Announcing Stallion Auction, Sunday 01/25/09 - "Callaway Hills Stables, The Blue Grass Futurity and Saddlebred Rescue are joining forces in an effort to help ensure the future of the American Saddlebred as a breed.  This joint venture is made possible by the generouw donation by Callaway Hills Stables, one of the most influential breeding programs in the industry, of a breeding to Callaway's The Gipper or Callaway's Cranston (winning bidder's choice).  This service will be offered at the Blue Grass Futurity Auction.  The money raised by this horse will be donated to Saddlebred Rescue while the high bidder's resulting foal will still have full eligibility for the Blue Grass Futurity.  Information: email mmoore8059@aol.com

Rescue #1 -This 4 year old mare was sponsored by ASHA of NJ in 2005.  The picture was taken when she arrived at North Wind Stables to be cared for by Nealia McCracken until  rehabilitated and placed in an appropriate home. Close up views would reveal her cuts, scrapes and under nourished condition.  Nealia has rescued several horses at this point and is urging other stables and trainers to become involved in giving these Saddlebreds another chance.  

Update:  This mare (known as "Anna") has been renamed Ruby and is pictured here in her pasture in Georgia where she arrived on January 9!  The gelding, Rex, who was pictured here earlier was adopted and shipped to his new home in Kentucky.  Things didn't work out as hoped and Rex was moved again and again until being sent to Texas where he now has a "forever" home.   Recent photos show a real transformation for the better in his appearance and conditon.

Rescue # 2 -This 20 year old Saddlebred gelding, "Blackie", is the second horse sponsored by ASHA of NJ.  He arrived at North Wind Stables on 2/20/05 where he will be cared for by Nealia until he is healthy and ready for a new home and a second chance.  

Update: After being exhibited at the Spring Premier Horse Show, Blackie was shipped on April 25, 2006 to his new home in North Carolina where he will be cared for by Heather Boodey. 

Rescue #3 - "Sir Old Guy"  aptly fits this latest horse sponsored by ASHA of NJ.  Estimated to be at least 25 years old, he arrived at North Wind on April 3 2005, very thin and lacking any energy.  He would sleep a lot and eat very slowly.  His appealing personality has emerged and he shows signs of having been a show horse in his day.  Sir loves attention and will position his body precisely while being brushed so you can find his favorites spots to rub.  With care and attention, he is starting to look and act like a proud horse again. 

Update:  We are happy to report that "Sir" has found his new home with Allison Burgess in St. Louis.       

As of May 2008, weekly visits to the auction have resulted in the placement of over 300 horses through the efforts of North Wind and Saddlebred Rescue, Inc.  Saddlebred Rescue was honored as the recipient of the USEF 2006 Pegasus Award, "Heros for Horses" giving national recognition to their tremendous accomplishments! 

09/22/09  Saddlebred Rescue Receives a $100,000 Grant.  The E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation have offered a challenbe to Saddlebred Rescue - for every $4 the organization raises the Gaylord Foundation will donate a dollar up to $100,000.  Mary Gaylord stated "the care of these animals is the responsibility of all of us and our family foundation wants to give everyone a reason to give now."  To learn more about this campaign, contact Pat Johnson at 908-304-3560 or email pat@saddlebredrescue.com.

12/16/08  Saddlebred Rescue recently recieved a $10,000 donation from the Mary Gaylord McClean Foundation.  "The donation came at a crucial time of the year.  Our donations are down considerably and we have a lot of horses to feed" says Pat Johnson, Executive Director.  Mary is a lifelong horsewoman whose philanthropic kindness extends in many areas.

02/16/08   A stud fee for Undulata's Nutcracker was auctioned off at the American Saddlebred Horse Association Annual Convention with the high bid of $12,000.00 donated to Saddlebred Rescue, courtesy of Schones & Jampsa LLC.   For the past two years, this stallion's stud service has topped the All American Cup Stallion Auction. 

ASHA of NJ Sponsors Rescue Efforts 

The  concern for abused, neglected, unwanted horses was growing among our club members and in October of 2005 , Pat Johnson pushed through a motion to have our club donate money to a rescue group and that the money be earmarked to save a Saddlebred from slaughter.  This motion progressed to a unanimous vote in November to allot up to $500 for the direct purchase of a Saddlebred from the New Holland Sales Stable's auction.  The horse to be rescued was to be the one in the poorest condition.

On November 28, 2005, members Nealia McCracken and Pat Johnson made their first visit to New Holland Sales.  They ended up bidding on not one but two Saddlebreds - one for North Wind Stables and one sponsored by ASHA-NJ.        

 For information on how you can become personally involved visit the Saddlebred Rescue website.  Check out the discussion forum and the available horses. 

Pictured below, Neilia McCracken and Pat Johnson accepting the 2006 USEF "Heroes for Horses" Pegasus Award. 

As of May 2008, over 300 horses have been saved from slaughter.  Recent contributions include a "Champion of Charity" grant from the eBay Foundation.