Adopter to spread awareness for nurse mare foals

Two foals have a new lease on life, thanks to the work of Dream Equine Therapy Center's Terri Stemper and Aiken resident Michelle Kitchings Scott, who adopted the nurse mare foals from the York facility.

Nurse mare foals are born to mothers that are bred for the specific purpose of their milk production, and then are leased out to other farms, leaving the foals to be discarded.

Scott decided to adopt the horses from Dream Equine Therapy Center when she learned about their plight. The chestnut filly is a Thoroughbred-quarter horse cross named Tinsley, who was born March 15, and the dark bay filly is a quarter horse-draft named Dallas, who was foaled March 1, said Scott.

The two fillies were somewhat skittish when Scott first brought them home, and they've faced challenges in their new surroundings, Scott said.

"I have three local veterinarians who are helping me - Charlie Timmerman, who is a friend of mine; Charles Groover who is a good friend of mine, and they recommended Adam Eichleberger (of Southern Equine Service), who has been a great help, and I can call him any time I need him."

The foals have sweet dispositions and are extremely intelligent, Scott said.

"Meghan Timmerman was the one who told me that there was a great need to adopt," she said. "She saw the area that I had and thought I would have the perfect place to (adopt) and knows that I love animals. When she contacted me on a Sunday, I immediately said yes, I will adopt and get two foals. I had never heard of nurse mare foals, and I'm a huge advocate for all animals."

Scott had a shed and a run-in shed but did not have a barn. HBC Builders stepped in and built a barn within a week.

"They really helped me a lot because, without the barn, I wouldn't have been able to adopt them without a shelter," Scott. "I have two little girls, Lauren and Julie, and they love the horses."

More than 60 people stopped by last weekend to admire the foals. Scott's daughters made posters to generate exposure for nurse mare foals and the need for adoption. As a result, several people gave monetary donations, she said.

"It definitely touches people's hearts," Scott said.

The replacement milk is expensive, and donations are welcome, she said. Dream Equine Therapy Center is at capacity with 24 foals and will not be able to take in any more foals until the others are adopted out, Scott said.

"I was very shocked that this goes on in the United States; it seems very barbaric to me," said Scott. "I'm surprised that this is allowed to go on, and I'd like to see more awareness generated."

Contact Ben Baugh at bbaugh@aikenstandard.com.