[Queen Vivane]

Username;; Queen Vivane
Barn Link;; N/A
Write or draw about your experience coming to rescue;;
The bright weather did nothing for the black mood that accompanied the woman who stepped down out of a large horsebox. The screams of terror from the horses only served to further fan the flames of her anger, raising her sunglasses and settling them atop her head revealed deep red eyes. Striding forward she moved to stand by the officer who seemed to be in charge.

"I have taken in rescues before but this is the first time I have seen terror on such a massive scale" she murmured as she turned to her.

"This is the biggest operation I have ever had the unfortunate opportunity to attend" the man replied gesturing toward the horses who stood cowering in various pens. "Might I take your name for the record, ma'am?" He asked, preparing to write it down in an already well used notepad.

"Isabela Akantius, I take you already know why I am here" the red eyed woman replied, eyes still on the horses. She could almost taste their fear and it was taking an effort not to just take as many horses as she could safely fit into her trailer and take them back to the yard.

"Yes ma'am, you are one of the many volunteers who have agreed to take on the horses and rehabilitate them." He said as he jotted down her name, watching carefully as she surveyed the area, her expression still curiously giving nothing away.

240 words

[DeadlyArcana]

Username;; Alhena
Barn Link;; ✩
Write or draw about your experience coming to rescue;; "Yes I heard the news I am loading up the truck and heading there now. It's horrible what this man did to these horses. I am going to do everything in my power to bring some home and show them the true love and affection these animals deserve." Atlanta spoke with a heavy tone, she was rushing around the barn, gathering spare halters, lead ropes, hay and any other resources she might need if she trailers home a ERRP horse that was affected by the illegal breeding operation.
Yeah I know Memphis, I gotta go. Rome is out in the pasture and will need to be brought in when you get back to Atlantic. Drive safe I'll see you in a few days." She hung up the phone and jumped into her truck, trailer attached and ready to go.
────────────────────
After a couple hours of driving, and a few coffees in her system, Atlanta pulled up to the rotted barn where others were gathered. Her heart dropped into her stomach. Seeing all the horses in the make-shift pens and all the yearlings and babies brought tears to her eyes. "You can't cry now Atlanta. Get your head on straight and go save some lives."
She found her way to the trailer parking section. After backing the truck and trailer into an empty spot, she hopped out and proceeded to the registration area to sign in. A lady holding the clipboard asked for her name; "Atlanta Rivenbark. Owner of Atlantic Thoroughbreds." The lady in front of her nodded, finding her name and stables on the list in hand. "Do you have any preference of the ERRPs that are up for adoption?" The lady asked her.
"Not at all. I am willing to take any horse available." The lady nodded and finished adding Atlanta to the registration.
"You're all set. Thank you for helping us out. It means a lot seeing this community come together." Atlanta gave her a firm nod and a sympathetic smile. She could tell the lady had her hands full.
(341 words)

[cujo.]

Username;; cujo.
Barn Link;; n/a for now
Write or draw about your experience coming to rescue;;


the call comes in at two in the morning.

fox opens a gritty eye with a heavy sigh, burying their cheek into their pillow but stretching their hand out to fumble blindly for the phone on the bedside table regardless of their desire to sleep. there's only one reason someone would be calling at this hour and even after an exhausting day, they're not going to let the call go unanswered. "h'lo?"

the voice on the other end sounds just as tired as they do, but there's something else there as well, aching and distressed. "is this fox of saint otterlake's?" already pushing themself out form the gloriously warm covers, fox gives an affirming hum and presses the mobile between their shoulder as they sweep the floor for their boots. "a friend gave me your number, dana? i'm out here on some - some hole of a farm and. there's a lot of horses. i haven't even gotten a rough headcount yet. we're gonna need a lot of foster homes with a lot of experience on their hands and," the woman pauses, distracted, voice muffles as she talks to someone else. fox hears the chaos on the other end of the phone loud and clear.

