Welcome to the Illinois Equine Humane Center!
Illinois Equine Humane Center Celebrates ASPCA Help A Horse Day-April 26th
Community support needed for chance to win $10,000 ASPCA grant and
save more horses!
Maple Park, IL April 14, 2014 — The Illinois Equine Humane Center (ILEHC) will be celebrating the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) national Help A Horse Day on April 26 and will be competing for a chance to win one of five $10,000 grant prizes to assist with their efforts to protect horses. To celebrate the day, ILEHC has been invited to join the “Thoroughbred Rescue Day – Illinois Cares” event hosted by Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney/Cicero, Illinois. Several Illinois based equine rescue groups will also be in attendance, including the track’s resident Thoroughbred Aftercare program and Galloping Out.
The purpose of this event is to raise awareness about the lifesaving work horse rescue groups do year-round to care for at-risk horses in their community who have been abused or neglected. Horses have been central to the ASPCA’s work since its founding 148 years ago, when Henry Bergh stopped a cart driver from beating his horse, resulting in the first successful arrest for the mistreatment of a horse on April 26, 1866.
“The ASPCA Help A Horse Day contest is a wonderful opportunity for our team to help spread awareness about the at-risk horses in our state who are in need of forever homes,” said Gail Vacca, ILEHC, President. “Horses are majestic, loving animals, and we hope our local supporters will come out to Hawthorne Race Course on April 26 to help us win a $10,000 grant so we can continue our lifesaving efforts for years to come.”
The ILEHC encourages the public to come out to Hawthorne Race Course on Saturday, April 26, 2014 to celebrate the horse and the important work being done in Illinois to protect them. The Hawthorne Race Course is located at 3501 S. Laramie ~ Stickney/Cicero, Illinois. The event and horse races begin at 1:30pm.
An all-inclusive 3 night VIP trip for 2 to Las Vegas will be raffled to help raise much needed funds for the participating horse rescue groups. You do not need to be present to win! To purchase raffle tickets, or for more information about ILEHC, please email info@ilehc.org or call 815-761-4937.
What a Great Day for the Spring Barn Opening!
Thank you to everyone who attended the ILEHC's Spring Barn Opening on Saturday, April 5th, we appreciate your personal interest in the ILEHC and the horses in our care. The weather prevailed and it really felt like Spring had arrived. The horses after being groomed and ready for guests made sure that before the hour of 10am that they had sufficiently rolled in the mud. Oh well, April and horses = mud!
The ILEHC volunteers who helped before, during and after, we thank you! These horses are cared for by the best and between volunteers and donors we will continue to be successful in the mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and having these horses adopted. Acknowledgements to The Neighborhood Bakery and Deli in DeKalb for the many loaves of delicious bread, Timothy Grant Jewelers in Schaumburg for the lovely necklace and jewelry cleaner that was sold, Jim Vostik for great hotdogs and bratwursts and Megan Klein of Klein's Tack and Feed who was the raffle winner and donated her portion back to the ILEHC.
A heartfelt THANK YOU - Stay tuned for pictures.
WHAT A DATE!!!ILEHC Spring Barn Opening was a Success
Thank you to those who visited us on April 5, 2014 at our facility in Maple Park. It was good to see everyone and we had a great time. A special thank you to those who also made a donation. The ILEHC was able to purchase vaccinations. 45W050 Beith Rd. Maple Park, IL (Visitors are welcome, but please call to make an appointment. We are located on the grounds of Promise Equestrian Center) |
Be sure to tell all of your friends!!!!!
ILEHC is participating in the HELP A HORSE Day event. Please purchase a raffle ticket and help us be eligible for a $10,000 ASPCA grant!
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Thank You!!! Thank You!!!
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WE'VE MOVED AND ENJOY THE NEW PLACE!!!!
All of our guys and girls have relocated to some great new digs!!!! Nice roomy paddocks for all to romp and enjoy so be sure to stop in to visit. The new barn address is 45W050 Beith Road, Maple Park, IL 60151 (barn to the far east). Our Mailing address is still the same, though (P.O. Box 337, Big Rock, IL, 60511).
Click on photos to enlarge
Click on photos to enlarge
HAY! HAY! TIME TO MAKE HAY!!!!
Amo says "Let's make some hay"!!!
The Illinois Equine Humane Center (ILEHC) is always in need of hay - so let's gallop into action to raise the funds we need to purchase hay for the year. Hard to believe given this cold weather, but the 2014 is months away and we need to increase the coffers in order to take advantage of what we are hoping will be a bountiful and less costly hay season.
