Boots and Bling Gala Raises $8,000 for Elite Equine CO | |
The recent Boots and Bling Gala brought together new and existing members of our community, with more than 125 guests raising $8,000 for our mission. Held at Joyland Church in Green Mountain Falls, the evening came alive with American Idol star Grayson Little and his band, and delicious eats from Summit Catering. Guests enjoyed an unforgettable night with a blend of country unforgettable blend of country, southern rock, and soul music.
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Half of the evening's proceeds will directly benefit Hope, a two-year-old Thoroughbred from Florida, funding her crucial knee surgery. Hope's story - surrendered after being deemed unable to perform on the racetrack - embodies our mission of providing second chances to injured and unwanted performance horses.
"We are thrilled with the support from this community," shared Gina Hluska, our president and founder, during the gala. The evening sparkled with gourmet cuisine, premium drinks, and a silent auction in a cowboy chic atmosphere that united community leaders and supporters. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors that made this event possible.
Jesse Stroope from the Historic GMF Foundation captured the spirit perfectly: "This fundraiser was not only a financial success, but it provided a wonderful opportunity for many Green Mountaineers and associates of Elite Equine to break bread and celebrate bringing horses back to Green Mountain Falls."
Still available: Select Silent Auction items can be found on Elite Equine CO website – Tack Sale.
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New Horse Wellness Meadow Barn: A Vision of Hope
We are excited to begin a new chapter in Green Mountain Falls equestrian history very soon! Completion of our Horse Wellness Meadow barn is expected this spring.
This innovative facility, born from the partnership between Elite Equine CO and the Historic Green Mountain Falls Foundation, will provide specialized rehabilitation and respite for injured horses, with particular expertise in helping former racehorses.
The barn will grace a historic 32-acre meadow, once home to Leggitt's stables and recently annexed by the town from El Paso County. This preserved location will offer horses the natural healing benefits of the mountain environment while honoring the area's rich equestrian heritage.
Supported by a grant from the Kirkpatrick Family Fund, this expansion builds on our existing success in Black Forest, where we currently operate on a 12-acre ranch. With our team's 98% rehoming success rate and over 65 years of combined experience, we're ready to expand our mission of providing comprehensive medical care and rehabilitation for performance horses in need.
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When Compassion Couldn't Wait: A Thanksgiving Rescue Story
This past Thanksgiving brought a different kind of mission to our team. A desperate call about Cowboy, a former barrel racing horse in Kansas, led to a challenging 300-mile journey that tested our resolve and showcased the power of community compassion.
The rescue proved complex when access to the facility was initially denied, but thanks to local law enforcement and community members who stepped forward with equipment and helping hands, we were able to transport the severely malnourished Cowboy to our facility near Fox Run Regional Park.
"When you see everybody come together because you share that same passion, it gives you a little more faith," reflected Gina Hluska. Though we ultimately lost Cowboy despite our team's dedicated efforts, his story reinforces our vital mission – having rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed many horses in the past year alone.
Our message remains clear: "If you recognize that a horse is in need, don't stay quiet. There are resources out there. The animal needs to come first."
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From Death's Door to 6,000 Miles:
Renato's Extraordinary Journey
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In the world of equine rescue, some stories transcend the ordinary. The tale of Renato, later known as Eddy, is one such remarkable journey - from a severely injured mustang facing euthanasia to becoming part of a historic 6,000-mile ride across America.
A Critical Beginning When Elite Equine Rescue received the call about a young mustang with a partially severed left hock, the prognosis was grim. Unable to bear weight on his injured limb, Renato stood at death's door. However, through the generous support, Elite Equine Rescue embarked on an intensive rehabilitation journey.
The Road to Recovery Renato's rehabilitation was intensive and methodical. Through a combination of cutting-edge therapies - including laser treatment, PEMF, ultrasound, and KT taping - along with dedicated veterinary care and countless volunteer hours, the young mustang began to show remarkable progress. His custom-made splint and two months of restricted movement gradually gave way to increased mobility and strength.
A Destined Partnership As Renato's strength returned, fate intervened in the form of Jake Harvath, an experienced mustang trainer. Recognizing the special spirit in this resilient horse, Jake adopted Renato, renaming him Eddy. What seemed like a happy ending was actually just the beginning of an even more extraordinary chapter.