"you there?" fox asks, rubbing the dog on the soft bench as the end of the bed and pulling of their coat. the woman reappears on the line with the beginning of an apology but fox shakes their head though she can't see them and cuts her off. "gimme an address, i'll be there as soon as i can."




there's no mistaking the place as fox edges their car as fast as it can safely go down the unpaved side road. the terrified horses briefly outlined by flashes of blue and red. they wince at the sound of sirens and the too bright lights, headache building in the centre of their forehead at the shrill noise so close, but they do their best to ignore it. the horses here need as much help as they can get.

one of the police looks at them as they gently close their car door and begin to make their way into the throng of chaos, no longer paying any attention to the poor frantic mare he's miserably trying to keep a hold of. she tosses her head, so muddy fox can't even see what colour she is beneath all the filth, and lets out a call for her foal that is lost among the many other mares making the same noise. she sidesteps hard and the cop yanks on her hard to try and keep control.

fox can feel their lip curling. the last thing these creatures need is more trauma. surely they had some idea of what this place was before they went in, why hadn't they gotten an organisation involved? their own saint otterlake's wasn't even a full half an hour away. "easy with her," fox says as they approach slowly, taking out their wallet to show the cop the card they keep on them with the details of saint otterlake being certified in rescue and rehabilitation, and takes the lead rope from his hands. "easy, pet." they do their best to soothe but it's practically pointless, not in all the noise and confusion. "do the sirens need to stay on? they're only gonna make things worse," fox says, posing it as a question before leading the mare in a tight circle, hoping moving will help some of the nervous energy pumping through her from the age old fight-or-flight reflexes. "huh?" the cop asks, looking up from their qualifications. "i'll see what i can do," he says, handing them back their wallet.

fox lets out a long breath, and turns to glance at the mare from the corner of her eye as they walk her in another circle, taking in as much of the chaos as they can to try and get their footing on how best to help. spying where the other volunteers who had turned up where leading the neglected horses, they pulled out of the circle and began to make their way towards the paddocks, confident but gentle. "alright, sweetheart, let's see what we can do for you and your pals."

[707 words]

[LivingLethal]

Username;; LivingLethal
Barn Link;; Here!
Write about your experience coming to rescue;;

A burning truck. Blazing police sirens. The travel trailer sat teetering on the edge of the road, ready to topple at the drop of a pin. The scene was chaos, and the horses sure could tell. People shouted and shrieked, further panicking the victims within this horrible accident. Help was needed—and I would do whatever I could to provide it.

It took a long afternoon, perhaps the longest of my life, to begin to wade through the wreckage. Begging, pleading calls to nearby ranches with space to spare, veterinarians with passions for philanthropy, and horse enthusiasts made up much of my time spent. The rest consisted of calming and relaxing of the horses that were well, and nursing of the horses who’d suffered during the crash and within the preceding living conditions. Most of all, this time was spent getting them contained, as an unsafe horse is never a happy horse.

Alas, arrangements were made. The moment of crisis had passed, and it was time to move forward. There must have been dozens of horses—and all of them needed homes. The ranches wouldn’t be willing to keep them on their own land forever; the vets gave their time in emergency, but they couldn’t volunteer their time constantly; it would be up to the horse enthusiasts to help these horses now. Doubtlessly, during these coming weeks, it seemed that I’d be the one responsible for placing them within these new homes.

It will be a wild ride, but I’m willing. Let me begin: the Fallen Oaks Farm Event.

[ approx 250 ]

[JerseyDusk]

Username;; JerseyDusk
Barn Link;; River Valley Equestrian - Stable Block E
Write or draw about your experience coming to rescue;;

Lea's lips were in a thin pursed line and a sour look graced her face. The one hand that gripped the top of the wheel was clenched around the leather of the steering wheel cover, and the other hand was rubbing her temple. Rosalind nervously glanced over at her trainer and seeing the rage in Lea's eyes she quickly glanced out the window. Earlier that morning Rosalind got a call from the Euphorian Retired Racehorse Project about a horrible situation at a nearby farm, Fallen Oaks. They had been looking for foster homes for neglected horses, and Rosalind had teared up as soon as she heard about the conditions on the farm. Before she even gave it a thought, she offered to bring a trailer to Fallen Oaks Farm; even though she didn't have one.

Rosalind rushed to the barn right after she got out of class, which she should have skipped because she didn't pay attention in any of them. She practically through her car into park, and ran into the main barn office. Lea and Mason were mid discussion as she burst in, words running out of her mouth and tears out of her eyes; in a jumbled mess. It took Mason three minutes to get the college girl to calm down enough to be able to explain the situation. Lea remained silent the whole time and it took five minutes for her to speak, but she made eye contact with her husband and he nodded. "Alright Ros, let's get the trailer." Lea said with a tremble in her voice.

