Love horses? Here's a chance to help

PHILLIPSBURG — Mylestone Equine Rescue (MER), a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing horses from abuse, neglect, and slaughter since 1994, will host their 12th annual open house on Sunday, Oct. 9 from 12 to 4 p.m. (rain date Oct. 16). The event is free to the public and will feature a silent auction, bake sale, demonstrations, and various vendors. MER currently has over 30 horses under its care. Mylestone has five new horses to meet this year, including Sundance, a 12 year-old Quarter Horse gelding who was starved, now recovered and suitable for light riding; Logan, a stunning white pony gelding, most likely abused and saved from returning to auction; Bayou, a handsome 10 year-old Thoroughbred gelding looking for a companion home; and Dixie, an adorable 20-something-year-old paint companion pony. MER’s Founder and President Susankelly Thompson added, “Due to the economy, we are seeing more and more starvation cases because some horse owners are in financial distress. If they can’t feed themselves, then how can they feed their horses? You can’t just drop a horse off at your local shelter like you can a dog or cat. This is why the public’s support is vital for horse rescue organizations like Mylestone.” In addition to the horses, MER will have a silent auction with the opportunity to win a variety of prizes and baskets. There will also be a bake sale with cookies, brownies, and many more delicious treats, as well as pumpkins for sale and painting. Vendors will be on hand donating a portion of their proceeds to MER, including jewelry artist Laura Clark Curtis, children’s horse author Diana Tuorto, artist Barbara Hornstra, and photographer Jen Wenzel, who shot photos for Mylestone’s 2011 calendar. A variety of books, CDs, and DVDs will also be for sale at the Lost Treasures table, along with an array of MER merchandise, including T-shirts/sweatshirts, notecards, mugs, 2011 calendars, and plush ponies that resemble the rescue horses. Stop by and learn about becoming a sponsor or volunteer for the rescue. For more information on Mylestone Equine Rescue’s 12th annual open house, to be held at the farm at 227 Still Valley Road in Phillipsburg, visit www.mylestone.org or call 908-995-9300. Directions and a wish list of needed donations can be found on their Web site.