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Western Colorado Hay Bank Sees Increased Need

by KREX News Room
by Danielle Kreutter

Story Created: Jan 24, 2013 at 9:33 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jan 24, 2013 at 11:16 PM MDT

OLATHE, Colo. - The team at the Western Colorado Hay Bank say their phones have been ringing off the hook.

"Being only one of two hay banks in Colorado we've had close to 30 phone calls and we've already seen over 100 to 150 bales of hay move out of here in two days," said Casey Haskell with the End of the Trail Horse Rescue, where the hay bank is located.

The bank is busier than ever as they load up trucks and give away hay to horse owners that are in need.

"We're not here to scrutinize or accuse anybody of anything. We're just here to help you help your horses," said Kathy Hamm, Executive Director of End of the Trail Horse Rescue.

After someone calls in asking for a hay donation, Hamm visits the animals.

"What I'm looking for is just to make sure they're taken care of, that they're not a rack of bones," said Hamm.

If the horses are in good condition, the owners could be qualified to receive donations.

"We'll donate to these folks anywhere from 10 to 30 bales of hay," said Haskell.

If the animals are in poor condition, starving or it becomes clear that the owner has the resources to buy hay themselves Hamm says the conversation turns towards animal care.

"We'll then talk about education, how much they really need to eat and make sure that the ice is broken out of the water," said Hamm.

Taking care of animals is a mission that is close to the hearts of the people who work the hay bank.

"It makes us feel like we're doing a good thing, we would love to have more people get involved with us," said Hamm.

Along with the increased calls for help, the bank has heard from many people looking to help them.

"All of the hay here is either financially supported through grants or local donations," said Haskell.

The goal is to keep the bank full so they never turn away someone in need who's on the other side of the phone.

To contact the hay bank at the End of the Trail Horse Rescue, call (970) 323-5400.

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Judy Ann Kirkham-Beville said on Thursday, Jan 24 at 11:30 PM

Is there anything we can do to help? Please let folks know.

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