The Year of the Mustang Jake and Eddy (formerly Renato) embarked on an ambitious mission: The Year of the Mustang journey - a 6,000-mile horseback ride across 25 states. Their goal was to raise awareness about wild mustangs and encourage adoption from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The once-injured mustang, who could barely walk, would go on to traverse nearly a quarter of the continental United States.
A Legacy of Hope Eddy's journey from critical injury to cross-country ambassador exemplifies the extraordinary potential within every rescued mustang. His story serves as a powerful testament to both the life-saving impact of organizations like Elite Equine Rescue and the incredible versatility and resilience of America's wild horses.
[Note: For detailed documentation of Jake and Eddy's remarkable journey across America, readers can follow Jake Harvath's Instagram account and YouTube channel.]
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New Horizons: Salt Spa Update
We're excited to announce the addition of a therapeutic salt spa this spring! This innovative treatment will help horses with breathing difficulties, offering 20-30 minute sessions that help clear airways, reduce inflammation, and fight harmful bacteria. It's perfect for horses with respiratory issues, seasonal allergies, and those recovering from infections.
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Other Success Stories Shine | |
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From medical challenges to new beginnings, several of our rescue horses are marking impressive milestones. Comi, our resilient Criollo thoroughbred cross mare, has found her forever family after recovering from Kissing Spine Surgery. While she remains under our care until her new owner, Chris Mcguinness, secures suitable accommodations, we treasure these extra moments with this remarkable horse.
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Another inspiring tale comes from Remi, our young quarter horse who faced a serious health crisis with declining bone density. Through a comprehensive treatment approach combining holistic therapies, specialized shoeing, and targeted supplements, Remi has made an outstanding recovery. Recent X-rays confirm he's ready to advance to the next phase of his training, with adoption possibilities opening up in 2025.
Looking ahead, we're excited to announce that Greenpoint, Jack, Kris Who, Remi, Ariel and Lucy in the Sky are progressing well in their training programs and will be available for adoption. Each of these horses represents a unique success story in our ongoing mission to give every rescue horse a second chance at happiness. Meet all our horses available for adoption and looking for their forever homes.
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Greenpoint is a 2019 OTTB gelding currently in our retraining program as an eventing prospect. | |
Jack is a 2016 OTTB gelding currently in our retraining program as a Hunter Jumper prospect. He has been restarted walk/trot/canter. | |
Ariel is a 16 year old mini who has been used in parades, at schools for education days, and at other outreach events. We think she would make a great therapy horse. | |
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Grant success highlights need for financial support
We're thrilled to announce that Elite Equine CO has received a $3,800 grant from the Colorado Unwanted Horse Alliance (CUHA). This generous support from CUHA, an organization dedicated to addressing the unwanted horse crisis through collaboration with rescues, veterinarians, and state agencies, will help us continue our vital work.
While this grant helps our operations, the need for consistent support remains critical. As we look ahead to 2025, we invite you to become a monthly donor. For perspective: skipping just three trips to Starbucks each month – about $20 – can make a life-changing difference for our rescued horses. Your monthly commitment helps provide the consistent care these magnificent animals need to thrive and find their forever homes. Donate here!
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Help Make Their Second Chance Possible: Our Wish List
Your support means everything to us and the horses we serve. Whether through item donations, monetary contributions, or sharing our mission with others, you're helping us build a stronger sanctuary for horses in need of a second chance. Each donation brings us closer to our vision of providing the highest standard of care and rehabilitation for every horse that comes through our gates.
Together, we can continue to make miracles happen, one horse at a time. From the bottom of our hearts - and from every grateful horse in our care - thank you for being part of our rescue family.
We could not exist without the kindness of our supporters. Thank you!
Donate
https://eliteequinerescue.org/#donate
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Volunteers
Elite Equine Horse Rescue relies on our dedicated group of volunteers to care for our horses every day. We are always in need for volunteers for daily operations and increased horse surrenders. The barn is a family-friendly environment where everyone of all ages can share in the horse experience.
CLICK HERE to view information about volunteer opportunities.
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Website: https://eliteequineCO.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EERsaves/
Email: eers.outreach@gmail.com
Phone: 719-428-0104
Thank you to our sponsors and volunteers. The Elite Equine Team and the horses that they serve are deeply grateful for the donations that make our meaningful work possible.
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Thank you to our wonderful sponsors! | | | | |
