to.

Appaloosas, Palominos, American Saddlebreds and many more breeds roam the lands of Save A Horse Stables. Each is striking and significant in its own way but they all share a grateful expression on their long faces. If you would like to help “Save a Horse” you can contact their stables through their website, saveahorsestable.com, on Facebook, or call for a visit (724) 499-5709. They are located at 165 Lightner Run Road, Sycamore, Pa 15364. These are animals worth saving; they make the world a more beautiful place. Don’t believe me – just go straight to the horse’s mouth!