It's a true sign of the times: people have been getting laid off because of the economy for months, and now animals are getting laid off. Three horses and two ponies are being forced into early retirement in an effort to save money at Tradewinds Stables.
And that's not all: three of the six staff members at the stable are getting cut as well. Broward County Parks Director Dan West says it's due to budget cuts in the county.
"The county is at a point now where we're trying to come up with a way to be more self sustaining, given the budget cuts we've been dealing with," he said. "We put before the commission yesterday a proposal to have a horse adoption program." The proposal was approved.
West says each horse costs, on average, more than $3,000 a year to care for. If they adopt out all five, the county will save an estimated $16, 875.
Now the challenge is to find Mary Muffin, Star, Candy, Missy, and Hokey Pokey new homes. All the horses are over 20 years of age and some of them have serious medical problems. Genevieve Benedetto, a staff member at the stable, says they are giving the horses away for free, but those interested in adopting should know that upkeep will be costly.
"You may get a free horse, but the upkeep is never free. It does require a lot of attention and dedication. It's a big responsibility, especially when you are adopting older horses that have medical conditions," she said.
Tradewinds will require interested persons to go through a lengthy application process, to make sure the horses end up in good hands. They will also conduct follow up visits to ensure the horses are thriving and happy.
Tradewinds houses a total of 31 horses and ponies. The facility offers trailrides, birthday party events, and educational opportunities for those in the community. Staff hopes the community continues to support the horse stable, even through this tough economic time so they can keep their jobs and so that the rest of the horses can stay right where they are at.
"We'll be very sad to see the horses go. You work with these animals day in and day out, it becomes an emotional connection," said Benedetto.
For more information on adopting one of the horses go to http://www.broward.org or call Tradewinds Park at 954-357-8870.
