Equine Assistance Program - Hooved Animal Humane Society

10804 McConnell Rd, Woodstock, IL 60098

(815) 337-5563

info@hahs.org

Tiny's Safety Net

We understand the challenges that temporary financial hardships can bring, especially when it comes to caring for horses. That’s why HAHS has established a compassionate safety net program designed to assist individuals in meeting their horses’ short-term needs. This support helps alleviate the necessity of surrendering beloved companions to our rescue. If you're facing a temporary financial hardship, we encourage you to reach out and apply for Tiny’s Safety Net Program. Tiny, the first horse of HAHS, left behind a legacy of care and compassion that we continue to uphold. Horses eligible for this program include those whose owners are considering surrender, those whose owners have requested assistance, and in some cases, previous adoptees of HAHS who face temporary financial difficulties and may otherwise need to return their horse. This also extends to horses involved in HAHS’s Humane Investigations program. Assistance will cover essential care such as hay, feed, farrier services, routine veterinary care (including dental floats, vaccinations, deworming), and medications for manageable chronic conditions like Cushing’s/PPID. Additionally, if necessary, euthanasia services will be provided.

Tiny's Story

Tiny was a 35-year-old Appaloosa who, for many years, worked as a lesson horse at North Shore Stables. Over the years, Tiny gave countless new riders their first lessons.
When North Shore was condemned, most of the animals were put up for auction. Tiny was one of them. On his way to the killers, Tiny was purchased by a former student and then later retired to the HAHS farm as a permanent resident.
For 29 years, while serving as a lesson horse, Tiny was never allowed out on pasture. Tiny was HAHS’s first resident on the farm. He quickly made up for lost time and enjoyed his freedom.

"Tiny"

By Kenneth William Carrick

I know my time is running out, for even a horse must die.
But may I share these thoughts with you before we say “goodbye”?
You’ve given me shelter, love, and care — and sweet green fields to roam.
Your hands so gentle to the touch, and for this old horse, a home.
How often in the years gone by so tired and depressed I longed to wander off alone and find a place to rest.
I dreamed that one day I might be a show-horse grand and great blue ribbons on my tack-room wall, but this was not my fate;
For laughing children on my back, quite often more than one was learning how to sit a horse; to them, it was great fun;
Some grown-ups often were unkind; they rode me long and hard.
Then, when my usefulness was gone, I was just an old discard.
I’ll dream no more of applause and fame; I’m content now on the farm.
You’ve shown me love and tenderness and kept me safe from harm.
I may not see the lilacs bloom nor hear the bluebird’s song, but for a little while, at least, I know I did belong.
To a special place upon the earth where old horses come to rest
And in my waning years of life, I know I had the best.
So, to every horse whose heart cries out for a friendly, safe caress,
Have faith that there will always be HAHS.