[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

Not my original idea, I think it's horse_poor's. But Prozac Puppy's post on the ShilohAcres rescue thread jumpstarted me.

In addition to Secret Santa, can we do something similar for the rescues? That is, you could "pick" your rescue or rescues, and send money or items specifically needed. Or donate your crafts/services/whatever that someone "buys" with the proceeds going to the rescue, as we do for the auctions.

The people who run these things and who volunteer deserve something extra for what they do. So any ideas or thoughts would be welcome.

[FalseImpression]

That, I would participate in!!

[circusponydreams]

Love this idea! Maybe we could have a big ol' sticky thread where rescues could post what they need, or gifts their volunteers might like? It would also be great if we could figure out some way to vet the rescues involved, with hopes of filtering out the crazies.

[JoZ]

What about fall cleaning of the tack room? Put the unnecessaries, the unopeneds, the duplicates on eBay or craigslist with proceeds collected in time to be a Christmas gift for your horse-related charity of choice?

[Quinn]

I too would participate in this idea.

http://community.webshots.com/user/ballyduff

[Chef Jade]

Excellent! I am a serial scarf knitter, but who can wear so many scarves in one season... when you live in Southern California! I'd be happy to sell some of my wares on behalf of horse rescues.

[Sobriska]

Great idea.

[clint]

I love that plan!

[Reynard Ridge]

I'm in! I loved Secret Santa last year, and as cool as it was to give and get (mostly get - I look at the sketch Sakura did every day and sigh with sheer joy ), I do think putting our efforts to helping those in need is worthy.

That said, I still think I might need to rustle up something for someone!

[horse_poor]

It was little ol' me who put the bug in Geek's ear.


I was thinking, many weeks ago, how full of sadness I would be when SS time came up and I would not be participating. I did/do not feel right participating since I am now horseless and am taking a hiatus from riding. However, my favorite part of SS is GIVING. (Not just SS time-I love to give things-Jen22's bag o' baby things is bursting open, just waiting for the giving to begin! But I keep adding to it-)

So in the interim, all of the threads popped up about this horse or that horse and the tireless people who go and try to save at least one in the bowels of the feedlots, etc. And I thought- "I/We should do something special for them during SS time."

And somehow gets their likes/dislikes/wish list and make some of it happen. From $ to supplies to something more personal, like a favorite candy/bubble bath/wine etc. Because while their missions need help, they personally deserve something a little special.

So, if there is someway to organize this, I would be happy to assist...?

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

I would love to be horse_poor's assistant in this matter.

And RR, this would be in addition to SS - you could do one, or both, or neither.

And horse_poor...so what if you're horseless? You can still get non horsey gifts!

[horse_poor]

No, Geek, it just does not feel right
So, we need to get a list of our active rescue peeps to start with, I think, and go from there....

Kelly comes to mind, as does Amber...

[chai]

I think this is a great idea. While I love being part of Secret Santa, and it's really fun to find that special gift in the mailbox, I would happily forego that little thrill to have my 'gift' be a donation toward saving one more horse from the kill pen. It could be our Christmas miracle for a few fortunte horses.

[cowgirljenn]

That was an awesome idea!

[Angela Freda]

GREAT idea! (whoever thought of it)

Count me in.

[Angela Freda]

Excellent! I am a serial scarf knitter, but who can wear so many scarves in one season... when you live in Southern California! I'd be happy to sell some of my wares on behalf of horse rescues.

S'posedly Purple is the color of rescue.
Could we (taht means you, btw) knit some of those scarves in purple and sell them to raise $??
If yes, count me in for....3 big ones, and a littler one for my son.
And I am more than willing to buy some yarn to send you to help get it done more affordably.

[Appy48]

I agree, a list of rescues would be helpful...maybe everyone can supply info on rescues in their area? I know of two not too far from me...of course I'm partial to one of them, it is where all four of my boys came from!

[Seahorsefarmtobe]

What a thoughtful idea! I'm in! Here's the rescue that I'm affiliated with: Horse Rescue, Relief & Retirement Fund, Cumming, GA (www.savethehorses.org)

[17handtb]

CANTER NE would be incredibly grateful for any and all gifts, as, I'm sure, would all the other CANTER affiliates (Ohio, Michigan, S. Illinois, N. Illinois, Mid-Atlantic, and Pennsylvania)


The Exceller Fund helps at-risk horses nationwide and would also be so grateful to benefit from COTHERs' holiday generosity.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

All right! Our first contestant!

Sun Kissed Acres, Shiloh's, all the CANTERS. Wait...there are a lot.

So...what we need from the rescues is a wish list of items (besides money, because we'll split that up as it comes in), and also, as horse_poor suggested, a wish list for them, even if it's just a basket of spa items, or a really warm pair of work gloves. And details! If bell boots, for example, what size?

And people could also donate in honor of someone, or in memory of, whether it's their SS or not.

Oh - wouldn't that be an idea - you could thank your SS with a donation...