Rainbow Meadows to raise funds for horses Feb. 27

While Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue and Retirement, Inc. is not located in Wichita, the results of their work are. With two horses in foster care in Wichita, having taken in rescues from the area and they have a few of their charges that found new adoptive homes in the area, Rainbow Meadows is affecting the lives of horses throughout South Central Kansas. Rainbow Meadows has been operating rather quietly for the past five years and in December, took in its 100th rescue.

On February 27 at the Midian Shrine Temple, the organization's For the Love of Horses Gala will help raise needed funds to care for horses that have suffered from abuse and neglect to bring them back to health and ready to find a new adoptive home where they can live their lives safe and loved. Suggested attire is denim and diamonds, with catered appetizers, Horseopoly competition and a silent auction that includes horse and western-themed artwork, horse items, and more.

"Too often, people have a misguided perception about rescue horses," said Karen Everhart, executive director. "They think there's something 'wrong' with the horse, that it's out of control or has outlived its useful life. This just isn't the case. These horses have suffered terribly at the hands of humans, yet they are wonderful family and riding companions."

Operating only on the donations of individuals, Rainbow Meadows started as a labor of love and continues to be an all-volunteer organization. For executive director Everhart and her husband David, the rescue is a day-to-day part of their lives as it is located on their ranch near Sedan, KS.

The story starts with an abandoned and badly foundered little pony that they named "Moe". When the Everharts were being shown a property, they came across Moe, who was so foundered he could not get up. It turned out that the owner had moved, but thought the pony would have plenty to eat, which he did. The problem was it was Fescue grass which is a rich grass, too rich for a small pony. The grass that kept the pony alive, had resulted in founder or Laminitis and the pony was not able to stand on his feet due to the damage being done to his hooves.

The Everharts were able to contact the owner and after some negotiation, take possession of Moe. He was nursed back to health, and they found a home where Moe would have children to love him and give him all kinds of attention. This act of kindness for a poor abandoned pony was the catalyst for Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue and Retirement.

After locating 240 acres of rolling Kansas pastureland, the Everhart's built their home and the rescue, not in that order as they just finished their home this past year. It is literally, a horse haven in every respect as the horses have plenty of space to exercise in, even the blind horses, and groups of horses have formed social herds in the larger pastures. Knowing that several even major rescues have gotten themselves into trouble, the Everharts have approached the rescue with a set of guiding principles that ensure each horse that finds its way to Rainbow Meadows will receive the care and attention it needs to recover and find a new home.

The horses have come from as far away as Missouri, and Burlington, KS, with the majority of them coming from South Central Kansas communities. They have been adopted as far north as Manhattan and Cottonwood Falls, though Everhart said she will consider an out of state adoptive family as long as they come to the rescue so she can see how they interact with the horses. the adoption process is fairly rigorous and if the horse must be relinquished for any reason, it is to come back to the rescue. Contact is maintained with the adoptive home through the life of the horse.

Just recently Rainbow Meadows took on two horses that were part of a seizure of neglected animals in Elk County last year. They also were able to celebrate the adoption of Serendipity and Layla who went to Leon, KS to their new home. This past weekend, Rainbow Meadows volunteers and Everhart were at Equifest to raise awareness of the rescue, educate people about rescued horses and find people who are interested in supporting their work.

That Rainbow Meadows is needed is an understatement. Horses are taking a hit in the economy even more so than before the record unemployment levels. People who have horses and are struggling to care for them can contact Rainbow Meadows to seek help. This also underscores the need the organization has for people who are willing to support the work, and with the For the Love of Horses Gala coming up, it's a great opportunity to put one's money where one's heart is--to go to work for the horses.

Contact Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue and Retirement for more information, and to get your registration for the Gala. You can also email Gala coordinator and Board President, Gracie Royle. If you have personal experience with Rainbow Meadows, maybe you've adopted one of the horses, please leave a comment to let others know! You can contact me about this or any other Wichita Examiner article, or to let me know about something special your charity is doing.