Twenty years ago, Graystone Ranch would receive about two horses a year from people who couldn’t take care of them.
This year, the non-profit organization in Hephzibah has averaged eight a month. The blame is being pinned on the poor economy, and Graystone is not alone in the state dealing with an increase in discarded horses.
“Our department has seen a tremendous influx of new cases, often attributed to an owner no longer having the ability to properly care for (their) horses,” said Mat Thompson, equine manager for the Georgia Department of Agriculture Animal Protection Division, Equine Health Section, which is responsible for enforcing the Human Care for Equines Act and the Animal Protection Act.
“There is an absolute soar in the number of horses people are dropping off,” Graystone Ranch Associate Director Kandi Eskew said. “It’s incredible. I’m sure it’s economy driven.”
Two weeks ago, the 500-acre state and federally licensed animal rehab center, sanctuary and preserve received six horses at one time. Recently, they picked up an emaciated horse wandering on the side of the road.
“You could count every rib in its body,” said Rusty Eskew, director of Graystone. “If you are having a problem, please don’t do the animal injustice by thinking things are going to get better tomorrow. Take care of it today. Call us. We can at least help you find a way to feed it.”
The high cost of feed is the main component of the problem, Kandi Eskew said. A bale of hay that cost $15 20 years ago now ranges from $45-$65, depending on what kind it is, she said. One large horse eats a bale in three months.
“Due to the extreme drought across much of our state this year, hay has become an even more expensive commodity,” Thompson said, adding there is a shortage across the nation, and some hay producers in Georgia can make more money shipping their hay out of state to sell elsewhere, causing costs to rise even more.
Graystone is feeling the strain of high costs, too. Kandi Eskew said they receive no state or federal funds. The ranch raises its own money by holding a Fall Fest and Haunted Forest in the fall and other seasonal events throughout the year.
In addition to horses, the ranch is a haven for exotic tigers, large birds, lambs, goats and almost anything else, except dogs and cats. But the horses are the second-most expensive animal to keep – second to the tigers, which are relocated to nature centers out west.
Rusty Eskew said he is worried they may have to say no if the number of horses being brought in continues to climb.
“With many Georgians facing tough times, it becomes harder to sell – or in some cases, even give away – a horse,” Thompson said.
He recommends horse owners in trouble visit www.gerlltd.org for information about the Georgia Equine Rescue League. Founded in 1992, the league supports the Department of Agriculture’s impound program, offers emergency feed assistance and a horse foster home program. Thompson also recommends local rescue shelters, such as Graystone. More information about the ranch can be found at www.graystoneranch.com.
People can help Graystone help horses and other animals by volunteering. The ranch currently has 170 volunteers “who give beaucoup hours to help the animals,” Kandi Eskew said. They also can help by attending the Fall Fest or Haunted Forest. All of the proceeds go back to the animals.
“I worry personally with the economy declining, what’s going to happen to the animals?” she said. “We rescue over 3,000 a year. If we cease, who’s going to do that? These animals need the public’s support.”
Tips from the Georgia Department of Agriculture to sell a horse in a responsibly sound and appropriate manner:
This is so sad. With my background in horses I'd love to volunteer for these wonderful folks!
Hey Shrimp!! Hope the back is doing better. Went to the website and was surprised at the list of donated items they can take and use. I tried finding information on how to make a monetary donation but there's a lot of information and didn't have time to sort through all of it right now. They did post a phone number, guess a phone call is in order.
Donations can be mailed to Graystone Ranch, 1017 McManus Road, Hephzibah, GA, 30815. Credit card donations can be made by calling Graystone Ranch at 706-360-0808. Please visit the website for more details. People thinking about volunteering are encouraged to visit and take a tour. If you then want to volunteer, go to their office to apply and get more information.
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