Illinois Equine Humane Center ILEHC
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Old News but still Good News!

Please go to the "Photos" tab for pictures by calendar year.


ILEHC Year in Review 2021


Holiday Gathering and Tack Sale - December 2021

Special thank you to all who attended ILEHC's holiday gathering and tack sale on December 4.   Thank you to Santa and Zingy the Holiday Horse (who was amazing and loved all the attention and peppermints).   


4th ANNUAL CHARITY SILENT AUCTION
is Closed and a Success

Thank you to all who attended in person or were busy bidding on-line.  We are particularly appreciative to GFL Environmental for sponsoring our flagstone event and also volunteering the morning of to assist with preparations!  Outpatience you rocked it and Hat Trick BBQ Company was delicious.  So much time by many volunteers and organizations that donated items to the auction.  Thank you all as well.  

It all just works; volunteers, loyal ILEHC supporters, and sponsors; all for the care of ILEHC rescue horses.  

​APRIL AND JUNE 2021 TACK SALES
Thanks to ALL




​ILEHC Holiday 2020 Food Donation
​An Evening With Santa and ILEHC Horses

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Thank you to all who donated food and other non-perishable items to the ILEHC.  On December 10, we were so happy to deliver the items to the Elburn & Countryside Food Pantry.  In this odd year, ILEHC felt we needed to step up, with the help of others, so that we could help others in our community who may be experiencing food insecurity.  The Elburn & Countryside Food Pantry was so appreciative of our donation.  Thank you all very much!

3RD ANNUAL CHARITY SILENT AUCTION
September 2020

ILEHC is profusely grateful for all who were involved in the 3rd annual charity silent auction; on-line or at the fundraiser.  Many of the on-line items were a success and we will consider having another with many wonderful items in 2021. 

Thank you to everyone; volunteers, donors, companies and people that donated their services, restaurants, pet items, art work, painted ponies.  Please refer to photo page, Calendar Year 2020.  

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ILEHC was creative in calendar year 2020.  So many of our fundraisers had to be cancelled due to COVID-19.  However, some holiday cheer was still needed.  ILEHC featured a mini movie that included Sarah M. as narrator along with the ILEHC horses and of course, Santa.  



​Paint & Wine - February 2020


​ILEHC'S 2019 YEAR IN REVIEW - THANKS TO SARAH M


Holiday Celebration and Tack Sale - December 2019


Thanks to all who attended the ILEHC Holiday celebration.  A couple of special thank yous; Tom Ferry who was good enough to take professional photos of Santa/Cody and the kids/adults, along with DeJ Mills and Little Shoppe on Oak, Bartlett.  



​2nd Annual Silent Auction and Farm Festival - September 2019

A special thank you to the many that attended, contributed and made ILEHC's 2nd Annual Silent Auction and Farm Festival a success.  


​ILEHC'S 11 Year Anniversary & Tack Sale - July 2019

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Thank you for everyone that attended ILEHC's anniversary celebration and tack sale.  We appreciate your continued support. 

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Spring Fling, Tack Sale & Clinic - April 2019

Dr. Kati Lukas from Lukas Equine Veterinary Service presented on what to have in your Barn ER Kit along with preparing an ER Barn Kit that was raffled!  Tack Sale was a big success and we thank Martha and Wendy from Little Shoppe on Oak along with Sarah and her husband from Sweet Tooth by Sarah.  The kid's Easter Egg hung topped off the day.  ​
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Holiday Celebration - December 2018

Thanks to all who ventured outside in terrible weather to attend the ILEHC Holiday Gathering and Tack Sale.  We enjoyed seeing all of you and are ever appreciative of your generosity during the holiday season and beyond. As  we near the conclusion of 2018, we look forward to the many years ahead where we can continue our charitable mission of horse rescue, retraining and rehoming.


ILEHC's 10 Year Anniversary and First Annual Silent Auction - September 2018

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So many fantastic items were available for bid, County Line Brothers provided the music, kids loved the chocolate fountain and horses were greeted with candy and carrots.  
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ILEHC's Permanent Home - May/June 2018

The ILEHC is pleased to announce that we have our forever home.  The move process concluded during June 2018. We are now located at 47W635 Beith Road, Maple Park.  We have a Riding Arena, Event Room for ILEHC gatherings and clinics, Lean-tos for the horses and so much more.


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​ILEHC hosted a Paint & Wine event during March 2019.  It was nicely attended and everyone had a good time drawing the ILEHC, or their depiction of an ideal barn.  


Horsin' Around the Holidays - December 2017

ILEHC was pleased to host its Holiday thank you and Christmas Photo Event on Saturday, December 2.   Lots of holiday goodies including cookies but also gifts to purchase from Urban Oasis and Ever Blossoms Boutiques.  Professional photos from Purr Photograpy. 

Our famous and incredibly well behaved Cody Pony made an appearance along with Santa Claus (picture above).  We appreciate everyone who took time from busy schedules to attend and welcome in the start of the December holiday season with us! 