The ILEHC current hay price is $6-7 a bale (as of February 2014), we are in critical need of your financial support to help us continue to provide a safety net for the horses in our care and for the horses we will be called upon to assist throughout the year. You can help ensure that ILEHC can meet these essential needs by donating to our HAY FUND today.
To make a secure online donation, click on the “Donate” link above. To mail your donation, please send to: ILEHC, P.O. Box 337, Big Rock, IL 60511. On behalf of the horses, we thank you very much for your kindness and generosity!
The ILEHC current hay price is $6-7 a bale (as of February 2014), we are in critical need of your financial support to help us continue to provide a safety net for the horses in our care and for the horses we will be called upon to assist throughout the year. You can help ensure that ILEHC can meet these essential needs by donating to our HAY FUND today.
To make a secure online donation, click on the “Donate” link above. To mail your donation, please send to: ILEHC, P.O. Box 337, Big Rock, IL 60511. On behalf of the horses, we thank you very much for your kindness and generosity!
ILEHC's Gail Vacca Featured In TribuneIllinois Equine Humane Center founder and President Gail Vacca was featured in the Chicago Tribune this past weekend as part of their "Remarkable Women" series. Congratulations Gail! And thanks for your undying dedication to the horses! Read the article below!
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Lulu - ILEHC Mare - And Son Taxi On WGN NewsOur mare Lulu who was rescued by President Gail Vacca at an auction was featured with her offspring Taxi on WGN News. The segment tells their incredible story of survival and great fortune!
Click here to watch the story!!! |
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Update On Neglect Case
From the Kane County Chronicle...
Horses Seized From Local Woman Arrive At ILEHC
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Bake Sale!!!!
Zingy and friends need your support!!!
Join the ILEHC this Saturday October 27th at D & H Ag The Country Store's annual Fall Festival! ILEHC will be on hand from 10 am - 2 pm at the feed store located at 1111 South Bridge St. in Yorkville! Come join us and other local groups for... a fun and informative day!! We will be offering the sale of baked goods to raise funds for the horses, as well as a 50/50 cash raffle! For more info check out D & H's link below or call us at 815-761-4937!
http://www.dhhorsesupplies.com/
http://www.dhhorsesupplies.com/
ILEHC RECEIVES GENEROUS GRANT FROM ASPCA
August 10, 2012 - The Illinois Equine Humane Center, NFP (ILEHC) is very pleased to announce that it has been awarded a generous grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Rescuing Racers Initiative. This grant will enable the ILEHC to provide care, rehabilitation and retraining to former racehorses awaiting adoption at its facility in Big Rock, Illinois.
“We are deeply grateful to ASPCA for their support of our efforts to transition former racehorses into new homes and vocations once their career at the track has ended.” “The funding provided by ASPCA through this race horse specific program, is a much needed and appreciated resource for the ILEHC since the bulk of horses we have available for adoption are former racehorses in need of rehabilitation and retraining,” said ILEHC president, Gail Vacca.
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health servicesDur. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org
The ILEHC is an all volunteer, 501(c)(3) charitable organization, established in 2008 to provide humane treatment and shelter while working as a clearinghouse to seek adoptive homes for all of Illinois’ unwanted horses, regardless of breed and to educate the public for responsible equine ownership so that fewer horses end up in crisis. The ILEHC is made possible through the generosity and dedication of our members and volunteers.
“We are deeply grateful to ASPCA for their support of our efforts to transition former racehorses into new homes and vocations once their career at the track has ended.” “The funding provided by ASPCA through this race horse specific program, is a much needed and appreciated resource for the ILEHC since the bulk of horses we have available for adoption are former racehorses in need of rehabilitation and retraining,” said ILEHC president, Gail Vacca.
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health servicesDur. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org
The ILEHC is an all volunteer, 501(c)(3) charitable organization, established in 2008 to provide humane treatment and shelter while working as a clearinghouse to seek adoptive homes for all of Illinois’ unwanted horses, regardless of breed and to educate the public for responsible equine ownership so that fewer horses end up in crisis. The ILEHC is made possible through the generosity and dedication of our members and volunteers.
ILEHC AWARDED GRANT FROM TCAThe Illinois Equine Humane Center, NFP (ILEHC) is honored to announce that it has been awarded a grant from Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA). We are deeply grateful to TCA for the generous grant awarded to the ILEHC and for their longstanding work in providing financial support to Thoroughbreds once their careers at the track have ended. This grant will enable us to continue our efforts in providing quality care, rehabilitation, and retraining to the off-track Thoroughbreds that are currently in our care and that are being prepared for adoption,” said ILEHC President, Gail Vacca.
Read more.... 
