A local horse rescue group is helping to save horses from going to slaughterhouses.
Not only that, but Heel and Hoof Horse Rescue is wanting to help raise awareness about how horses are slaughtered in Alberta and Canada.
"A lot of people don't realize that in Alberta we slaughter a lot of horses, and they're sent overseas for meat," explains Heel and Hoof owner, Ruth McDonald. "They're also shipped live to Japan, because they eat it raw, so they want them fresh. 28 hours, no food, no water, cramped in a crate. And we want awareness that this isn't right."
McDonald adds that most of these horses were pets at one time before they were sent away.
"They're not winning ribbons, they've gone lame, they're old, they can't make babies. They get dumped aside and those are the ones that we end up with. But, they still have a lot of life left."
Because some horses that are sent to auction end up being sold to meat buyers, who then send the horse to the slaughterhouse, McDonald advises people to make sure they know who they are selling their horses to.
As part of their work at the Rescue, they work with the horses to get them healthy and comfortable around people, and then they rehome the horses to a forever home.
But, according to McDonald, taking care of these horses is expensive.
"We don't get the ones that are in perfect condition, so it costs money to feed them. I go through, on average, 80 round bales a year. And you're averaging anywhere, depending on a drought year, $265 to $125, $150 on a good year. So, we need to raise funds."
In order to raise funds, they have decided to do a Spring Market.
At the market, there will have items that have been donated to them, such as horse tack, halters, gently used horse items, as well as some new items.
"And we also have a silent auction. We have 22 items for the silent auction as well from very good donators."
They will also be selling some plants through donation.
"I've planted about 60 tomato plants, and there's peppers, and there's houseplants, and people are bringing some plants," McDonald says.
There will also be games for children to enjoy, as well as a colouring book for sale at the market.
All proceeds from this market will go to Heel and Hoof to help them take care of the horses at their rescue.
The market will happen at Heel and Horse Rescue on June 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 418113 - 16 St. West, which is Southwest of Okotoks.
This is the first time they have held this market, but McDonald says that if it goes well, they will do another market down the road.
If anyone has a horse they need to surrender, Heel and Hoof will take them in, and if anyone wants to donate money or sponsor a horse, but isn't able to make it to the market, check out their website.