New Mexico Horse Rescue feels strain from inflation

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Neglected, abused and abandoned horses are more common than you might think – and one horse rescue is celebrating a major milestone in its focus on helping horses across the state.

Walkin’ in Circles Ranch has been helping horses since 2002, as they’ve worked to rehabilitate, retrain and rehome horses in their care – and they’ve seen a lot in 20 years.

“A lot of horses come to us very underweight, severely neglected, undernourished,” said Lauri Michael, the ranch’s board president. “They come to us with very bad feet. You know, their hooves have not been trimmed in a very long time. Some have been neglected to the point of abuse.”

The goal is to give them a better life but the pandemic and inflation has kept them busy. Caring for horses isn’t as easy or as cheap as it used to be.

“People are finding it harder to take care of their animals and horses in particular with us,” Michael stated. “Hay is going up, it’s extremely expensive right now and so we are finding more and more horses in need of help.”

Last year, alone, over 30 horses were rescued from unfortunate situations and most of them were given new homes. For the past two decades, they’ve rescued over 500 horses.

Looking ahead, the Walkin’ in Circles Ranch is hoping to recruit more volunteers who are essential in their mission to help more horses.

For more information on the ranch, visit their website.