First Annual Auction and Fundraiser for CV Horse Rescue in Indio. Saturday, November 1 @ 5 pm
By Lisa Morgan
Save a horse, buy a cowboy. Yes, you read that right. What was once only a sassy bumper sticker or T-shirt, is now a reality. There will be a LIVE COWBOY AUCTION: Cowboy bachelors will be auctioned off, one by strapping one, to the highest bidder. The best part about it is you can purchase your cowboy guilt free, since every penny will go to the rescue and care of horses once deemed “unusable” who now serve a beautiful purpose. Now, if you’re anything like me, my naughty friends, I know exactly what you’re thinking! You’re thinking to yourself, “What about food? Will there be barbecue?” Rest assured the answer is yes, and not just any barbecue! Award winning, Cowboy Way Bar-B-Que, will be catering the event with their smoky, delicious goodness. As if these weren’t reason enough to drop everything and support this worthwhile cause, you’ll also be treated to award winning country music by R Buckle Road, playing in front of a barn style dance floor, complete with line dancing instruction. There will be a silent auction for some incredible items, vendor booths, cowboy games, a petting zoo, and even hay bale rides.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the incredible rescue horses that are up for adoption. I asked Annette Garcia, rescue director of CV Horse Rescue, how many horses currently live and work on the property and quickly came in contact with her huge heart for this organization and magnificent creatures cared for there. “We had 18 horses…” Her voice trailed off as her valiant attempt to stifle her tears failed her. “We had 18 horses, but we lost Storm,” she shared as she struggled to continue. “She had a special place in my heart, so I sponsored her myself for two years. Storm had come to the rescue wild and pregnant. You couldn’t go near her; she wouldn’t pick up her feet. Any farrier would tell you that Storm turned out to be one of the best horses on the property.” Garcia explained, “Storm just finally let me know that she was in a lot of pain and that it was time to let her go.” The organization’s website www.cvhorserescue.org, has a touching and fitting tribute to Storm, produced by two of the girls, Gracie and Katelin, that visit and help with duties at the rescue property. They told what they knew of Storm’s story against the back drop of beautiful pictures of the majestic, grey, Arab and Quarter mix mare. As music plays, these words scroll:
She had a 10% chance of living.
No one could touch her.
No one knew her story.
No one knew her pain.
No one knew her suffering.
She overcame her fears.
She started to trust.
She may never be ridden and that’s ok.
She was and is a survivor.
She is a rescue horse in her forever home.
It suddenly became very clear to me, as I watched, why these horses, this rescue organization and these people are so effective as part of a therapy program for troubled youth and adults much like myself. These horses, these people, are just like us – fighting to find strength and beauty in broken places. And here, they succeed together beautifully.
CV Horse Rescue is in serious need of support. We live in an area with many charities working hard for the same donor dollars. Here, we have an organization that not only allows these throw-away animals to thrive through their use of donations, but also gives back to its community. This completely all volunteer operated, non-profit organization, links people and rescued animals together, resulting in restorative, healing relationships. Among their many services, CV Horse Rescue provides scholarships for horse camps, and horsemanship clinics. They also partner with organizations such as 4-H, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, helping them develop horsemanship, leadership, and an understanding of the importance of giving back to the community. If animals have a special place in your heart, this event is the perfect opportunity for you to take a close look at the organization you could take great pleasure in supporting. Bring the family and meet the 17 horses remaining on the property, the two goats, one dog, and the mini horses, each with their own story and purpose.
The event is set for November 1, starting at 5:00p.m. CV Horse Rescue is located 2 miles north of the I-10 Freeway, ¼ mile east of Granite Construction. Tickets are a $40.00 tax deductible donation in advance and $50.00 at the door. Children under 18 get in for free. Randy Houston from K Palm radio will be the DJ alongside of Coachella Valley Music Award’s “Best Country Band 2014”. I strongly encourage you to visit their website for more detailed information on this valuable organization and the event details. You can find them at www.cvhorserescue.org or call (760) 808-6279. Tickets are on sale now.
