Perkins Horses New Gloucester farm offers quiet pastureland.

Linda Walker and Deb Hutchins have operated the farm since 1998 and say domestic violence involves more than just people. Pets and farm animals are often caught up in violent relationships in appalling ways. Animals can be frequently used as tools to keep an abused person in a relationship. Human victims of abuse will usually stay because they know their animals will not be safe if left isolated.

Linda Walker, a paralegal by day, said most abuse cases brought to the farm are horses suffering from neglect and starvation. But there are also examples of physical cruelty. "We have a draft horse here that when he sheds out you can see the whip marks on his rump," Walker said. "He's fearful of people."

With proper care, Walker says a horse can live 30 to 40 years. In the days before veterinarians, a horse could live possibly 20 years. However, the horses at Open Gates aren't nearly that old. Sadly, their abuse began early in their lives. Currently, the farm has about a dozen animals. Angel, the alpha female, is the oldest at 9 years. Rocky, whom Angel selected as her alpha, is only 4.

	Perkins Ladies A haven for horses.

"He was pretty wild when we got him," Walker said of Rocky, a gelding. Rocky has been at the farm since 2003, receiving comfort from his handlers, feeding on hay and enjoying the open-space of the farm's quiet pastureland.

As any horse lover knows, taking care of large animals requires significant commitments. Currently, the farm has a staff of four with about the same number of volunteers. It requires 3,300 dollars a year to care for a horse, Walker said. "It takes a lot of money and time and patience," she said, adding, "It's not just physical health. These animals need mental health, too."

To reach that level of support, Open Gates gets help from other organizations. The Maine Equine Wellness Cooperative, where Walker serves as treasurer, gathers the force of other horse rescue operations. Seven rescue groups came to their open house last Saturday. "We have a network of about 30 people all over the state who are willing to go to a farm," Walker said.

Open Gates is hoping to hold classes this summer. Walker said an "over 50 clinic" designed for those who haven't ridden in years, and taught by instructors of the same age bracket, will help folks get acquainted with horses again.

In addition, Open Gates wants to establish a food bank for mistreated horses. Feed companies and those who raise hay are all potential donors, Walker said. The feed donations would be used not only for the abused animals at Open Gates and other rescue farms, but also for the horse owner who is struggling to feed their animal because he or she has fallen on hard times. "We want to try to get them over the hump," Walker said, of the proposed program.

Caring for abused horses is one way Open Gates seeks to mitigate the mistreatment of animals. Area veterinarians are other potential allies as they can spot the early signs of abuse. But Walker and Hutchins know that prevention is the best cure. To this end they are seeking cooperation with area schools to teach the kids about abuse and compassion. "They need to learn it young," Walker said.

For more information on upcoming classes or if you know of a horse in trouble, contact Open Gates at 926-5570, or visit them on the Web: www.opengatessequinerescue.org