Freedom Hill Horse Rescue Announces Ponypalooza 2016

Ponypalooza, the core event, is free of charge for all ages and designed to raise awareness about horse rescue, volunteer opportunities and equine-assisted learning programs available to youth in the area. The day at the farm will feature opportunities to interact with horses, a scavenger hunt, games, food trucks and local businesses, along with several demonstrations highlighting natural horsemanship and horse healing arts. The HEART theme for Ponypalooza defines its aim of “Helping Equines through Art.”

Events during the month of April include:

• Painting for Ponies on April 2 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Friday’s Creek Winery
• Online Art Auction and Pony Pile Up ticket sales from April 1 through April 21
• Ponypalooza Family Fun Event featuring the Pony Pile Up and Youth Art Exhibition on April 23 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

The FHHR Youth Art Contest, inspiring participants to illustrate the positive side of horse rescue, is a national art competition that is free to enter and open to youths in four age categories. Submissions will be accepted from April 1 through April 15. Winning entries will be awarded and art will be exhibited during Ponypalooza. The art competition rules may be found on the event website.

Executive Director Kristy Alvarez said, “Our all-volunteer team at Freedom Hill Horse Rescue is thrilled to host Ponypalooza this year to spread awareness about the ASPCA’s National Help A Horse Day.” She continued, “We are excited to welcome the community to the barn so that they can meet our equine residents, learn about our organization, enjoy many fun activities and learn how they, too, can help horses.”

Founded in 2004, Freedom Hill Horse Rescue is dedicated to rescuing senior and special needs horses from neglect, abuse, abandonment and slaughter. The organization strives to improve the lives of horses by providing a safe haven for healing and rehabilitation, while working with equine partners to educate, inspire and improve the lives of youth and their families. In 2015 thirty horses were helped, bringing the total helped since 2004 to 275; over 500 people attended education and out reach events; 26 new volunteers were recruited; and over 15,000 volunteer hours were worked. Additionally, four horses received Angel sponsorships, FHHR held 45 sessions in horse care, horsemanship and continues to hold weekly equine training clinics.

For more information about Freedom Hill Horse Rescue, visit
https://www.FreedomHillHorseRescue.com