She runs Handibear Hills Horse Sanctuary, located in Breadalbane, largely by herself and with the help of few dedicated volunteers.
The sanctuary was born in 1976 and sees horses arrive from all different origins, while providing them a haven to live their final years free of pain or fear. Fell hopes her good cause will continue to flourish, but massive costs are making it hard.
“My friends know how desperate I am for money to run this place, and they nominated me for the Horse Canada award,” recalled Fell, who cares for 13 horses.
“I’m running this sanctuary on my pension and this has been a very difficult year for me because pretty much everything that could break, did break down.”
But there is hope.
Horse Canada magazine wants to honour the everyday “Heroes of the Horse” by sharing their stories and recognizing their efforts. The winner will receive a plaque and $2,000 to continue their good work, as well as publication of their story in the November/December issue.
People can vote daily for their favourite to help them win.
Anyone who steps inside the sanctuary learns something new.
Fell runs a youth program called, Trailblazers Horse Club, as an education effort to help teach the next generation how to care for, ride, and train horses and ponies, so fewer animals are left rejected.
“I do education programs to adults and children, and have several health clinics and herbal gatherings. We also use the herd for the autism community, which Helena Reeves administers. Horses are really good therapeutically. Handling them can also nurture leadership and life skills.”
Fell knows each horse by name, as well as their unique characteristics. And when she calls them from the field, they come trotting.
She concluded, “This is there forever home, and if we don’t go out and care for them who will?”
The vote ends Sept. 10. The winner will be announced on Sept. 12.
“We hope the whole Island will get behind the sanctuary and vote, like they did for Hockeyville,” noted Fell, who has dedicated her life to caring for animals.
“They had over 50 nominations for the award, and they decreased it to 10 finalists and included me. It’s really wonderful, but everyone has to vote! This award is $2,000 and that will go towards the feed bill. To win this would be such a wonderful thing.”
To vote for Yogi Fell visit: www.horse-canada.com/heroes-of-the-horse
For more information on Handibear Hills Horse Sanctuary visit: www.handibearhills.com
