With the excitement of the Kentucky Derby just behind us, there is one organization dedicated to saving horses that keeps on going long after the races have ended. Evergreen-based, LIV Sotheby’s International Realty broker, Alissa Skildheim, is at the helm of this organization, whose mission it is to save horses from slaughter, rehabilitate and train them, and re-home them with responsible owners. At Equine Angels of the Rockies, a nonprofit horse rescue that operates out of Old Glory, CO, Skildheim and a dedicated team are in the business of saving horses’ lives.
“I saw an opportunity to make a difference,” said LIV Sotheby’s International Realty broker, Skildheim. “I can’t change horse slaughter – but I can save these horses lives and it makes a difference to them. Last year I saved 40 equine personally! I’ve been very successful with LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, and this is my way of paying it forward.”
Equine Angels of the Rockies deals mostly with horses facing kill lots. This means that they are preparing to ship them to Mexico for slaughter and it is truly their last chance at life. Most of them have already been through the auctions and purchased by the kill buyer or brought there directly by breeders who have over bred.
Surprisingly, many of these horses are registered and include: Thoroughbreds off the track, award winning Quarter horse lines, Arabians, Mustangs, Tennessee Walkers, Morgans, Belgians, Miniature horses, Donkeys, Andalusian, Paints, Percheron’s, American Saddlebreds, and more. Many are already trained – from gaited trail horses to western pleasure, to performance orientated.
The horses Skildheim rescues are quarantined for 30 days and given extensive veterinarian care to start the road to health. After they are healthy, they are then transported to Conifer, Colorado, to Old Glory Ranch to be assessed as to their previous training and temperaments.
“After working with them we determine (or the horse does) what direction best fits their personality and we train them,” said Skildheim. “Some horses are very energetic and want to work and become some kind of performance horse and others are happy as trail and children horses.”
For more information, contact LIV Sotheby’s International Realty broker, Alissa Skildheim, at 303.888.4814. To service all of your real estate needs visit www.livsothebysrealty.com, or call 303.893.3200.