HELP BUY “HAY FOR HORSES”

Horses require hay to stay nourished and warm during the winter. One horse needs approximately 750 lbs of hay per month to survive a long, harsh Alberta winter. Horse owners who cannot buy afford to buy hay or fail to secure enough hay for the winter, sometimes find it necessary to abandon their horse(s) or cut back their feed.  Horses are left to suffer and starve due to a lack of hay.

THIS IS WHERE BEAR VALLEY RESCUE HELPS!

Bear Valley Rescue is a registered charity that has been rescuing neglected, abandoned, unwanted or distressed horses since 2004.  Ranch owners Mike and Kathy Bartley have dedicated their lives to re-homing horses and other farm animals. 

At any given time, Bear Valley Rescue cares for approximately 150 – 200 rescue horses in west-central Alberta (Bear Valley).  Funds are needed to buy the hay and other necessities to care for the animals.

Approximately 1,000 large round hay bales are required to feed Bear Valley Rescue horses for 7 or more months every winter (depending on the severity of the seasons).

Supply and demand can drive up the cost of hay, from a low of 4 cents per pound to as high as 12 cents per pound or more, making it difficult to budget year to year.   Lately hay has been selling for well over 10 cents per pound. 

WAYS YOU CAN HELP BUY HAY FOR HORSES

Make a Donation Here

We require donations and awareness for our financial needs.  We would appreciate a donation of any amount that you can afford.  And, whether you can donate or not, please share our message on social media.

 ABOUT BEAR VALLEY RESCUE

Bear Valley Rescue saves neglected, abandoned, unwanted or distressed horses and then finds them new loving homes. They also provide sanctuary to other animals such as poultry, goats, pigs, and cows.

We also help people who have to surrender their animals due to a dire change in their personal circumstances: death, divorce, domestic abuse and financial hardship force people into very limited choices when trying to find a home for their horse, especially if it is older or unsound.  Other than selling the animal quickly at auction, where it will most likely go for slaughter, euthanizing their horse can be the only alternative.  Most certainly for those facing these difficulties, being able to surrender their horse to the Rescue is a big weight off their shoulders; they know the horse will be well looked after and, where possible, placed into a suitable permanent home.

Bear Valley is run by only 2 people – Mike and Kathy Bartley.  There are no salaries being paid from fundraising funds.  All monies donated and fundraised are used to care for the animals.

Read some of our rescue stories:  https://www.bearvalleyab.org/rescue-stories.html

OUR MISSION:

• To promote animal welfare by saving from slaughter usable and healthy horses and finding them good homes
• To promote animal welfare by rescuing injured or ailing animals from auctions and feedlots or abusive situations and rehabilitating them, or alleviating their suffering
• To promote animal welfare by educating the public on the plight of unwanted or aging horses and other animals
• To promote animal welfare by networking with other rescue organizations and providing support through these networks for finding and placing distressed animals

WHY DO WE DO THIS?  BECAUSE EVERY LIFE MATTERS!