Equine sanctuary, Kindred Hope comes to Skyline

Clarion Top News

Friday, 26 March 2021 12:40

Horses have a way of soothing your soul. Kindred Hope Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc. was founded when Kaye Bough and her daughter, Kara Stephan wanted to combine their passions into a way to give back to the community. Kaye wanted to honor veterans in memory of her husband who passed in January 2019, and Kara had a love for horses. She began rescuing horses from various kill pens across Texas, re-homing a few to their forever homes and bringing five rescues with her when she relocated to Alabama. They decided to name their organization after Ts Hope, the first horse Kara rescued., who still resides at the farm.

After researching equine therapy and the high percentage of veterans who find comfort, peace and lessened PTSD symptoms by simply interacting with horses, Kaye’s and Kara’s dreams were about to come to fruition. Discussions were held with local veterans organizations, and construction soon began on a horse barn that would allow veterans, first responders and others in the community to safely interact with the horses. Interaction ranges from grooming and riding, to simply spending time with the horses.

According to Journalveteranstudies.org, more than half a million veterans were affected by some form of PTSD in just one year. First responders also have a high rate. When considering the numbers of PTSD the rate of suicide also climbs. Recent studies have also shown the effect equine therapy has on those suffering from PTSD is better than expected. Many engaging in the therapy reported an almost immediate calming, a kinship with the animal and a feeling of safety. Kindred Hope provides a calm and relaxing atmosphere where veterans, first responders and others in the community can visit with the equines as a healing method and /or stress reliever to lessen the symptoms of PTSD, trauma and other injuries, all at no cost to them.

They are also available to assist local law enforcement in equine abuse and/or neglect cases, when requested, by providing boarding, rehabilitation and fostering during investigations and up to and including adoption of court-released horses, mules and donkeys to forever homes.

Kindred Hope also accepts donations of unwanted horses, mules and donkeys for possible adoptions and boarding and assistance to equine owners in times of natural disasters or personal crisis to provide shelter and care for their equines on a limited-time basis at low to no cost to the owner.

Kindred Hope also works to educate potential owners and the community on proper horse care and the time and expense associated with owning a horse. They continue to rescue equines from kill pens, ship pens and feed lots to prevent slaughter or euthanasia, and then they rehabilitate and provide training for adoption.

They also have 30-day or more equine quarantine services for adoptees and rescues prior to arriving at their forever homes to ensure they are healthy when they arrive. Equine transportation services in the contiguous states for rescues, adoptions and relocations by reputable equine transporters can also be arranged by Kindred Hope.

In August of 2020, Kindred Hope officially became an Alabama non-profit corporation, and shortly thereafter, was granted IRS 501(c)3 non-profit corporation status, allowing tax-deductible contributions for funding.

Want to contribute? One-time donations are welcome, as are recurring monthly donations: bronze/$25; silver/$50; gold/$75; diamond/$150; platinum/$250; titanium/$500 by check or money order made payable to Kindred Hope Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc. After checking their website and donation information, your level of donation should be marked and mailed to them at 1335 County Road 143, Scottsboro, Ala. 35768. Have questions? Give them a call at 256.587.3067.

Want to know more? Check out their Facebook page, Kindred Hope Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc or visit their website at kindredhoperesuceandsanctuaryinc.com. If you’d like to pay them a visit, schedule an appointment via their website, kindredhoperescueandsanctuaryinc.com to ensure someone is at the farm to greet and escort you during your visit. Then, from intersection of Ala. Hwy 79 and Hwy. 35, go north for 8.1 miles on Hwy. 79, turn right onto County Road 143 and proceed 0.8 miles to Kindred Hope on the right, and watch for the black metal gates with the horse in center.