The Luv Shack Ranch Horse Rescue, a nonprofit dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of abused horses, hosted its 2nd Annual Luv Shack Trainers’ Challenge exhibition on Saturday, April 3rd in Phoenix, Arizona. The successful event raised nearly $5,000 dollars and adopted out four rescued horses.
Click here for the slideshow from the Luv Shack Ranch Horse Rescue.
The Luv Shack Trainers’ Challenge was conceived to help find loving homes for the horses, while spotlighting the plight of horses suffering from neglect and abuse in Arizona. Given today’s economic climate, those at The Luv Shack and other animal rescues have been overwhelmed by the increasing number of creatures in desperate need of help.
The exhibition, modeled after the Mustang Smackdown, was a competition among volunteer trainers and the rescued horses they’ve been working with for 90 days to prepare. From trick riding to Western pleasure to dressage and hunt seat competition, guests experienced an exciting and heartwarming show where the horses and trainers were judged on technical skills, artistic value, crowd appreciation and adoptability of the horse.
The winner of this year’s competition was local trainer Toah Hatch and Frankie, a mare who holds a special place in Luv Shack founder Joey Ogburn’s heart. “Frankie is the horse that began Luv Shack, I rescued her along with two other foals when she was only 5 days old,” said Joey. “She was among a group of about 75 other babies who had been rounded up on the Gila River Indian Reservation and separated from their mothers.” Frankie is the official mascot for The Luv Shack and will remain at the ranch. Four horses entered in the competition found new homes, however the ranch still has a number of rescues available for adoption.
This summer, The Luv Shack is offering their annual kids camp. The camp will run for three sessions. The day camp runs from 7:00am-1:00pm: June 7-11, June 21-25, July 5-9 & July 19-23.
The kid’s camp welcomes children five and up and will incorporate feeding and grooming, saddle and bridle, horse safety, guest speakers, field trips and riding into the program. Enrollment in the camp is $250, with snacks included. It is suggested that campers bring a lunch with them.
Both the kid’s camp and sleepover will take place at The Luv Shack Ranch, 36029 N. 10 Street Phoenix, AZ 85086.
For more information, please visit www.luvshackranch.org or call Joey Ogburn at 602.400.0826.
About The Luv Shack Ranch Horse Rescue
The Luv Shack Ranch Horse Rescue is a nonprofit, all volunteer organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of abused, neglected and slaughter bound horses with the ultimate goal of finding each animal a loving, forever home. Additionally, The Luv Shack Ranch is committed to creating therapeutic programs for at risk children to help them heal from similar circumstances. Their goal is to serve the community by providing the opportunity for the horse and children to heal one another physically, mentally and emotionally. For additional information, please visit us at www.theluvshackranch.org.
