Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/365704
136 FA L L 2 014 U N TAC K E D A sk Camp Rusk Foundation president Robin Shearer about her goals for the fledgling non- profit, and she'll tell you her ambitions in no uncertain terms. e group was established to solve three major problems in the equine industry: lack of affordable retirement, abandonment and overpopu- lation. "ere are times when life transitions make it difficult, if not impossible, to care for our horses ourselves—like a move, a job change, military duties, going to col- lege or having a baby," Shearer acknowl- edges. "Camp Rusk provides a place where a horse may be kept affordably for an extended period of time, an option many horse owners prefer rather than having to sell a beloved equine partner." e Camp Rusk Foundation's objec- tive is to establish retirement ranches around the country, the first of which is already hosting a few horses on the Texas-Louisiana border. ese ranches follow the model of the private Camp Rusk, a retirement facility also in Texas. e Foundation's ranches will focus on sustainable, natural horse and land care. In addition to the Texas location, Shearer says they're aiming to plant a facility on each coast and the center of the country. Each location's system will be adapted for the weather patterns and ecosystems. Shearer first got involved with the organization when she sent two horses to retirement at the private Camp Rusk ranch, founded 15 years ago. ere, about 100 horses of a wide range of breeds from an even wider range of loca- tions around the country are retired in a natural setting. "I was so thrilled to see my horses happy, healthy, running with friends, on >> WHAT IT IS: The Camp Rusk Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing safe and affordable horse retirement through land conservation, curbing horse abandonment and preventing overpopulation. A CLOSER LOOK AT: Camp Rusk Foundation In an age of urban sprawl and disposable culture, this organization works to provide affordable, high-quality care for retired horses. B y M E G A N B R I N C K S P h o to s c o u r te s y o f T H E CA M P R U S K F O U N DAT I O N CHARITY SPOTLIGHT "Camp Rusk provides a place where a horse may be kept affordably for an extended period of time, an option many horse owners prefer rather than having to sell a beloved equine partner," explains Foundation president Robin Shearer.