Jenks Ranch: Rescuing, Reviving Health and Spirit of Neglected Horses
Right on the line of Hernando County and Pasco County there is a place where horses call home. A little over 15 acres with parts beautifully shaded by old trees is Jenks Ranch and Rescue.
The horses that the Jenks take in have been emaciated and/or abused. Some have been dumped on properties or are from other rescues. Keeping those horses’ survival rate up has many challenges, and facing those challenges are emotional. Challenges range from understanding what is physically hurting them to what is internally causing other health and weight related issues.
With eighteen horses that have been rescued around this area, three of those horses are blind. Two of the blind horses were brought down from Oklahoma. As for the future of these three sightless horses, training is in the works for them to build up their connection with people in order to work with the special needs, kids and adults.
“It’s a passion, I got my first rescue horse about five years ago, and I found the need is so great,” Christina Jenks said. “I knew something had to open out here to make a little more space for these recuses.”
The rescue ranch is still developing and it is surely progressing in the right direction. Christina Jenks took the time to educate the visitors about each of the horses that they rescued; from what condition they were in when they first brought here to the medical attention they needed and how beautifully they are progressing both physically and mentally.
“The biggest thing is the spirits of the horses come out and watch the trust in us,” Christina Jenks said.
“We love it. When you see the horses that come in and the changes you see is just a wonderful thing. It’s the drive, the need and want to do more,” explained Eric Jenks, VP of Jenks Ranch.
Not only do the Jenks rescue horses. Other rescues include emus, goats, pigs and a donkey named Eeyore.
“We want to connect with the community,” Eric Jenks said. As well as “to help educate people and help people understand what goes into the care of horses,” Christina added.
Opportunities to contribute to the work done at the Jenks Ranch include in-kind donations, horse sponsorships, and volunteer help.
The event held Sunday, April 24th at Jenks Ranch and Rescue was in conjunction with ASPCA Help a Horse Day contest which is a nationwide grant competition for equine rescues and sanctuaries. Website: http://www.aspca.org/about-us/aspca-events/aspca-help-horse-day-2016
To find out more information about Jenks Ranch and Rescue please visit their website: http://www.jenksranchandrescue.org/barn/