As an alternative animal wellness service provider, my path leads to new experiences all the time. I never know who I am going to meet or where the path will take me. Recently my journey landed me in a place where gentle giants dwell.

You would never know the place existed unless you were looking for it. Driving down the driveway to the barn is like walking into an enchanted forest with draft horses all around you, whinnying to announce your arrival to a very special and healing place.  I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the other welcoming committee to the barn that include three Aussie’s who insist anyone visiting must be visiting them and not the horses.

Located in Mt Airy, Maryland, is a place called Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue.  They are a nonprofit organization that is fully committed to saving draft horses from slaughter, rehabilitating them and adopting them into new homes as either trail or schooling horses.  The founder of Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue is Christine Hajek. She is passionate about the horses and the mission she has with them and I can see why, as these guys are just magnificent!

There is something about a draft horse that conjures up all sorts of images and history. They are truly giants in the horse world standing anywhere from 16 to 18 plus hands high. The most recognizable draft horse is the
Clydesdale, but there are also the Belgians and Percheron’s that folks might be familiar with also. These are the true work horses, seeing one of these horses you can instantly imagine being back in Medieval times riding one of these horses into battle.  Many of the draft horses today are used by police departments because of their size and temperament.

As an Animal Communicator I had the opportunity to go out and talk with some of the horses there and I fell in love, not only with the horses but with the people and the volunteers there. These folks are deeply committed to the rescue and the horses that are there. All of the horses are rescued from auctions where the rescue becomes their last chance at life before being sold off to slaughter. Unfortunately HR 503, a bill designed to ban slaughter in the US was in passed in the House but died when it was not voted upon in the Senate. Over breeding is the heart of the issue, and having slaughter as an easy out only encourages that behavior. The horses’ chosen by Gentle Giants Rescue at auction/slaughter is based on their temperament, soundness, and the ability to be of use.

There has always been an attraction for me with the draft horse so when I connected with the Gentle Giant Draft Horse Rescue I wanted to help in any way I could. Just like any other rescue organization they are always in need of many things. By visiting their website you can find their “wish list” along with information on how to volunteer, items they are in need of and of course financial donations. Please note that 100% of all funds donated will go directly to the purchase of a draft horse straight from the kill pen! The smallest contribution can be the difference between life and death for one of these gentle giants. With a donation they will also send along a photo of the horse you helped save. www.gentlegiantsdrafthorserescue.com

For the community, they provide an excellent place to take riding lessons while helping to support the rescue.  The lessons are inexpensive and given by two exceptional instructors. Each lesson is designed to fit the student’s specific needs and also their personal goals in riding.  They also provide educational information about the plight of all horses, but specifically draft horses, when it comes to slaughter and also about PMU horses. For me, to walk among these giants who have suffered through so much, whether it is neglect, abuse or just nowhere else to go was and is humbling. I would encourage folks in the area to get involved with this wonderful organization if you are called to do so. The rewards are many all the way around. Check out their News and Events page to see where they will be next.

Standing in the presence of these gentle giants will put you in awe of their beauty, strength and their willingness to still believe in love!

Tammy Bowers is the Co-Owner of Rolling Ads of Maryland, a unique branding company offering a networking Concierge Service as well as an Outdoor Mobile Billboard Advertising Vehicle.  She is also a Charter Member with the Village Connector Online Community Newspaper. You can reach  via email at Tammy@rollingadsmd.com

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