Losing Our Horse Rescue Farm

My name is Darlene Kindle, I am the Executive Director and Founder of Carolina Equine Rescue & Assistance, CERA located in Wingate, NC.  We have been a nonprofit horse rescue for 12 years and have lived on our farm which we are leasing for 13 years.  We have been told that we need to leave the farm July 1, 2021.  I keep thinking this is a nightmare, but it's not.  Receiving this news last Thursday has devastated me.   Over the years I have saved over 300 animals, horses, dogs, goats, pigs, birds and the list goes on.  Like Sam, I take in the animals that are close to death, abused, neglected or unwanted.  I help animal control/law enforcement in 8 surrounding counties and I'm an approved rescue with the ASPCA.  I do my best to give them the high quality grain, hay and care, with a lot of love and attention, which I feel is the best medicine, they also know we sincerely care about each of them.  I have had 9 babies foals born on the farm and have taken in 5 Nurse Mare Foals.  I have had puppies, and pregnant dogs that have delivered her pups in our living room, bottle fed baby goats and pups that have lost their moms. 

I am a member of GFAS, Global Federation of Approved Sanctuaries,  NCHC, North Carolina Horse Council, Homes For Horses Coalition, A Home For Every Horse, Equine Welfare Data Collective and a Survey Participant

Not only am I an animal rescue, we are also very involved in the community.  The local high school has their equine science class on the farm each year.  During summer break I accept 2 pre-vet students to become working students which gives them the opportunity of having hands on experiences with the horses.  Different clinicians also come to the farm to speak to the students, large & small vet, nutritionists, etc.  Vet school does not give these kids the hands-on experience they need.  We have had so many visitors and volunteers come through the front gate, too many to even guess how many.  And so many children that wanted to help, didn't matter how old they could fill a water bucket.  I have worked with children that have social anxiety, behavioral issues and autism.  Years ago the Battered Women's Shelter and their children came for a fall festival, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4H and court ordered community service children and adults.  It hurts so much to even think this will come to an end.  

I am very well known and respected in Union County, with over 12,000 followers on Facebook.  Folks come to me for help, they know they can count on me to help their situation.   I also have a relationship with Wingate University students, they love coming to help care for the horses.  I love sharing my knowledge of equine, I tell the kids just listen to me babble.  

These words are so hard for me to say "we are losing the farm", my passion, my purpose in life and I fear I will also no longer to be able to help the animals in need.  I have worked so hard to become who I am today.  

My followers, friends and family are all looking for another farm for us to lease but unfortunately there is nothing available.  Our only other option is to try to purchase, I'm not looking for something fancy, just a place that can accommodate the 15 horses we have currently.   

Currently I am, being the voice in this county to help more animals have a better life.  One of my followers sent me this many years ago and to this day I will continue my mission as an animal advocate.  

Animals do have a voice.
If you ignore their suffering, I will remind you of it.
If you don't understand them, I will translate.
If you don't hear them, I will be their voice.
You may silence them but you cannot silence me as long as I live. 

Please, if you can help us to find another farm, I don't like asking for money but in this case it's not for me its for the abused, neglected, beaten and unwanted animals that need help.  Thank you so much.