Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement in Salem celebrated ASPPA's National Help a Horse Day April 26 with an Equine Welfare, Health & Fun Fair that featured other local equine welfare organizations, vendor booths, demonstrations, lectures, farm tours, food and music.

The event was held to help people find a path to responsible horse ownership.

The rewards of horse ownership are great. It teaches responsibility and self-esteem to children. Horses are beautiful to watch, and generally good for the soul. They are great company and a blast to ride. (It has been my privilege to be in the company of horses for most of my life.) That joy and privilege carries with it great responsibility. The reality of horse ownership is that they rely on us for every basic need for life; food, water, shelter, comfort, healthcare, education and emotional stability.

Mitchell Farm doesn't want to discourage horse ownership but rather to promote responsible horse ownership. An informed, educated, prepared owner is a responsible owner. This results in safe and happy horse/human partnerships making fewer horses at risk for becoming "un-wanted" - assuring horses a lifetime home.

Mitchell Farm is a nonprofit horse sanctuary for aged and infirm horses and has been accredited by the ASPCA and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. For more information visit the .mitchellfarm.org.

SUBMITTED BY DEE DOOLITTLE, FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MITCHELL FARM EQUINE RETIREMENT, 300 EAST HADDAM ROAD, SALEM.