The season of joy and holiday celebrations is upon us. But for some, the time is less joyful than we would want. And that’s why it is important as a community to come together and support those less fortunate, whether they are people or animals in need.
Each year, many horses still able to be ridden or enjoyed as companion animals are sent to the kill pens. A sad end for horses still full of life. Horse rescues across the country try to give these horses destined for kill pens a second life, full of the joy and comfort they deserve.
Barbie McMinn started Angel Wings Horse Rescue a little over a year ago to help support the animals she has loved since a child. Each year and every year, her birthday wish growing up was for a horse. “I have a passion for horses, and I don’t believe that they need to be in the situations that they are. So, I will do everything that I can to rescue them and find them better homes,” Barbie said on the County Conversations podcast recently.
Barbie started the rescue with two horses approximately three months ago, a black and white paint and an American Quarter Horse. She found a couple that was interested in adopting them and the pair went on to their forever home. To house the rescued horses, the rescue currently leases property and rents stalls at the Greene County Fairground. While horses are the focus of the rescue, the group ensures that other animals in need of rescue with nowhere to go get the help and attention they need.
Barbie plans to organize multiple events to support the rescue and everything that it does. The first of these was the food truck and vendor show called Christmas at the Barn on December 17, held at the indoor arena at the Greene County Fairgrounds. The event boasts a vendor show, food trucks and crafts galore, as well as demonstrations by Pampered Chef, a Santa Claus for the kids, a maybe even a horse or two to hug. Pictures can be taken with Santa and a horse creating a fun holiday memory.
There were vendors selling essential oils, make homemade jewelry, mugs and tumblers, and ones that can place your favorite picture, logo, or design on a T-shirt. All things that make great unique gifts. Food sure to satisfy the pallet like homemade nut rolls, or items from the Twisted Potato and Grub Wagon will be available. A Chinese auction and 50/50 are also part of the festivities for the day.
Proceeds from the event support Angel Wings Horse Rescue animals. Part of the proceeds will also be donated back to the fairgrounds to go towards the repair of aging barns like the 4-H Horse Barn. A donation box will be available for those wanting to donate supplies or money towards the rescue’s needs.
Angel Wings Horse Rescue will hold another fundraising event in the spring on April 21-22, 2023, at the fairgrounds. On those days, the rescue and Matt DeJohn of Bucking B Cattle Company provide a rodeo for the Greene County community.
Come join Christmas at the barn and support a great organization dedicated to the animals we all wanted as a child. If you want more information on Angel Wings Horse Rescue or to make donations, contact Barbie McMinn at awrescue@yahoo.com or call 724-833-4704.