The truck gave a slight roar as it pulled up the slight hill into the driveway, and calmed as it barreled down toward the barns. Ros' eyes widened when the structures came into sight, the entire place was a mess. There were a group of trailers off to the left of the driveway; the barns and paddocks to the right. There were broken posts in the wire fencing, and the closest barn looked like it was about to collapse. Lea let out a gust of air, "holy hell...". Ros looked over at the older woman, and noticed a tear escape down her cheek.

Lea pulled the truck and trailer into the parking lot and shifted into park. She leaned back into the seat, and looked at her student, "Alright Rosalind, this looks like a disaster. And I know you're going to want to bring home every single horse but we can't do that. So we have to pick and choose, there are a lot of people willing to take them home so they will all get good homes. Okay?". The way she said it was almost stern and Rosalind almost felt like she was being scolded but then she saw that Lea was looking at herself in the rear view mirror. A short, small smile crept on the younger woman's face, as she knew her trainer was mainly reminding her self of these facts. Lea looked over at Rosalind and shared her small grin, they shared a small light-hearted moment before opening the door knowing that they were about to witness some heartbreak.

[word count 525]

[Ringo.]

Username;; Ringo.
Barn Link;; New Hope Ranch
Write or draw about your experience coming to rescue;;

I raced to the scene, sirens were blaring and blue, red, and white lights were flashing.
I looked around and saw crowds of people all over the place. I quickly parked my truck and trailer and headed towards one of the groups. Everyone was talking about how surprised they are that the horses survived for so long.
I kept my eyes on all the horses, The sight broke my heart.

I stepped through the crowds, everyone was pushing everyone. It was a nightmare.
I walked over to a lady who looked like she was running everything.
"U-uh, hello. I'd like to sign up." My voice wavered as I tried not to cry.
She nodded and handed me a clipboard with a forum, which I immediately signed.
Checking every possible box. The looks of the horse didn't matter to me.
All I cared about was saving an innocent life.
Perhaps I can save more than one.

A young man walked over and led me to makeshift pens that held the horses.
As I looked at all the horses, I let a few tears fall onto my cheeks.
They were nothing but skin and bones. You could see their ribs.
I wanted to take every single one home with me as soon as I laid eyes on these poor innocent souls.
My heart was set on saving a soul.

[227 words]

[_rιyα_]

Username;; sesquipedalian
Barn Link;; n/a
Write or draw about your experience coming to rescue;;
Elizabeth was tired. No, she was beyond tired. It was much to late to be awake; as a matter of fact, it was already the next day, and she hadn't had a wink of sleep all night. She had been working out some kinks with her soon-to-be up and running barn, which would be complete once she brought in her horses from her old place. She was just settling down for a quick nap before she had to get up for the rest of the day, when she heard something on the TV. "Ugh, why is that even on?" she muttered to herself as she got up to turn it off. However, as soon as she reached the television and saw what was on the screen, all thoughts of sleep vanished from her mind and she raced to get her things together.

Elizabeth pulled her truck and trailer up to the already crowded lot, quickly jumping from the vehicle and advancing towards where a large group of people milled about, outrage and sadness clear on their faces. She saw someone taking down names for volunteers and approached them, quickly giving her own name and contact information.
"Do you have any preferences for any of the horses?" the woman asked. Elizabeth simply shook her head, craning her neck to watch as the horses were gathered from the wreck that had been their home.
"No, I'll take anyone in," she said as she hoped that there would be enough volunteers for each horse to get a place to go.

(258 words)

[Lavellan]

Username;; Laurara
Barn Link;; GnL ERRP Stables!
Write or draw about your experience coming to rescue;;

“Tsk, it’s terrible.” Came my mother’s disapproving voice from down the phone. She liked doing that, reacting to something that no one else could see, tricking them into asking what she was talking about. With a soft sigh, not putting down the mixing bowl as I continued my baking, I sent a “What is?” in the direction of my phone, a tone of mild disinterest lacing my voice.
“Ah, that raid on that breeding farm.” Pausing, wooden spoon raised just above the bowl, I frowned.
“What breeding farm?”
“Ah, that Euphorian Thoroughbred farm. Have you not seen it on social media? Some illegal operation, it’s being sorted out by the police right now. It’s terrible that someone would exploit those poor creatures like-”
“Thanks mom, gotta go!” Dropping the bowl on the countertop, grabbing my keys, and on second thoughts, some shoes, and ran to my trailer.
I was always one to help animals in need, it came naturally to me, but when given the opportunity to help one of these rare horses, well, I didn’t even stop to wonder if I had turned off the oven.
Screaming at my smartphone to tell me where to go, I followed the GPS, pealing around corners at a speed far too high for my trailer, but I needed to get there.
I had to help.

