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Heroes to Horses

The Luv Shack Ranch

By Kendra States

In true Old West spirit, Joey Ogburn, founder of the Luv Shack Ranch Horse Rescue, has been riding to the rescue of equines since childhood. From the time she was a youth and riding horses, Ogburn envisioned an inviting ranch where these majestic animals were guaranteed love, respect and compassion--free from the brutal reality many ill-fated equines face. And so six years ago, fed up and fueled by a need to change the fate of many unwanted horses, Ogburn quit her job and with the support of her husband, the Luv Shack was born.

Ogburn and her team of more than 150 volunteers are heroes to horses: they rescue and rehabilitate abused and neglected animals. Although there are no known studies chronicling the number of mistreated horses in the U.S., those in the industry estimate the numbers into the tens of thousands each year--the problem being particularly acute in the Southwest.

Worse yet, many horses are sold for a profit--sealing a gruesome fate. When they become a financial burden or an inconvenience, these often starved and abandoned horses are sold through local "killer buyers" to cruel slaughter houses over the border. Unfortunately, with the recent recession, Ogburn says these horror stories are more prevalent than ever before.

"As you can imagine, the current market has created a chaotic situation," says Ogburn. "Many owners are unable to care for their animals, which have attracted predatory opportunists. We intervene to change this fate."

To date, Luv Shack has rescued more than 200 steeds and has helped find loving, adoptive homes for 85 horses. The ranch currently has 26 available for adoption. In addition to rehabilitating rescued horses and placing as many as possible in loving and stable homes, Ogburn and her team also pair their horses with the Luv Shack Kid's Program, designed specially for at-risk children to help them heal from similar abusive circumstances.

What's more, Luv Shack holds a series of kid's camps each summer. These are week-long, hands-on workshops teaching children the basics of horsemanship: safety, caring, grooming, haltering, saddling and riding.

In an effort to meet the tremendous costs of rescuing and rehabilitating horses, Ogburn and her volunteers organize countless fundraising events throughout the year to help pay for veterinary care, stabling, feed and expenses.

"We are always hosting fun events to not only raise additional funds, but to spotlight the plight of ill-treated horses suffering right here in our own backyard," says Ogburn. "Our community has shown lots of support for the Luv Shack and we couldn't be more thankful," Ogburn adds, but points out that the need still remains great.

Luv Shack events take place each month, from the annual Luv Shack Trainers' Challenge, Triple Crown Derby event and Fall Festival to evenings hosted at local restaurants and bowling allies. The organization welcomes horse lovers of any age and encourages people to visit their website and Facebook page to learn about upcoming gatherings and volunteer orientations.

"Horses are a lot like people--they need our love and deserve honorable treatment," Ogburn says. "If they are given love, they return it in spades."

Infolink: Luv Shack Ranch

Kendra States is a public relations account executive at The Lavidge Company and enjoys writing.