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Illinois Equine Humane Center is Verified by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
July 9, 2012 (Big Rock, IL) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Illinois Equine Humane Center as of July 9, 2012.
Verification means that Illinois Equine Humane Center meets the criteria of a true equine sanctuary/rescue and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Verified status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and they must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. "We are very happy to announce the recent verification of ILHEC. This rescue is doing a fantastic job rescuing and retraining Thoroughbred racehorses enabling them to go on to second careers and enriched lives," said Jeannine Alexander, Deputy Director of GFAS. Read more.... |
ILEHC Awarded Grant from Bernice Barbour Foundation!During December 2013, the ILEHC was the recipient of grant dollars from the Bernice Barbour Foundation. We were pleased to be selected and will put the grant proceeds to good use. Thank you very much to the members of the Bernice Barbour Foundation for selecting the ILEHC as a recipient.
ILEHC Receives Grant from Dancer's Legacy Foundation!The ILEHC was honored to receive a generous grant from Dancer's Legacy Foundation during December 2013. Thank you to Dancer's Legacy Foundation Board members for thinking of the ILEHC and our rescue horses.
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THANK YOU!!!!
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A HUGE thank you goes out to Color Me Mine in Geneva for sponsoring the fundraiser for us on June 9th!!!! For every pottery piece that was painted that day, $5 was domated to the ILEHC for our horses!!!! We are so grateful for geneourous supporters like Color Me Mine and encourage everyone to support them! They are located in:
Geneva Commons 1432 Commons Dr. Geneva, IL A million thanks again!!!! |
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LET 'EM EAT HAY FUNDRAISER!!!!
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First cutting hay generally offers the highest nutritional value of the years hay crop and because it also offers the greatest yield it is usually able to be purchased at a fair price, therefore, now is the ideal time for the ILEHC to purchase the hay we need for the remainder of the year. With the skyrocketing price of hay the past couple of years, it is essential that we purchase as much hay as possible during the next couple of months.
Last year we fed-out over 5,000 bales of hay at a cost of more than $35,000!! We anticipate that our hay needs will be the same or greater this year so we really need your support to help us provide for the needs of the horses in our care. |
In addition to our urgent hay needs, the horses are also due for their annual dental exam/care, coggins testing, and also require funding to meet other routine expenses such as farrier care, feed, bedding, dietary supplements, etc.
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No amount is too small - $6 will buy one bale of hay, $60 will buy 10 bales, and a $100 donation will buy about 17 bales of hay. If each of our members and supporters on this list were to donate $60 (10 bales) we'd be able to secure enough hay for our current residents and have a little wiggle room should a horse in urgent need
to come into the program. Online donations to our Let 'em Eat Hay campaign can be made online or checks can be mailed to: ILEHC - P.O. Box 337 ~ Big Rock, IL 60511 As always we thank you for your generous support!! |
Spring Fling 2012Wanted to let everyone know that our Spring Fling was a tremendous success! Despite the impending threat of rain (which thankfully held off til after the event:), we had a GREAT turnout!
Lots of potential new volunteers, a few prospective adoption connections, and many new friends were made! We'd really like to thank those who helped to make this event a great success...to all of our IN...CREDIBLY dedicated volunteers - we could not do this without you! Thank you so very much for helping with preparations for the event and for helping out at the event itself!! ILEHC volunteers totally ROCK!! Read more..... |
   More photos of the day are in our Photo Gallery!!! Be sure to check them out!!! Click on photos to enlarge |
Many thanks to our wonderful and generous sponsors for our Spring Fling event!!!!
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Pennies For Ponies Thank you!! THANK YOU for all the help so far! We have collected hundreds in spare change - amazing. Thanks to everyone who is hosting a Pennies for Ponies change jug and to those who donated their lose change. Please pick up a pre-labeled jug and flyer at the farm and place it wherever you can - restaurants, schools, horse farms, churches, coffee shops, etc. Click here for a listing of the locations so far and to read more about our Pennies For Ponies Challenge!!! If you cannot make it out to the farm, you may do a collection on your own! Simply mail in your donation or click the DONATE NOW button to submit online. The horses would LOVE your support! |
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New Homes For Two More ILEHC Residents!The month of February saw two more of our horses going to wonderful new homes!!!! Surfer Rosa and Zagor's Pocket were adopted and are off to their new lives and second careers!
