Gatton Equestrian Center

Press Release #1

August 9, 2005

web page mgatton@gattonequestriancenter.org

Ladies and Gentlemen,

My name is Mark Gatton, Executive Director for Gatton Equestrian Center and I would like to tell you about a new horse rescue and adoption organization in Louisville, KY.

Once our facility is in operation some of the initial services we will offer are the rescue of horses (non-breed specific) from abuse, neglect, slaughter, abandonment, or just unwanted. We will do this by working with private citizens, law enforcement, Humane Society and animal control.

Other services we will provide to help offset the costs are; 1) boarding services; 2) overnight parking for those traveling with horses; 3) riding lessons in both English and Western; 4) hosting equestrian shows and events; 5) an equine library and bookstore; 6) emergency transportation and housing of horses during natural or manmade disasters and; 7) emergency veterinarian services for horses. Some of these services will come later

When a horse arrives at our facility they will be initially placed in a quarantine area and evaluated by a veterinarian for any medical issues that will need to be taken care first. Once cleared by the Vet., they will be taken to the main building and assigned a stall. Our staff (to be hired) will then begin the process of rehabilitation and in some cases of abuse the horse may need retraining so as not to be dangerous.

Once the animal is healthy again and cleared by the Vet., they will be place for adoption. Before any adoption is complete the adopters will have to fill out an adoption form, pay a fee, have their barn and pastures looked at, and undergo a background check. The background check is used to insure there are no animal abuse complaints that would negate the adoption. Any animal that can not be adopted for some reason (behavior or physical) will remain at our facility for the remainder of the natural life. This is our main function.

As our facility is in the startup phase we are in need of many things such as cash donation, which goes without saying, help with fundraising and marketing, donations of office equipment and supplies and most of all, help with completing the IRS Form 1023 for our non-profit status. Our office is run out of my house until the facility can be built.

The builder we have chosen is Morton Buildings and a design has been chosen. The building will consist of an indoor arena with a viewing area, 19 stalls, tack room, wash stall, treatment area, lab, feed room, office, reception area, laundry room, and a restroom. The approximate cost of the complete, ready to move in building is $150K - $250K. This does not include the property.

What makes us different from other rescue organizations? We are not breed specific. We will take in any breed from miniatures to draft hoses, donkeys and mules. We will have a full time staff that includes a contracted large animal veterinarian, complete lab for on-site testing, facility can be used year around and, emergency transportation and housing of horses, animals not able to be adopted remain on site for the rest of their natural lives.

If you think this may be something you’re interested in, either by donations or direct involvement, please visit our web site and go to the Donations and Contact Us pages.

Once again, your donations are greatly needed as-well-as any other assistance you may provide.

Thank you for your attention,

Mark A. Gatton
Executive Director
Gatton Equestrian Center
(502) 639-3783

m.gatton@gattonequestriancenter.org
www.gattonequestriancenter.org