I wasn’t the first person to arrive, the place surrounded by hundreds of onlookers, but very few helpers. Haphazardly parking my trailer, I raced towards the nearest policeman, asking what I could do to help. He seemed to be stressed out, beads of sweat rolling from his forehead, and pointed my in the direction of the barn with a trembling hand.
The roars of stallions and the screams of desperate mares reached my ears before I even stepped towards the barn, and my heart dropped to my knees. Racing forward, a leadrope was soon forced into my hand, some skinny, dirty horse thrust towards me. I lead them to one of the paddocks, before returning to the barn again. Each time I neared the barn, something else would cause my heart to sink - the smell, the bowing rafters of the barn, the splintering doors, the state of a young foal who was searching desperately for his mother. I could see the effect on other volunteers, tears streaming down some faces, the tug of anger on the brows of others. I could feel the lump of oncoming tears forming in my throat, but I forced them down, focusing on getting the horses to safety instead.

When all was said and done, all of the horses were out of the rotting barn and safe, I stopped, draining a bottle of water and feeling those tears rise to the forefront. Wiping my eyes with a grubby hand, I cleared my throat, raising my head. Time to finally see if there was anyone who was in charge of adoptions. I couldn’t leave without taking some of them. Their poking hips, the obvious ribs. I knew I just had to give some of these poor creatures a better life.
I couldn’t let myself leave without at least trying.

528 words

[WolfWinter]

Username;; WolfWinter
Barn Link;; N/A (Will add one when it's made)
Write or draw about your experience coming to rescue;;


It was on the radio, what happened. The illegal breeding operation had all of their horses seized and now they needed homes. I make preparations to rush down and help. I felt like I was being tugged in two directions as I listened to the news for any other information, and getting ready to leave. They needed to be groomed, fed, looked over for any injuries old or new, among other things. I followed the directions on my phone when I put the address in. It took most of the morning, but I made it there. More events had unfolded since the early news announcement on the radio.

Hearing the situation didn't prepare for the sight before me. Volunteers were doing their best to keep mares calm, as they protectively guarded their reunited foals. It was a hard sight to see. I try to find someone to see where I can help. Eventually I'm pointed towards helping take inventory on supplies that were pouring in from donations. Blankets, feed, halters, grooming supplies. Veterinarians and farriers come by to offer their services to help the horses, currently, and throughout the adoption process. People come by with trailers to help move the horses to a safer location. Others offer places to keep them until better arrangements can be made.

Night comes slowly, and then all at once everyone's working with flashlights and standing lights. Insects swarm around them in the waning summer heat. The horses and supplies are loaded up as they are moved to a safer location where they begin to get more organized. I walk by the temporary pens as each horse is given food and water. Some of them aren't as scared now, and watch with curious, but wary, eyes at all the activity. There was more I could do to help them, I was sure of it.

[CheeseyChelsey]

Username;; Allenula
Barn Link;; Grand Oaks Stables
Write or draw about your experience coming to rescue;;
It was a long drive, Grand Oaks Stables was known for their abused horses turn into amazing show jumpers and their beautiful gaited ponies. Allie, the owner and the one driving the truck had bought a brand new trailer, to fit at least 10 horses, or more. Her lover, Jack, told her all about the abused ETs. He was coming a long in another car behind her. Her blue Ford pickup truck stopped in the parking a lot. She quickly got out, rushing over, leaving her truck door open. She stared at the ETs foals, mares, and stallions. She saw laying bodies in the grass, horses fighting for their lives. The cries of mares, that lost their foals. It was a tough sight. Soon Jack joined her in the sight. He pulled the young lady to the side, where she cried for a few minutes. After the emotional roller coaster, they walked together, after turning off her truck, to the sign up center. Soon getting lead ropes and halters ready for their new four-legged friends. The young couple, after getting their lead ropes and halters, walking into the barn. Breathing in sadness and death, they started to work. "Here we go.." Allie sighed, as they walked to their first horse.