Fall Farm Festival - October 2017

What an incredible weather day for the Fall Farm Festival on October 21.  We enjoyed visiting with our friends, family and also meeting new acquaintances interested in horse rescue and the ILEHC horses available to foster, sponsor or adopt.  Lots of new tack was available and sold, the activities for the kids were plentiful from pumpkin painting, hobby horses and the scavenger hunt with prizes for all.  We appreciate Urban Oasis, Boutique, Little Shop on Oak and Ever Blossoms Boutique, all from Bartlett for attending and having such wonderful Fall items for sale.


9th Anniversary Event - July 2017
So fortunate to have many fun volunteers and supporters.  We also welcomed Author Randy Cochran and his spouse, Barbara, along with Chainsaw Artist Dave Watson (Watson's Woods).  Two boutiques in Bartlett (Urban Oasis and Little Shoppe on Oak) also attended and displayed their lovely goodies. 

Young cow, Lucifer were a BIG hit at the start of the event.  Great event, thanks everyone!


ASPCA Help a Horse Day, Girl Sound Clinic, Spring Fling, Tack Sale and Scavenger Hunt and Aetna Volunteer Day - All during April 2017

WHAT A DAY - Kids, Horses, Sunny Skies, Tack Items, Purses, Lunch and Sweets.  WOW and WOW!
Thanks to all who took time from busy schedules to celebrate ASPCA's Help a Horse day with the ILEHC.  We are so grateful for our volunteers, donors and followers.  Helping a Horse doesn't end in April, it is every day at the ILEHC Facility. 
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Megan Howard, ILEHC Board Member working with Aetna's Volunteer Council "enlisted" the assistance of several Aetna employees to help with pasture work at the ILEHC barn in Maple Park on April 26th. Aetna allows and encourages employees to donate time time toward volunteerism and community support.  ILEHC was the benefactor of Aetna's program.  It was hard work but also appears that there might have been some fun in between the shoveling.  Thank you Megan and the Aetna team - the spirit of Help a Horse Day continues!



2nd Annual Cody the Reindeer Pony was a Winner - December 2016


Fall Farm Festival & Tack Sale
October 2016 was Another Hit

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Scavenger Hunt at noon provided an opportunity for the kids to seek out Halloween treasures, pony rides in between rain drops, Pumpkin Painting, Raffles and Boutique Purses from Urban Oasis in Bartlett for Sale.  Sloppy Joe's/Chili, Apple Cider and Candy topped off the day.


ILEHC 8th Anniversary and Tack Sale - July 2016

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Thank you to the many who joined the ILEHC on Saturday, July 16th for a Tack Sale and 8th Anniversary Celebration.  We met new people interested in volunteering or learning more about horse rescue and we had our loyal friends attend as well!   Taxi was a horse of focus but the other ILEHC horses were equally pampered with carrots.  

The article on this event as written by Journalist Chris Walker and published in the Elburn Herald on July 28, 2016.  We are always looking for gently used tack along with Volunteers to help with morning and afternoon chores.  Come by, learn more, see the horses and our passion for horse rescue.
  



​Thanks to All - ILEHC had a Successful Help a Horse Event - 2016

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A day filled with many activities; tack sale, pony rides, bouncy horse races, concluded with a movie extravaganza Black Beauty (PG 2015 version) and included popcorn, candy and a beverage.  The bouncy horses were a hit with young and old. 


​Easter Egg Hunt, Special Bunny Find, 2016 - Kids Loved it!

The kids loved the Easter Egg Hunt and the adults enjoyed watching the kids pick up the nearly 1,000 eggs filled with candy, stickers and small toys.  We thank all who braved the blustery weather and attended this event.  It is always great to see our loyal donors and volunteers.

 ILEHC Spring Open House - April 2015

A rainy and chilly Saturday (April 2015) did not deter the many ILEHC supporters and volunteers.  Pictures to the left are just a few of the many we are thankful to and for.  We are so fortunate to have such a passionate team of supporters and volunteers.  The ILEHC is grateful to all of you, as together we can continue the ILEHC mission of horse rescue, rehabilitation, adoption and education. 


​ILEHC Fall Farm Festival - Another Success Thanks to Those Who Attended and our Volunteers!

The Illinois Equine Fall Farm Festival (2014) was a success, thanks to all who ventured out in less than pleasant weather and stopped by to visit.  The pony rides were a great hit with the kids; thanks to volunteers Monica and Lauren along with ponies Codi and Jenga.  Alana did a great job of face painting and pumpkin painting.  We have some of Alana's artwork on pumpkins still in front of our barn.  We are blessed to have such committed volunteers, loyal financial supporters and patrons who truly care about the welfare of horses.  Thank you all again and again.


ILEHC Celebrated Its 6th Anniversary with Many of Its Friends!

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A special thank you to all of the ILEHC friends who came out on July 19th, (2014)said hello and visited with us.  The weather was beautiful, the horses behaved (maybe it was the carrots) and we are once again truly appreciative of the interest and passion that so many have for the ILEHC mission and cause.  

