Join Our Sacred Circle: BECOME A PONY PATRON™

Bob and Nikki of the Interstate Horse Center have a spiritual commitment to their equine colleagues. Yet keeping this commitment has become deeply challenging. A few of the elder equines, especially, have costs that are nearly 4x as high as the rest of the herd. Special feeds and medicines keep them healthy but costs are rising fast.

In most businesses these equines would have been euthanized or sold long ago. But Bob and Nikki believe they are perhaps the most important equine colleagues in the program. Their special needs and perceived limitations often draw clients into relationship with them far sooner than they are drawn to the “normal” / “healthy” younger horses.

Case In Point: April is a 30+ year old pony with Cushing’s Disease. She requires special feed and daily medicine. After months of rapid decline back in the late 1990s, Dr Batker of Country View Vet Clinic in Oregon diagnosed April with Cushing’s and worked with Bob & Nikki to develop the best balance between dietary changes, exercise and medication to help her regain good health. She has thrived for years through “healthy parenting” that maintains that balance between diet, exercise and medication compliance that many clients struggle with prior to meeting April. April’s story helps them accept their own special needs. Many are inspired when they see April maintain a positive attitude even when she’s having days challenged by pain caused by her own urges to break through fences to get to green grass that’s too lush for her own good.

You can become a Pony Patron™. Join others in sponsoring an IHC equine colleague for a week, month or quarter; or go it alone and sponsor a full year. Your contribution is 100% tax-deductible. Patron names will be on stall cards if desired.

Highest Need Equines: $80/wk; $350/mo; $1,050/qtr; $4,160/yr [currently: April, Elegance, Bashful, Journey or Jack]

Moderate Need Equines: $60/wk; $260/mo; $780/qtr; $3,120/yr [currently: Annique, Charlie, Goody or Magic]

Average Need Equines: $35/wk; $150/mo; $450/qtr; $1,820/yr [currently: Char, Good Lead, Harmony, Myah]

*Listed costs do not include all costs of maintaining IHC herd; costs reflect average year-round costs for feed (grain &/or pelleted feeds but NOT hay or pasture), bedding, farrier & wormer. (average 6 months on pasture/partial feed, 6 months on full feed).Does not include costs such as pasture/hay grown at IHC, labor, insurance, mortgage, taxes, repair/maintenance, utilities, or admin.