Reading with Rescues is a fun and engaging community program for K-8th grade students to visit Hope Equine Rescue and read to a horse, donkey, or mule supervised, but unassisted, for approximately 30 minutes. Typically held on the second Friday of each month, the February date has been moved a week earlier due to `Valentine’s Day.
Students are welcome to bring their own reading material or borrow from the library of donated books. After reading, students will have a “petting experience” where they will pet an equine, view a grooming demonstration, and get to ask a horse handler questions. There is also time for a special craft activity and a snack for the students to enjoy, but please note: it is not permitted to give any treats or food to any horses. Some of them have very strict diets due to allergies or other health conditions. Sorry, carrots are actually considered treats!
Why Read to Horses
For the students:
• Build literacy skills
• Strengthen confidence speaking out loud in a non-judgmental atmosphere
• Develop a stronger vocabulary
• Increase attention span
• Promote empathy
For the horses:
• Introduction to children in a safe, controlled environment
• Exposure to multiple people and situations
• Builds trust in humans
• Attention and love!
The Details
• All parents/guardians and students are required to sign a waiver, and an adult is required to stay on the property while the student is reading.
• This is a working farm. Please wear closed-toed shoes.
• A $5 donation per student is requested.
• It is recommended to bring a chair for the student to sit in front of the horse stall.
• Registration is available on the Facebook page @readingwithrescues.
• If you would like to volunteer to assist with this program or have any questions, please email the coordinators, Lisa & Kristen Rice at readingwithrescues@hopeequinerescue.com.
More Events
The Rescue frequently hosts special educational workshops and fundraising events such as the very popular “Trot or Treat” (October), “Wine at the Barn” (November), and “Christmas at the Barn” (December). These events are organized and operated by an important and dedicated group of volunteers. In fact, the Rescue has no full-time employees! Volunteers (over the age of 14) can submit an application and attend an orientation and then sign up to work these events in addition to regular “barn chores” held throughout the weekdays. There is even a Teen Night for high school students to earn community service hours. Barn chores may include mucking stalls, cleaning water troughs, grooming and bathing horses, applying topical ointments and medications, sweeping, and practicing arena work like obstacle training and even riding. It is rigorous and sometimes physically demanding, and very satisfying!
Taylor Clements, a part-time worker and recent graduate of the University of Florida in Equine Science says, “I enjoy working at Hope because of the second opportunities that these equines get. Watching them get their second chance at life is very special. I also enjoy learning from Dani. She puts a lot into this organization, she is superhuman and has taught me so many things that no degree can teach you.” Taylor began to have an interest in horses when she was eight years old and learned to ride from Dani Horton. “She was my foundation and introduction to equine and opened so many doors for my future.” All of this training led to her internship in the summer of 2023 and her current employment.
“Horses are highly intelligent, emotional animals with unique personalities. They form strong bonds with humans and other animals, and they deserve respect, care, and kindness. Rescue work is hard. Supporting your local rescue even if you can’t adopt or are not a horse person, makes a difference,” she continued.
How to Help
While the Rescue was not intended to be a sanctuary, meaning animals live there but are not usually adopted, it is currently home to about 50 equines, some of which are permanent residents due to their health conditions. Think: Retirement Home for Horses! However, some of the equines are in training and available for adoption for a small fee. The Rescue works closely with the Polk County Sheriff’s office to provide a safe haven for abused/neglected and unclaimed equines.
The Rescue relies heavily on individual contributions. Consider giving a tax-deductible donation today! Entrepreneurs and business owners are also encouraged to inquire about corporate sponsorship opportunities.
Hope Equine Rescue, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was established in 2008, founded by Dani Horton and the Horton family when they took in their first rescue that they named Hope.
If you would like to volunteer, please email the Volunteer Coordinator, Megan Atkinson, at volunteer@hopeequinerescue.com.
Hoofs & Hearts
February 7, 2025
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Register on FB @readingwithrescues
Hope Equine Rescue
3805 High Street NE, Winter Haven
863-287-7503
Photos Provided
