Jan 2017 Donor: T Charleston Recipient: Free Sketch
While I was visiting one of my childhood homes in Texas, a friend and I took a day to volunteer at a equine rescue ranch, called Throwaway Ponies. I took some photos for the owner to help spread the word about her charity. When I got home I felt compelled to sketch these two beautiful mares, who had just been rescued the day before. They were frightened and not yet able to trust humans. They still had slaughter tags on their bodies. I cried as I reached out my hand to give them a delicious treat and they stood frozen and shaking in fear, sticking by each others' sides all day for companionship and safety. They didn't know what a treat was. Others, like a mare and her foal, would not leave one another while the mother kept her neck and head protecting her baby constantly, especially when humans came near. They were scared and easily spooked. But these are the lucky ones. There are many that aren't so lucky. Please consider volunteering or donating to your local equine rescue.