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The Mark Of The Lily

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Fundraising is dedicated to The Mark Of The Lily start up cost to create the non profit organization protecting horses and creating centers throughout the US for the training of horses and their interaction with individuals with disabilities. Read more about this worthy cause on the website. Included below is our mission statement. Until such time that the corporation is finalized and the non profit is established, funds will go directly in to an account under the founder's name, designated solely for The Mark Of The Lily and can be reviewed by any donor upon request.

MISSION STATEMENT:

Unfortunately, sometimes horses end up in horrible situations, because they are not treated well by humans. To prevent horses from ending up in these sad and inhumane situations, we are starting The Mark Of The Lily.

The Mark Of The Lily is a groundbreaking way to protect the horses we love so much. Unlike regular rescues (which we salute for their hard work and dedication). The Mark Of The Lily, is here to create a long-term solution to a world wide problem by completing the circle of life.

HOW DO WE DO THIS?  By education. We need to educate not only the horses, but the riders and trainers as well. We need to find a way to complete the circle of life for the horses in the world. From being bred and born, through their education as a youngster, a fulfilling life and an end with dignity. Unfortunately at this time, not all horses receive humane treatment throughout their lifespan.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS?  The Mark Of The Lily ( In the process of becoming a Non Profit), intends to acquire horses in various situations for evaluation. They will be micro chipped and marked with a brand on their hip in the shape of a lily flower. The flower is to protect the horse for the rest of its life from ever ending up at a slaughter yard in the US, or elsewhere. The horse will go through training specifically designed for that horse ( dressage, jumping, eventing, ranch work etc). Well trained horse persons working with us will find out where the horse excels and gear their training towards that discipline. This will not be a quick process. It will require time and educated trainers to ensure success. When it is determined that the horse is ready for his new career, we will seek placement. An appropriate fee will be charged. In addition, a clause in the sales contract will ensure that if the horse is re-sold, The Mark Of The Lily must be notified, so that it can maintain oversight. If the horse at any time goes missing, the last person on the paperwork will be held responsible for the cost of the relocation and recovering of said animal. If the horse is found ill or injured, The Mark Of The Lily, will step in and ensure his last days be dignified.

WHY THE MARK?  The Mark will raise awareness. It will keep people from dumping their horses at the end of their careers and promote humane and responsible horse stewardship to prevent the animal from suffering cruelty and mistreatment when they are no longer wanted. The Mark Of The Lily was originally created by the founder in the name of her daughter Lilly, to be a lasting legacy for animal welfare.

HOW CAN THIS HELP TRAINERS OR BREEDERS?  Many horse trainers look for investment horses to increase their income. They purchase horses with intent of training them and selling them at a profit. This is a legitimate enterprise if done properly and humanely. Many trainers do not have sufficient funds to purchase these prospect horses , so they get investors to purchase these investment horses, which is not a bad idea. However, in investor/trainer relationships, the investor many times needs to recoup their investment ASAP. This puts the investment horse’s training on a fast track, so that the animal can be quickly trained and re sold. The goal of The Mark Of The Lily is assure that trainers can take one of our horses,train the horse properly, and sell the horse when it has had adequate training. By doing so, the trainers will have less pressure to meet a time deadline in training the horse, and the horse will have a better chance of finding long term placement that suits its talent and temperament. Just because a horse was bred for one discipline does not mean that is where his talent lies. Breeders will at any time have the opportunity to protect their beloved youngsters by investing in the brand, thereby ensuring the horse be looked over for his remaining years as he leaves their farm.

HOW DO WE GET PEOPLE INVOLVED?  Over the years I have come across some amazing young riders with big hearts and ambition, the future educators. Unfortunately, very often, talented kids are unable to chase their dreams and reach their full potential because they do not have the financial means to acquire the necessary riding education or obtain and support a suitable horse. The Mark Of The Lily is to create a system where talent is not wasted. The Mark Of The Lily will by involving these riders in the training of the horses in supervised lessons. The  students can acquire additional experience by picking up extra rides outside of their lessons on specific horses for ring time. Once they reach a point in their lessons where the rider’s talent is now improving the training , they will receive sponsored lessons where they can help educate animals while educating themselves.The goal is to not just educate the horses, but to educate more riders. Our environments have a powerful influence on what we experience and what we achieve. The Mark Of The Lily seeks to assure that these kids move on from The Mark Of The Lily to a broader equine experience, knowing that they have not only a solid riding foundation, but an understanding of what horses need and a great work ethic. The world needs people like them.

The Mark Of The Lily  is currently using horses to help children with Autism. Even when these young autistic children are not willing or able to communicate  directly, the observer can see them communicating with the horse. Big improvements in communication have been made with these students. We intend to build on our successful experience and create more horses that can help humans in need. This type of therapy has been documented.

WHAT IF THINGS GO WRONG? Unfortunately, a lot of times they do. Even with the best of intentions one can not always guarantee a happy ending. For these horses, there is a compassionate solution which will be provided by the Euthanasia fund. The Mark Of The Lily believes that a horse deserves to retire in a lush grass field with a loving owner. Unfortunately, this is not a reality. Many horses end up at the auctions because the owners did not find a good retirement situation or have the money to humanely euthanize them, even horses that people acquired from rescues and promised they would care for. There will be a specific Euthanasia fund for horses with the Mark Of The Lily on their hip. Veterinarians with compassion will be recruited to provide services at cost for these horses, and we will make sure these horses' last days are happy. We cannot yet provide for every horse, but we will take on every case we can, until The Mark Of The Lily is worldwide and assures that every horse finds a loving home, a suitable job or a humane and compassionate transition. The Mark Of The Lily will change the fate of horses and makes horse people sit up and take notice.

What is the ultimate goal? To educate people and animals to lower the amount of animals subject to cruelty in the wrong hands. An educated horse has a much bigger chance in life. The goal is to produce a facility that brings people together, for the love of the horses and for the health of humans. The Mark Of The Lily will spread its wings in any direction helpful to achieving this goal including merchandise and events. Ultimately the facility will be self sustained.


Thank You
The Mark Of The Lily

Fundraising team: The Mark Of The Lily (2)

Nikki Karlsson
Organizer
Stevenson Ranch, CA
Laura Pitassi
Team member
Raised $50 from 1 donation

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