by Reporter O. Catalan Arizona Virtual Academy I recently had the chance to visit an open house at the Jumpin’ Jack Ranch, home of Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary. This ranch is dedicated to helping and rescuing Premarin (PMU) horses. There, neglected, abused and mistreated equines may live in peace. This ranch is filled with horses of all sizes, ages and stories. The ranch is nestled in Amado in the beautiful Southern Arizona desert. The drive there is very nice, and arriving at the open house was even better! When we arrived, there were plenty of people waiting to be taken on the hayride. Even while we were touring the ranch, more and more people were pouring in like a monsoon rain! Fortunately, I was able to interview the board president, Karen Pomroy! It was really exciting to meet her, as we had only spoken over the phone. She gave me a whole new insight on the ranch and my favorite animal, the horse. She said that she started the ranch not only because of her love for horses but also her desire to educate everyone about the Premarin drug that causes tragedy for horses and humans. The ranch will be running for 10 full years in May! She also acknowledged that it was very difficult to get it running, but she still managed to make it work! Although her first rescue horse was Spirit, the horses that put the ranch on the map were Gulliver, Spanky, Bella and Deuce—all four horses were Premarin foals sent out for slaughter! I asked if her work was overwhelming, she said “Yes, every day! Volunteers, the community, and financial sponsors are very supportive!” Volunteer work, she says, is the major part of the ranch’s success. With only two paid staff members, the bulk of the work is provided by volunteers. In fact, about 140,000 volunteer hours were recorded this past year! “Managing the different animals is very time consuming” Pomroy stated. “Special needs horses are even more time-consuming.” Still, volunteering work is extremely helpful on the ranch. With so many horses available for adoption and newly rescued, it is difficult, but volunteer work greatly helps support the ranch. I asked if she rides or shows horses herself. “I only ride one horse, Spirit, but I mostly care for them,” Pomroy explained. In closing, “She would like to thank everyone, and to please like [their] Facebook page and website!” While attending the open house, I was able to watch and enjoy Amber Norgaard’s performance of her new song, “Raise Me Up.” That song was specifically written for the horses at Jumpin’ Jack Ranch. It was an amazing and an extremely touching song. She explained that “Every horse here at the ranch has its own story.” While touring the ranch I met Pirate, an old and feisty mini pony, and my personal favorite horse, Eclipz. In the round demonstration pen was the organization’s mascot, Gulliver, all decked out with ribbons and bows. Volunteers are always appreciated. Visits can be scheduled, along with tours.
© 2003 – 2014 Kid’s View Communications Corp. All Rights Reserved.
