Well, another summer has come – and pretty much gone. Things have been pretty hectic here all summer. I spend most of my days outside, which is why I haven’t gotten a column in here for the past couple of months. There have been lots of improvements made and lots of changes. We have adopted several horses to new homes and have taken in a few more. There is even one who was adopted within a week of arrival, “Gotta love when that happens.” The horses are going into the barn at night now since they figured a way around the boundary fence and visited the neighbors one day. We have since fixed the problem now if only we could convince the goats and the chickens to stay on this side of the fence all would be well. With the traffic the way it is during August we are lucky no one has been hurt. Some people are saying we should change the name of the road to Chicken Run Road.
Even though some of the horses went “a-visitin” none of the little horses were guilty of escaping. One of them, Frizzle, is the sweetest little thing ever. I can honestly say that Frizzle is one horse who has no bad habits. She has never kicked or bitten, she doesn’t crib or chew her stall, she stands for vet and farrier and she loves everyone. Now I am not saying that she can’t be a little bugger sometimes, never seen one yet that is absolutely perfect, but Frizzle certainly comes close. She is only five years old and although too small to be ridden, would make a great cart pony. Frizzle would also make an excellent companion or pasture pet because she loves all the other farm animals here and even likes to play with the dogs. She loves children and will approach anyone for a little attention and even without a halter she is easily caught. Yeah, I would have to say that Frizzle is as close to perfect as any horse can be.
If you are interested in visiting Frizzle or any of the other animals here at DELAS we are having our Fall Open-House on September 25 from 11 till 3. This is one of our biggest fund raisers of the year and we are hoping for a good turnout. Most of the animals will be loose so that people can see how they really do get along for the most part. Don’t worry, anybody that might hurt someone will be penned, but only for that afternoon. If you wish to bring treats please understand that you will not be allowed to feed most of the animals. Who wants nine horses charging at them for a carrot or an apple? We prefer to set treats aside to be fed later with their supper.
We are also planning a benefit trail ride for September 11, with the ride starting at 9am. The ride will be 8 to 10 miles of barrens roads. The trail will be well marked and vehicles will be ahead and behind to warn other travelers about the horses. The blueberries will be all harvested so there shouldn’t be much traffic. Riders should gather donations for the shelter from friends, family, co-workers, or anyone else who supports our efforts and bring them to the ride. There is plenty of room for trailer parking and carriages and carts are more than welcome. There will be a pot luck lunch after the ride. If you are interested in coming please let us know so that we might have some idea of how many to expect. I think that it will be a fun time.
We hope to meet more of our supporters at one or both of these fund raisers. We are located on Hatchery Road, Deblois. Take Route 193, approximately twelve miles from Cherryfield or approximately nine miles from Route 9. Hatchery Road is right across from the Deblois Airstrip. DELAS is two miles down Hatchery Road on the left.
Downeast Equine and Large Animal Society is a 501©3 non-profit, as well as a state licensed farm animal shelter located in Deblois, Maine. Donations go directly to animal care and feed and are greatly appreciated. Visitors and volunteers are welcome by appointment. Send questions or comments to downeastelas@hotmail.com or call 638-3005. Tax deductible donations can be sent to DELAS, PO Box 485, Cherryfield, Maine 04622.
