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JACKSONVILLE -- Still trying to rebuild after last summer's floods, Brookside Stables in Wilmington recently received a little help from the Vermont Humane Federation.
Last week, a check for $900 was presented to Ann Brown, owner of the stables. Just in time, as it turns out, for a much-needed delivery of hay.
"Every little bit helps," Brown said on Tuesday afternoon, as she waited for a 200-bale delivery. "This is perfect timing."
Brown said she typically goes through about 12 bales a day, and had already placed her most recent order, not quite sure how she was going to pay for it. The check from the Vermont Humane Federation, it turns out, was a pleasant surprise.
"Nine-hundred (dollars) is a small dent, but (at the same time) it's huge," she said.
In addition to Brookside Stables, four other horse owners and businesses were identified by the Vermont Horse Council, a member of the statewide humane federation, to receive funds and replace hay stores destroyed by Tropical Storm Irene.
"While dog and cat owners were able to turn to their local animal shelters and food pantries to replace animal feed lost during this storm, there was nowhere for horse owners to turn," Joanne Bourbeau, northeastern regional director of the Humane Society of the United States and current president of the Federation, stated in a release. "These are the businesses that didn't qualify for state and federal grants being distributed
Brown, who has been running the stables for almost 16 years, said she had about six feet of water in the barns at the height of the floods last August, which forced her to evacuate all 21 horses housed at the stables, mid-storm.
"We're still recovering big time," she said. "I still have to work on the outside ring ... I haven't even thought about the cost of the 526 fence posts needed to put the pasture back in."
As a result of the flooding, the horses were "off grass completely," about a month earlier than usual. This, in turn, depleted the hay stores.
Some of Brown's friends held a fundraiser last fall, and a few private donors have come forward to help re-build the stables, but at this point Brown said she's waiting for spring to re-start the re-building effort.
Through it all, Brown has been able to find positive moments to focus on.
"Thankfully there was no damage done to the buildings, themselves," she said. "The one good thing this flood has done is restore my (faith in) humanity. I spent more time in tears over just being so touched by all of the good will."
You can reach Tom D'Errico at tderrico@reformer.com or 802-254-2311, ext. 252.
