Some horsey groups keep the spirit of giving alive all year long.

Holly Clanahan

In these last few days before Christmas, it’s easy to get caught up in the hubbub of the season. Did I leave anybody off my list? (In my case … yes, I forgot our wonderful rural mailman and the feed-store owner to whom I usually send a tin of homemade goodies!) Do I have all the fixings for a big family dinner? Are all the presents wrapped? (Again, in my case, that’s a “no!”)

The spirit of giving and generosity sometimes gets lost in the midst of the “ACK!!!!” But then, sometimes, you meet someone who helps you get it back in perspective.

For me this year, that someone was Bill Shackelford, a longtime AQHA member from Sheridan, Wyoming, and president of Westrust, a charitable organization that originated from the Western and English Sales Association (WESA), which is a market group at the Denver Merchandise Market. Their target audience, obviously, is horse people, and they never seem to lose that magical spirit of Christmas.

“So far, we’ve helped over 15 individuals and spent over $30,000,” Bill says. And it’s been just as much of a gift to the Westrust managers when they see the effect they have on people.

“We give some financial and psychological help to the recipients. They feel like nobody’s there to help them, and when we do help them, it’s amazing how much their attitudes change. It’s not only the financial help, but the fact that there are people out there that are concerned about them,” Bill says.

He mentions one person who thought he was going to lose his house and was despondent. After receiving help from Westrust and getting that “shot in the arm,” his life seemed to turn around. A job offer soon followed, bringing with it a return to financial stability.

“It makes us feel really good about what we’re doing,” Bill says.

To learn more about Westrust — either as a donor or recipient — call (800) 513-4005.

Fortunately, Westrust isn’t the only group out there helping horse people in need. What follows isn’t a comprehensive list, by any means, but it’s a good sampling. If you know of other charitable groups targeting horse people, please list them in the comments section.

AQHA Professional Horsemen’s Crisis Fund — Provides assistance to members of the Professional Horsemen’s Association, based on proven financial need arising from sudden and demonstrable hardship or disaster of a severe and unexpected nature or from serious physical illness. To donate or learn more, contact the American Quarter Horse Foundation at (806) 378-5029.

Working Ranch Cowboys Foundation Crisis Fund — Provides assistance to working ranch cowboys or their families after a serious injury or illness. Contact the Working Ranch Cowboys Association to learn more.

Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund — With each ride, rodeo athletes can lose the ability to meet the mortgage payments or the ability to feed and care for his or her family. Recognizing that serious injuries can be traumatic enough in themselves, without the additional burden of financial worries, the Justin Boot Company formed a partnership with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association in 1989 to establish the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund.

Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund — Riding racehorses is one of the most dangerous jobs in sports, and this non-profit provides financial assistance to jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries. The Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund was established in 2006.

And as a fun addendum … some horsey help coming from a place you wouldn’t necessarily expect: Rock star Kid Rock has offered to pay a year’s worth of board for two Michigan women. “I’ve always tried to help out where I can locally; I do a lot of things nationally and worldwide, too, but if I can’t start out by helping in my hometown, then why bother?” he told the Chicago Tribune.

Thanks to all those out there who are keeping the spirit of Christmas alive year round.

Happy riding, and happy holidays!
Holly Clanahan
Editor, America’s Horse magazine

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