Aiken’s Bloodies and Bagels – Aiken, SC

Get ready for an unforgettable Thanksgiving tradition! Join us for the Bloodies and Bagels event, held in conjunction with the Blessing of the Hounds. This lively gathering promises a morning filled with delicious bages, Bloody Mary’s and live music. It’s the ultimate social event where friends, family and community come together to celebrate and enjoy the holiday spirit. This year the event will benefit Equine Rescue of Aiken and the many community programs they offer. Open to the public. Tickets must be purchased online. $10.00 per person. Children under 5 are free!

The Equine Rescue continues to explore ways to educate and engage the community and followers. Volunteerism, compassion, responsibility, empathy, self-confidence-and self- control are critical life skills (“Core Skills”) that are fundamental to our developed programs. Our credo is “People helping horses, horses helping people” reflects our mission to not only save and rehabilitate horses, but also to enrich our community. By giving these majestic animals a second chance, we provide a healing and hope for individuals and families who connect with them. Our rescue is more than a sanctuary for horses; it’s a cradle of compassion and community support where every act of kindness reverbrates far beyond our pastures.

Equine Rescue Programs

· Community Cares Network

Developed for our local community, Equine Rescue developed this program to share resources with local non-profits to improve the well-being of our community. Groups benefitting from CCN include: Area Churches Together (ACTS), Salvation Army, Children’s Place, Helping Hands and Family Promise of Aiken County. This program is led by a local resident volunteer who engages a team of volunteers to sort and distribute the items.

· Trust&Release™ Program for Veterans/Military/Trauma Victims

This program is an equine experience provided to those affected by trauma. Specifically developed for Active Duty, Veterans, (including families) and Battered Women groups.

· Active Military/Veteran Leisure Days

On a monthly or bi-monthly basis, a group of 20-40 enlisted men and women from Ft. Eisenhower engage in various outdoor activities. Participants get a mental break from their work at the base and have a chance to escape from the routine. Local Veterans enjoy affiliating with the Ft. Gordon group in a cooperative effort as a “military family”.

· Pony Pals™

PonyPals™ is our children’s program offering an interactive and fun, four day pony “camp”. Horses teach critical lessons including Compassion, Self-Control and Confidence and are masters of connections. Children learn about horses, horse care and responsibilities in a fun, hands-on environment. More importantly, children learn about Volunteerism and Responsibility. Lifelong lessons that will help them succeed in school and life.

· Humane Society of the U.S. Partnership

The Humane Society provides free Continuing Education training to the southeast regional states and First Responders in handling horse related cases. Attendees learn how to recognize and respond to equine neglect cases.

· County Outreach Programs

Tours, Dog Walk groups, artist guild days, church visits, school visits, weddings, education workshops and volunteer days are just some of the events hosted by the Rescue. Offering a beautiful, peaceful destination, the community has access to a safe environment that provides an enjoyable, relaxing location.

· Aiken City/County Programs

The Rescue works with the City of Aiken and County of Aiken when they confiscate horses due to neglect or abuse.

The Rescue also supports the City and County Pre-Trial Intervention program by allowing offenders to earn community service hours at the Rescue. More than 150 “At-Risk” teenagers were provided a positive Juvenile Court outlet at the Rescue. We have hosted more than 400 participants in the County’s Pre-Trial Intervention Program.

· Disaster Relief Outreach Program

Working with HSUS, the Rescue has led rapid response to help livestock in peril from 5 hurricanes. The Rescue organizes relief food, supplies and transportation, to areas in the U.S. impacted by natural disasters. The Rescue works to distribute food to individual, local animal shelters and other organizations.

· Veterinarian Continuing Education Programs

The Rescue works with multiple national organizations (AAVA) conducting a host of multi-day continuing education classes in areas such as wet-labs for acupuncture, vaccinations, gelding clinics etc.

· HSUS Safe Stalls Program

The Rescue was one of the first to incorporate the HSUS Safe Stalls Program. The Humane Society of the United States launched its Safe Stalls Horse Rescue Network Program to connect equine professionals to help horses in crisis. This program helps horses rescued from cruelty and neglect cases or natural disasters, and is a nationwide system of horse rescue groups, equine professionals and enthusiasts who can provide emergency care and shelter to horses in need.