Earlier this month, on Saturday, May 19, Freedom Hill Horse Rescue held its first annual Adoption Day.

The weather cooperated with beautiful blue skies and light breezes as over 100 potential equine adopters came out to see the recently rehabilitated horses.

Each of the horses was introduced one at a time and got a chance to strut their stuff for the crowd. The horses were all decked out with ribbons provided by Pampered Paws Pet grooming of Owings. Melody Parrish did the honors of emcee, giving a short history of each animal and a good idea of each animal’s personality.

The horses on display were aged from 5 months (not ready for adoption yet) to 29 years, and each was as healthy as, well, a horse. The youngsters (all colts) were nurse mare foals. Nurse mare foals are taken from their mothers at a very young age, and their mothers are taken to other “more valuable” animals to nurse them. Meanwhile, their babies are left to starve to death. 

The colts pictured are Mr. Peabody (with the red halter), Rockstar (black with a white “star” on his forehead, Rollingrock (all black), and Knickers (reddish brown).

The four colts were raised together for company and to keep them aware of the fact that they are horses, not dogs or people. Since horses are herd animals, living in a group is a vital part of their developmental psychology.

Visitors to Adoption Day were treated to face painting and balloon animals for the kids, a bake sale, a petting area, and a chance to buy lunch later in the afternoon.

One of the visitors that day was Calvert County Commissioner Linda Kelly.  She brought her pot-bellied pig Franklin along for a visit.  Franklin travels along with her in the padded rear seat area of her van. Franklin can be seen in the video eating a snack.

If you’re considering getting a horse, adoption is a great way to go. Once you have been approved by the agency, the horse is free. Of course, the upkeep and feeding are up to you, but you are giving an otherwise abused and desperate animal a good new home.

To contact Freedom Hill Horse Rescue, check them out at http://www.freedomhillrescue.org or call Mel Parrish at 410-474-7662.