June 10, 2021
Hooray for HORAH!: Home On the Range Animal Haven
It’s the story of hope: a dream that started off small and humble grew into an incredible, life-changing organization positively impacting so many humans and animals alike. Meet Home On the Range Animal Haven, loving sanctuary for two- and four-legged friends in need of connection.
Article Contributor: Deb Roberts
How did Home On the Range get started?
Our original intention was to give horses a home when their people could no longer take care of them. It quickly evolved into a sanctuary for abused, abandoned and neglected farm animals. We started attracting at risk adolescents who wanted to do volunteer work and find solace interacting with the animals. Now we welcome all kinds of groups and individuals who find reward in volunteering and interacting with the animals.
How many animals do you currently house?
Right now we have at Home On the Range: 3 horses, 5 ponies, 5 donkeys, 5 goats, 2 sheep and a cat, so 21 individuals. They will spend the rest of their lives at Home On the Range.
The new arrivals are Arthur and Percy – Nubian goats who added some young blood into the mix. They began their life as goat tying goats. Goat tying is an event where the goat is tied to a rope, so it can’t flee. A rider approaches on a horse at great speed and comes to a sliding stop before the tied goat. The rider jumps off, throws the goat — oftentimes with a lot of force — on its side, and ties 3 legs together with a rope. The person throws their hands into the air to signal complete (it’s a timed event). The goat must stay tied for six seconds after the contestant has backed away from the animal. It’s usually younger people who compete. At some point, the goats get too big/difficult for the person to throw, and so the goats are discarded. As a result, very abruptly Percy and Arthur needed a home, or else they were going to auction (which isn’t a good thing). They came to Home On the Range instead.
They were apprehensive at first, but after two days of being on the opposite side of a fence from the others, they were turned out. Both had the zoomies for about 45 minutes while the other goats and sheep looked on in disbelief. After a little bit of coaching on manners, they have become an integral part of the family.
They revel when children come to run and play with them and connect so well!
Who can visit and interact with the animals at HORAH?
Anybody who has an interest: both groups and individuals!
What kinds of volunteer positions are available at HORAH?
Volunteers can help with things like manure clean up, general clean up and maintenance, fundraising, social media, grooming, if they have an expertise they'd like to share.
