Lorraine and Ed Wenig of Lorraine’s Horse Rescue have been helping old, sick, abandoned and abused horses in Hernando County for the past 8 years. You can meet them and some of their exquisite rescues at the Airport Farmers and Flea Market on Spring Hill Drive. Indeed they do not limit their efforts to this county alone but will travel anywhere there is an equine in need. They work off of donations and through the generous help of many friends and professionals in the community. Lorraine has a deep seated love of all animals but horses are especially dear to her heart. The Wenig’s have 9 horses at the airport location. They offer horse rides and riding lessons as well as teaching about responsible ownership.
The idea of a horse rescue began as an accident when a friend had to move out of state and couldn’t take their pure bred Egyptian Arabian, Milady (pronounced My Lady). As the Wenig’s happened to be visiting on their anniversary, Ed simply stated “Happy Anniversary” to Lorraine and they had their first rescue horse.
Over the past 8 years Lorraine estimates they have placed approximately 543 horses. Not all of them have been old. The Wenig’s currently have a 2 1/2 year old Pinto mare named Lakota. She is pregnant to foal sometime before Christmas this year. If you aren’t familiar with equines it would be important to note that breeding a mare at the age of 2 1/2 is quite irresponsible as that equates to approximately a 12 year old child in human years.
Lorraine feels strongly about horse owners needing adequate education in regards to animal care and she preaches the philosophy, “if you don’t want it done to you, then you DON’T do it to your horse.” This tenet comes after a lifetime of experience growing up with horses. She states she began riding with her dad at 9 months, she rode bareback for the first time at 3 years and at 7 years of age learned how to train her first horse, Amigo, a 1 year old Appaloosa colt.
Another rescued horse, Cimmeron, is a very handsome 8 year old sorrel gelding who was a previous show horse. Bad training choices caused him to develop a mouth wound which was not treated properly. He was healed and adopted out. Unfortunately the new owners overfed him and he developed diabetes. Cimmeron is now back with the Wenig’s and is on medications costing over $120 a month.
Another rescued horse, Princess, is a sweet 14 year old miniature horse (not a pony) whose previous owners did not have her hooves trimmed. Her hooves were so bad that they were curling up like elves shoes when Ed and Lorraine rescued her. She was covered in sores all over her body due to lying down in mud and feces as she couldn’t stand. Ed had to build a special sling to hold her up while the farrier worked on correcting her hooves.
Both Cimmeron and Princess are doing much better now. However, they are not yet adoptable as they are both still under the care of a veterinarian and farrier. Lorraine will not adopt out any horses until they are cleared by both the farrier and vet.
Lorraine is definitely passionate about animal rights. She has been working on getting a law passed that would entitle any equine that works in a professional capacity (horses that earn money for their owners) to be afforded an account set up for their retirement. Horses that are made to work in strenuous situations (rodeo, jumpers, endurance, etc) have dramatically increased health risks and reduced life spans. Lorraine and Ed would like to see these Equine Professionals be afforded every right that a person would, doing the same type of sport.
Lorraine and Ed have been married for 38 years. It is certainly a joint effort when it comes to feeding and caring for the horses. Lorraine estimates it costs approximately $3,500 per month to care for the 9 horses they are currently sheltering. A portion of this comes from donations. Lorraine has designed a T-shirt showcasing the special perks of equine transportation which she sells at their airport booth ($15) along with a variety of donated items for sale. They have a calendar featuring their rescued horses which includes educational material that will be coming out in October, also available for sale at their booth ($15). Of course, donations are always appreciated.
The very first rescue that Lorraine and Ed started with is now 40 years old. Milday is a regal beauty that certainly has found a lucky home at last. If you are ever at the airport flea market she can be found enjoying her retirement under a shade tree with a bale of hay. Lorraine and Ed will be at their booth near the stalls at the northeast corner of the facility. Friends are always welcome if you just want to stop by, say ‘hi’ or just pet Cimmeron or Princess. Love is free after all.