SAN ANGELO, Texas — In the wide-open landscape of West Texas, livestock mingle with the many pumpjacks. However, when it comes to horses, there are plenty in need of help with very few rescues.
Horses are beautiful animals who can also become pets.
“They’re my passion," said Ashley Stahl, founder of All About Horses Rescue and Sanctuary. "When we adopt horses, I really try to match people with the right horse in terms of personality and stuff like that.”
But like any animal or pet, neglect can factor in.
“Other horses that aren’t in quite as bad of shape, they bounce back…a couple months – three-four months – with good care, good feed, vetting and all that," Stahl said. "And it’s a quick process for some but much, much longer for others.”
Stahl said she gets multiple messages every day about horses in need across West Texas, but her non-profit rescue faces challenges.
“To refeed a horse for a year, it’s very expensive," Stahl said. "And I’m sure all rescues for horses, large animals and small, is the finances…to be able to afford to take care of everything and afford to vet everything and feed everything properly.”
Stahl adds that they work directly with law enforcement and animal control to rescue correctly.
“You need to get in touch with the owner," Stahl said. "You cannot just go on somebody’s property and take their animal; as much as you may want to, there are legal avenues that you have to take.”
Many horses have been helped by Stahl’s rescue to go from emaciated to a healthier state. While her work continues to bring some to adoption and others to their peaceful final resting place, more support is needed.
“There are not enough rescues in West Texas to be able to help the amount of horses in need," Stahl said.