A $6,200 donation from the San Luis Obispo chapter of 100+ Women Who Care will help Heaven Can Wait, an equine sanctuary for healing and learning in San Miguel.
100+ Women Who Care is a group of county-wide women who want to make a positive impact in our county. They meet biannually to decide which local charity will benefit from the individual donations of its members. "It's a simple idea: meet, choose a charitable group from SLO County, and each writes a $100 tax deductible check to that organization," said Cathie Orrick, founder of the local chapter.
Heaven Can Wait is the result of a promise Susan Schwartz made 40 years earlier to a horse who had changed—and probably saved—her young life.
After returning to California and showing her own horses, she was determined to keep her promise of rescuing equines from life-threatening situations. Her dream was realized in 2003 when the first three rescued equines arrived at her San Miguel ranch. The sanctuary is currently home to 28 horses and donkeys and has found foster homes for 10 others. "We rescue horses and donkeys from abuse, neglect, and abandonment caused by cruelty, ignorance, or financial need," explains Susan. "We act on the belief that these noble animals, which we have relied on for so long for our own survival, deserve to live in comfort, safety, and good health until their days are done."
The rescued animals are not only able to live out their lives in health and safety, but they now can give back to the community that helps support them. They are important partners in several programs.
Horse Power for Everyone (HoPE) is an equine-assisted program for helping individuals and families achieve wellness and wellbeing. Equine-assisted therapy can enhance the quality of life, physical strength, and emotional health of people dealing with a variety of life challenges.
The Word Herd helps anyone with literacy challenges improve reading and other communication skills by practicing in the presence of a horse or donkey, and memorializing the experience through journaling or art. Someone to Smile For serves an ever widening special needs community through well monitored hands-on experiences with the equines that build self confidence and social skills.
The Adventure Club of SLO, an alternative day program for people with special needs, has been visiting Heaven Can Wait regularly for several years. And if someone in your family wants a horse but you are not sure of the time and financial commitment needed to maintain one, you can experience owning your own with the So Your Kid Wants a Horse program. What a great way to learn about the privilege of not only riding a horse, but also the responsibilities of keeping it.
Learn more about Heaven Can Wait at their free Open House on Sunday, June 12, or help support them at Chili's in Paso Robles on June 28th.
