Another successful year for GERL – By Cynthia Anderson

Well, we are closing out another successful year for GERL. Overall, 2018 has been very positive and productive, thanks to all our dedicated volunteers and everyone that supports GERL and our mission. While we have had a few bumps along the road we have also been presented with some wonderful opportunities to share our vision throughout the state.
We started off the year with our annual meeting in Winder, Ga. On February 10, 2018. During the meeting we had a chance to hear Donna Harrison present her vision for “Help a Horse Day 2018” We learned from Donna that the grant opportunity was very different from previous years. This year’s focus was on getting horses adopted in to forever homes. Donna directed a groups of volunteers in producing a video titled “What Horses Dream”. If you have not had a chance to view it please take the time to do so at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxlr7EmtObQ . While we did not win the grant our adoptions increased dramatically this year thanks to Donna Harrison and her team of volunteers. We also heard from Jeanne Wampler about her barn cat program. This is a wonderful opportunity for the cats and the barn owners Our Guest speaker was Susan Atkin. She talked about her custom made saddles and the benefits a custom saddle can provide for both horse and rider.
In March the weather did not cooperate for the annual Poker Ride and it was postponed until April 21st. The location was moved to Fawcett Farms Horse Trails in Dawsonville, Ga. It was a success and a good time was had by all that attended.
On March 22nd GERL held a training course for law enforcement and animal control officers in Tifton Ga. This meeting was well attended and well received by the law enforcement community. These meeting are very important to GERL’s mission. Without the dedication and support of the law enforcement community the problem of the starved, abused, and neglected equine in the state of Georgia will never be solved.
April 27th-29th, Ron and Adrian Cook hosted a ride at their place in Round Oak/Hillsboro, Ga. Proceeds from this event were donated to GERL to support our organization and our “Help a Horse” day Program. A big Thanks go out to Ron an Adrian for their support of GERL.
For the second year in a row the annual Polo match had to be cancelled due to weather. This was very disappointing for our organization, the volunteers, and spectators that support GERL and look forward to this evert. I know this year the sun will shine on GERL and the annual Polo match will be a resounding success.
Our biggest and most successful fund raiser of the year was our annual “Rescue Challenge”. This year’s winner was Tinker Moffit and Dreamer. Second place was Josh Peebles and Foxfire. Third place was Betsey Rengifo and Dallas. This was a wonderful event that allowed both horses and trainer to show off their talent. Spectators enjoyed the horses, trainers and a great performance by the knights and horses from Medieval Times in Atlanta. Thanks to Tamma Trump and her team for another successful “Rescue Challenge”.
GERL was also presented with the opportunity to take over the Georgia Horse Council. GERL has accepted this challenge and members have stepped up to get the wheels rolling. If any of you are interest in helping reestablish the Georgia Horse Council please contact us. We would love to give you an opportunity to help with this beneficial organization going again.
As always throughout the year GERL has supported the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) financially and by volunteering at the auctions held at their facilities in Mansfield and Lee Arrendale prison facility. This is a very important partnership for GERL and our close working relationship with the GDA is imperative in helping solve the problem of starved, abused, and neglected equine in the state of Georgia.
Finally we wrapped up this year with the GERL annual Christmas Party at Patty Livingston’s house. While I was unable to attend, I heard that a wonderful time was had by all that attended. Speaking from past personal experience, I know this was true. So folks let’s say goodbye to 2018 and start thinking about what we can do in 2019 to help GERL and their mission to help the starved, abused, and neglected equine in Georgia.