“We received more than 4,000 votes which means we won $2,000 from Horse Canada Magazine after winning their Heroes of the Horse award,” said Fell.
“The Horse Canada award has helped pay for more than 170 bales of hay.”
Volunteers at the horse sanctuary nominated Fell for the magazine’s contest.
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“My barn volunteers are my horse heroes.”
Fell founded the facility in the 1970s, taking horses and their histories. She offers various clinics, riding opportunities and the experience of working with horses to anyone who passes through the doors.
She uses her pension to fund the 50-acre farm, which houses more than a dozen horses.
“The horses themselves are the cheap part. It’s the feed, equipment, tack, lessons and upkeep that cost the most.
“Every little bit of funding counts. And to be recognized on a national level for the work you are doing, my hope is this may help get us more exposure so we can continue doing what we do.”
Fell said she wasn’t counting on winning the contest.
“It seems like everything had to go wrong this past winter. Machinery broke down, I broke my arm, and nothing went right. But it just shows what Islanders can do when it comes to competitions like this.”
Fell said it’s been a special experience.
“This competition has brought so many past students and riders back into my life. I’ve gotten so many messages of well wishes and congratulations,” she said. “If this leads to more funding, we’ll be able to expand on our programs that can play a vital role in people’s lives.”
For now, Fell and the other volunteers will continue to plug along.
“It was a comfort to have that money come in, but now we have to keep on going.”
Hanibear Hills Horse Sanctuary and Fell’s story will be featured in the November/December edition of Horse Canada Magazine.
