A horse of a different color ... They say a horse is a horse (of course, of course), but a horse can be more than that — like an artist, for example. Take rescued horse Sugar; this sweet little horse will offer some of its artwork at the fundraiser for the Blue Ridge Rescue this weekend. (right) Owner and founder of the Blue Ridge Rescue for horses, and volunteer Bobby Bartleson of Buffalo help the blue-mustached Sugar with its latest masterpiece. In honor of the horse’s home, the equine artist chose blue for its color palette. Photo: Cynthia Beaudette/Muscatine Journal
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Blue Ridge Rescue http://www.blueridgerescue.org/
Send donations for the Blue Ridge Rescue to P.O. Box 203, Blue Grass, Iowa, 52726
MUSCATINE, Iowa —
When the auctioneer’s voice rises at the second annual Blue Ridge Rescue auction fundraiser Saturday at Muscatine’s Agricultural Learning Center, it will remind some in the crowd of a happier time.
Not the least of whom is Casey Smith of Blue Grass, owner and founder of the non-profit rescue there which provides shelter and care for abandoned, neglected and orphaned horses.
Smith, 29, was a child when her dad, Dan Raymond, bought her her first pony.
“We kept it at my uncle’s farm in Davenport and I’d brush it and take it to shows,” said Smith, who was raised in Davenport.
Last year, Raymond, who owned Raymond’s Auction Service in Davenport, nurtured his daughter’s love for horses again by calling the auction fundraiser for the rescue.
This year, that voice was silenced when Dan died in an auto accident in Illinois on Sept. 2, at age 53.
But Casey is carrying on.
Beginnings
Smith, who works part time for an area veterinarian, and her husband, Rowdy Smith, 30, a maintenance lead for the Hill and Valley Sugar Free Bakery in Rock Island, Ill., met as children through their 4-H clubs. As adults, their love of animals led them to take in a homeless horse. Before long, they were caring for another rescued horse. Word started to get around and soon area law-enforcement agencies were asking the couple to help with rescued horses.
Eventually, the couple, organized their efforts into a full-fledged rescue operation.
At this time, the rescue is helping care for 12 horses, and the couple need help affording their food and medical care.
Last year’s auction, which attracted almost 90 people, brought in $8,000.
This year, Dan Raymond’s friend, Dave Aeschliman of Walnut Creek Auction, volunteered to take Dan’s place behind the gavel.
Helping hands for hoofs
Casey said volunteers like Aeschliman make her work possible.
Boy and Girl Scouts, 4-H members, retired people and families looking for community service, also volunteer.
Loren Reed, 17, of Blue Grass, also helps out.
“I just love horses and would like to become a veterinarian,” said Reed.
Even the Smith’s daughter, Cydnee Smith, 6, lends a hand.
“In the past six years, we have rehabilitated more than 230 horses,” said Casey, who matches the rehabilitated horses with responsible owners.
The Smiths will bring Phoenix, a 25-year-old thoroughbred, to the auction to meet with guests.
“He was dumped at a hunting ground in Wash-ington County,” said Casey, who took Phoenix in on June 15. “You could see every bone in his body and there was an infection in his leg.”
Phoenix waited many days at the hunting ground gate for his owner’s return, said Casey. Area residents reported the situation to law-enforcement officials who found the animal dehydrated and starving.
“He is almost full weight now,” said Casey. “Hopefully, we can find him a home.”
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