The horse fosterer

Horses are popular members of the family across the Wasatch Front, but as the horses age, some owners might find them to be burdensome and expensive. Because there hasn't been a place to take these horses, they end up at the feedlot, where they live out the rest of their lives being fattened up only to be sent to a slaughterhouse. This is a common fate for most horses that become old and unwanted.

Cheryl Smith, director of the Wasatch Humane, said there is a problem with horse population in the state, and many times people don't know where to take their horses, so they are shipped off to slaughterhouses or feedlots.

Recognizing the issue, three years ago Smith and a few others created a program through Wasatch Humane that would rescue and adopt out the unwanted and homeless horses. Smith said the horses they rescue come from feedlots and slaughterhouses in Texas.

"Horses deserve better than that," Smith said.

Wasatch Humane, located in Bountiful, is the oldest shelter in the state and is the first to rescue and adopt horses. The goal of Wasatch Humane Horse Rescue and Adoptions is to find these horses lifetime homes. Since its birth, 40 horses have been fostered by approved volunteers.

The horses come to the program with a variety of problems, including arthritis (from being overworked), bone degenerative disease, being severely underweight, old age and rambunctious behavior. Smith said 20 percent of horses that come to the program have no problems but were not trained properly. Along with housing and caring for the injured and old, the program also provides proper training for the younger horses.

"Having a horse is like getting into a marriage — there has to be a perfect match," Smith said.

Terry Carvalho, the program's horse coordinator, began fostering horses in the program about three years ago. She is currently fostering five horses at her Hooper home.

"I got involved because I feel that horses need a voice, and I dearly love animals," she said. "These horses need a place to go to live out their lives. They just hang out, enjoy life and being doted on."

Carvalho said fostering horses has its challenging moments, but she loves being involved and feels it is a rewarding experience.

One of the five horses she is caring for was emaciated and "at death's door" when it arrived. Under her care, it has almost completely recovered.