The ILEHC would like to say "congratulations" to Sarah P. of Yorkville, IL on her adoption of Rosa! Sarah and Rosa plan to spend some time hitting the trails this year and will also be training towards one day making their debut at the hunter shows! The ILEHC is deeply grateful to Sarah for giving Rosa a new start in life! We look forward to seeing Rosa join Sarah's other ILEHC adoptee "Conte's Whirl" at the horse shows one day! We also send out a "congratulations" to Beth F. of Pekin, IL on her adoption of Pocket! The ILEHC is grateful to Beth for giving Pocket a new start in life and we are also grateful to Gitza Peterson of Gray Horse Farm for fostering Pocket and for facilitating her adoption by Beth! ILEHC foster parents are a key ingredient to the success of many of our adoptions...we couldn't do it without them and are deeply thankful to have their incredible support! Click here to read more about Rosa, Pocket, and other ILEHC horses that have found their forever homes! |
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A Christmas Surprise From After the Finish Line - THANK YOU!!!!
I held on to After the Finish Line's secret for a full 18 hours and for seven of those hours I was sleeping. All kidding aside, ATFL would like to thank our Board of Directors, volunteers, donors (monetary, in-kind and services), charity partners and grantors for helping us exceed our funding goals in 2011. ATFL is sending surprise Holiday donations to 24 rescue organizations totaling $13,500 to show our appreciation for their commitment to the Thoroughbred ex-racehorses in their care. This demanding work does not go unnoticed and ATFL applauds their dedication to our equine friends.
The check is truly in the mail for Equine Encore, United Pegasus Foundation, Harmony & Hope Horse Rescue, Southern CA Thoroughbred Rescue, Illinois Equine Humane Center, GEVA, ReRun, CANTER-Ohio, Omega Horse Rescue, Tierra Madre, Bright Futures, Finger Lakes SPCA, Run for Home, CANTER-Michigan, Our Mims, Island Horse Welfare Foundation, Horse Feathers Equine Rescue, Heavenly Horse Rescue, CANTER-New England, The Golden Carrot, Triple Me Mac, Safe Haven Horse Rescue, Changing Fates Equine Rescue and Serenity Equine Rescue.
The check is truly in the mail for Equine Encore, United Pegasus Foundation, Harmony & Hope Horse Rescue, Southern CA Thoroughbred Rescue, Illinois Equine Humane Center, GEVA, ReRun, CANTER-Ohio, Omega Horse Rescue, Tierra Madre, Bright Futures, Finger Lakes SPCA, Run for Home, CANTER-Michigan, Our Mims, Island Horse Welfare Foundation, Horse Feathers Equine Rescue, Heavenly Horse Rescue, CANTER-New England, The Golden Carrot, Triple Me Mac, Safe Haven Horse Rescue, Changing Fates Equine Rescue and Serenity Equine Rescue.
The "Not-So-Skinnies" Update
October 14, 2011 - The southern Illinois horses (originally dubbed "The Skinnies" are on the mend!!! All have been adjusting well to their new environs and are gaining much-needed weight. But we still need your help to care for these sweet animals!!! Every dollar counts so please donate what you can and pass the word along to friends and family alike!!! And all are available for adoption or for sponsorships as well. Check them out!
Update On The Southern Illinois Horses
September 4, 2011 - It's been almost a month since we welcomed the first of the "skinnies" at the barn and all are doing quite well! These photos were taken this morning and you can see the marked difference in both Lexi and Zingy. While they each have put on close to 100 pounds, there is still a ways to go with all of them. Your donations and kindness have helped tremendously! Keep passing the word, though - every dollar counts and these sweeties are not out of the woods yet! It's been almost a month since we welcomed the first of the "skinnies" at the barn and all are doing quite well! These photos were taken this morning and you can see the marked difference in both Lexi and Zingy. While they each have put on close to 100 pounds, there is still a ways to go with all of them. Your donations and kindness have helped tremendously! Keep passing the word, though - every dollar counts and these sweeties are not out of the woods yet!
Horses In Distress Arrive At ILEHC
We Need Your Help!!!
Over the past several weeks the Illinois Equine Humane Center (ILEHC) has been working to rescue several horses from a downstate Illinois horse owner who has fallen upon hard times and was unable to provide adequate feed and care to his horses. In total, the former owner has voluntarily relinquished 11 Thoroughbreds to the ILEHC. Each of the horses are underweight with several of them being extremely thin having Henneke Body Count scores of 1.5 - 2.0. Each of the horses are in drastic need of veterinary, dental, and farrier care and are going to require an extensive period of rehabilitation in order to be restored to good health. Read more and find out how you can help.....
One Man's Trash - Taxi's Story
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Gail's article about the rescue of Taxi and his "momma" from the kill-pens at Shipshewana has been published by Midwest Thoroughbred Magazine! Click here to read their incredible story "One Man's Trash" by Gail Vacca!
You can also read about Taxi on his own website - http://www.magnafortuna.weebly.com |
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