The phrase “horse rescue” suggests Forget-Me-Not Horse Rescue in Linn Creek, Mo. is a place where people rescue horses. And that’s certainly true. But anyone who spends much time at Forget-Me-Not soon learns that here, the horses rescue people, too. Whether it’s kids with autism, empty-nesters looking for connection, or people who know the therapeutic power of being with a horse, those who come to Forget-Me-Not tend to discover they’ve been changed for the better.
Forget-Me-Not’s herd of approximately 200 horses makes it the largest herd in Missouri. Care for these horses — many of which were rescued from abuse or neglect — is made possible by donations: from the generous donor who gave millions to help build Forget-Me-Not’s stunning facility off Hwy A, to those who chip in a few bucks for a specific cause like extra hay in the winter.
The upcoming, first-ever Appreciation Gala is a way of saying thanks to the horse rescue’s many supporters and an opportunity to raise more money. The adults-only evening will feature special presentations with Forget-Me-Not horses and riders, local wines, desserts, a silent auction, and more. Attendees are urged to wear their cowboy/cowgirl best!
Forget-Me-Not Horse Rescue Appreciation Gala
When:
Saturday, April 29th, 2023, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where:
MFMN's Unbridled Equestrian Center
981 Heritage Road
Linn Creek, MO 65052
RSVPs are required. Sign up to attend the Gala by contacting Sponsorship@missouriforgetmenot.org.
Saturday, April 29, 2023, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
A 501(c)3, Forget-Me-Not Horse Rescue’s mission is to rescue horses from situations of abuse, neglect, or when the owners can simply no longer care for them. The pastures and paddocks make up a patchwork quilt of care for horses that staff members and volunteers know by name. One pasture has horses with food aggression issues. In another: the blind horses. Some are patient and gentle, ideal for riding lessons or adoption; others will simply live out their days with the herd, though cared for in ways they perhaps never had been. On any day of the week, visitors to Forget-Me-Not will likely find Christina Landry, manager, along with dedicated volunteers working among the horses. Landry, a champion rider and licensed therapist who also teaches riding lessons at Forget-Me-Not, emphasizes each horse has its own personality, and part of what makes working with these neglected horses so rewarding is the chance to see them shine.
A key part of Forget-Me-Not’s support comes from their Heroes for Horses program. Individuals, families and companies may choose to sponsor a specific horse they’ve connected with, paying a monthly amount to cover the cost of the horse’s feed and other care. The cost to sponsor a horse at Forget-Me-Not is $200/month. While sponsorship does not give the same privileges of ownership as adoption, it does allow sponsors to connect emotionally with a specific horse and know that they are making a difference in its life.
As important as monetary donors are those who give their time. Volunteers, known as the Farm Family, assist in every aspect of horse care, including feeding, grooming, farrier visits, veterinary visits, etc.
For morning and evening feedings, the horses who need special food or medicine blends — more than 100 horses, currently — make their way up to the corrals. Staff and volunteers put each in a separate pen, while others mix each horse’s feed in buckets with their names on them. Next, delivery wagons are hauled to the various pastures, where each horse is fed. After equipment is put away, the horses are let back out — often in a very specific order. This all happens twice a day, every day, seven days a week, rain, snow, sleet or shine!
Never a day goes by without its share of surprises, both unpleasant and pleasant. Recently, staff went to the front gate first thing in the morning to discover a gelding had been dropped off at the gate, severely injured and horrifically tangled in barbed wire. The horse lost an eye as a result, but Landry says he’s now one of the sweetest horses on the property, nibbling and nuzzling at any passerby, and a favorite for riding lessons!
The work at Forget-Me-Not requires plenty of helping hands, so staff say they always need more volunteers. It’s rewarding work, especially when a grateful whinny rings out from the stall as you pass!
Forget-Me-Not invites anyone to learn more about volunteering. All visits are scheduled by appointment. Email their coordinator, Liana, to schedule your visit: Lianawinans@gmail.com
Sign up for the Appreciation Gala by RSVPing to Sponsorship@missouriforgetmenot.com.