This is the type of event that enriches the heart and we appreciate each and every one of you!  




We've Moved - May 2013

All of our geldings and mares have relocated to a great facility!  Nice roomy pastures for all to romp and enjoy so be sure to stop in to visit during visiting hours which are 8:30-10am and then 4-5:30pm Monday through Sunday.  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

ILEHC's Gail Vacca Featured In Tribune

Illinois 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!
gailvaccatribunearticle.pdf
File Size: 2558 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Lulu - ILEHC Mare - And Son Taxi On WGN News

Our 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!!!

Horses Seized From Local Woman Arrive At ILEHC

Local Vet, ILEHC, and Area owners/trainers Work Together To Rescue Horses

 
November 19, 2012  Over the last weeks, the ILEHC had been working with local vet, Dr. Margaret Rodgers, as well as area horse owners and trainers in an investigation into neglect and abuse by a local woman, Angela Beers.
During the past few days, Dr. Rodger was able to convince Beers to relinquish 7 horses and to return another 5 horses to their owners who were paying  Beers to care for them. The ILEHC was asked to help by taking 2 of the horses one of which is a stallion that had starved repeatedly over the course of the last 4 years.

King Cielo is a 14 year old Thoroughbred stallion who earned over $218k during his career on the track. He is currently in stable but horrible condition -  a 1.5 on the Henneke scale. King has essentially been locked in a filthy stall for the past 4 years. His feet were caked with inches of fecal matter...stuck on like cement, and he is literally skin over bones.

Bling is a 2 year old Thoroughbred filly that Beers intended to race. The filly is not registered or broke to ride. A 2.0 body score, Bling is in better condition than some of Beers other horses, however, her growth has been horribly stunted by malnutrition likely permanently compromising her full growth potential.
At this point, we are in need of donations to help with the expenses of restoring these horses to good health. All donations will go directly toward the care and feed of King and Bling. This will be the first Thanksgiving and Christmas in 4 LONG YEARS that King will not go hungry standing in a dark, filthy stall. Please help us to continue to be there for horses like King and Bling by making a donation today. Donations can be made online at www.ilehc.org or checks mailed to : ILEHC P.O. Box 337 Big Rock, IL 60511


Click on photos to enlarge

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 donated 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




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Spring Fling 2012

Wanted 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

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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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Rosa
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Pocket
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Pocket


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 Arrived At ILEHC

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..... 

First Annual ILEHC Open House

The ILEHC held the first annual Open House on Sunday, May 1, and the turnout was more than we even had hoped for!!!!  The event, which ran from 10am to 3pm, featured a raffle, a unique "Giving Tree", and lots of up close and personal time with all of the horses.  A HUGE thanks to all of our outstanding volunteers for pulling this together and make it such a great day for all.
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OTTB Graduates Shine at Local Horse Show

PictureJazz (middle) & Linn after winning blue in Hunter Hack
Three of the Illinois Equine Humane Center's former adoptive horses took to the show ring to strut their stuff at the Contento Farms/Escapar Farms schooling show. Former racers 6-year-old Conte's Whirl (Conte Di Savoya x Whirlybird) adopted by Sarah in April 2010, 11-year-old El Condor (Birdonthewire x A Lady With Appeal), and 7-year-old Xcellent Jazz (The Deputy x Diamond Jasmine) took to the show ring as if they had been doing this all their lives.  For Conte's Whirl and El Condor, the event was their "maiden" venture in the world of horse showing with only Xcellent Jazz having had a show or two already under his belt.

Xcellent Jazz (new show name All Jazzed Up) received first place in the Hunter Hack class.  Jazz was rescued by the ILEHC in December of 2008 at a dispersal auction in Mt. Vernon, IL.  The ILEHC outbid a kill-buyer for Jazz and following a few months of rehab and retraining, he was adopted by Linn in May of 2009

ILEHC Sets Up At Big Rock Zip Code Day!

The ILEHC was invited to participate in the fun and festivities that were held in honor of Big Rock Zip Code Day - 60511!!  The community spared no expense as there was plenty of food and barbeque, a car and tractor show, train rides, an art show and various other booths set up by local organizations.  We were honored that we were asked to participate and had a great time getting to know the Big Rock community!  Thanks for making the ILEHC a part of the celebration!.

 Illinois Equine Humane Center (ilehc)

47w635 Beith Rd
Maple Park
IL 60151

contact us!

​(815) 761-4937
© COPYRIGHT 2015. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
    • About Us
    • Mission & Background
    • Governing Body
    • Photos
    • Older News But Still Good News!
  • ILEHC Supporters
    • Our Partners
    • Founders, Founder's Club
  • Horses
    • Featured Horse
    • Gone but not Forgotten
  • Success Stories
    • Champions >
      • Esther Egg
      • Scooter Roach
  • Events
  • How to Help
    • Volunteering
    • Donating
    • FundRaising
    • Gift Shop >
      • T-shirts!
  • Contact Us
  • Forms