EAST MANATEE — With the economy struggling, unwanted horses are sometimes innocent victims.
“Horses are simply left in barns or barren pastures without food, water and medical care, condemned to starve and suffer,” said Robin Cain of Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary in Myakka City.
But Cain’s facility aims to protect horses that are vulnerable to abandonment.
At 6275 Wauchula Road, Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary has rescued more than 30 abandoned, abused and neglected horses, Cain said.
“These horses were doomed to a painful and lonely existence,” Cain added.
It takes money to run a facility like this, and Cain is hoping the public will come out and purchase a lot of barbecue dinners “with all the trimmings” during the Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary barbecue fundraiser.
All proceeds from the event, which is scheduled 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Sanctuary, will go for the horses, Cain said.
“With the economy in such turmoil, people are losing their jobs and homes and, as a result, their beloved pets,” Cain said.
“Dogs and cats can be adopted or taken to a shelter. Horses are simply left in barns or barren pastures without food, water and medical care.”
There is no admission fee, and money will be raised mostly from the sale of the dinners.
“We are hoping to raise $6,000 to $10,000,” Cain said. “The event drew about 250 last year, and we’re hoping for 400 this year.”
It costs Cain $3,000 a month for feed, not counting vet bills.
“I have good volunteers that help me with the physical work and I do outreach where we talk about the horses, but a lot of the finances come out of my personal pocket because the economy is so hard,” Cain said.
One of those helpers is Debbie Bronk, who lives off State Road 64 in Myakka City, about two miles from the Sanctuary.
Bronk and her husband, Clarke, who have a mini-farm with seven horses on slightly less than 15 acres, take over hay if Cain needs it.
“I think Robin’s heart is in the right place,” Bronk said. “She is trying to take care of unwanted animals. People move to the country and think they have to have a horse and a four-wheeler and when they find out it’s a lot of work, they no longer want it. But it’s also the economy. I know people personally who are trying to take care of their animals but are struggling. There are so many horses out there right now that need a home.”
Cain recently retired from her post at Sarasota Jungle Gardens as the animal department manager.
At the Sanctuary, all equines are cared for daily, fed, groomed and monitored by veterinarians, Cain said.
The menu Saturday will consist of pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans and cole slaw.
The event is family-oriented with bounce houses, pony cart rides and carriage rides for children.
Mike Ricks will demonstrate horsemanship techniques, and Kelly Hall will present hoof trimming demonstrations with a question-and-answer session to follow.
Phoenix Wildlife will present a snake and other wildlife show at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Cain said.
A silent auction will be conducted between noon and 3 p.m. Items in the auction include tickets to Florida attractions and artwork.
Richard Dymond, Herald reporter, can be reached at 708-7917.
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