In response to an inquiry from a friend, who feels overwhelmed when she thinks of our costs, we are providing perhaps a different look at how BSE operates. Most know about the work we do for horses, humans and mother earth, which basically looks like this:

  •  Helping humans with horses to be better stewards of Mother Earth...
  • Teaching students and others sustainable methods of farming. 
  • Draft horse driving and  husbandry
  • Mindful connecting with horses
  • Making horses available to professionals for therapeutic work
  • Supporting other non-profits like historical societies and schools in sharing local history and the contribution that horses have made in the building of our country and future possibilities
  • As the official sanctuary for the NYC carriage horses we are connected to the current issues surrounding information about working horses...

It cost approx $17,000 a month to do what we do. That will come out to approx $200,000. To do all we would like to do in teaching and otherwise we would need at least $250,000. But lets start with what we do need....no way around it funds we need every month....that figure is $200,000. That is based on caring for 32 horses (and presently 8 in foster care waiting for space). 

How do we do it....well the charts will show where the money comes from. Luckily we work with folks who cut us alot of slack in paying our bills. Our Vets...our hay suppliers and our product distributors, t-shirts, candles, printing all give us some time to pay. This past year we haven't raised a lot of money in events because they mostly didn't go as we planned. They would have helped us keep current.

The charts do not reflect the debt we have or the assets we have...tack, farm equipment and vehicles and such. We have about $20,000 in debt and over $75,000 in assets. The amount of debt has been fluctuating at this approx amount from the beginning...so while we are not concerned, overly, there really is no reason for it, especially with more herd members, about 166 more herd members to be exact....

There are seven people that work and live full time on the farm. Pamela, Paul, Justin, Nell, Zoe and Omar and David. Our housing is paid for through a grant from the Leo Walsh Foundation that covers the whole farm rental at $2500 a month. With our living costs paid we are able to dedicate our time in getting the farm sustainable. David and Paul both receive their retirement money monthly and they can live off that, however most months they share their money to cover bills....the amount of money donated by these two individuals alone is over $100,000 in the past couple of years....constantly pulling us thru tight times. Omar and Zoe have also given most of their savings to the farm and look for odd jobs to help their own costs of living. Justin works as a farrier and instructor and farmer and has also donated all of his savings and 401K savings to making this farm work. Nell is a farmer/student and supplies the household weekly with good healthy food ...veggies, meat and milk....an incredible gift to us all. 

We are all very happy to live this lifestyle and are looking forward to the day the BSE is on its own land and fully functioning as the incredible community resource that it is. We have a ways to go.....in terms of herd members over 1500 more.

Paul and David and I (Pamela) have lived our lives fully, raised our children and have made and lost fortunes as happens in a fully lived life. We have a lot of experience in the ebbs and flows of life and use our experience daily in informing the direction BSE takes. We are content to live out our days trying to be of some use to the future generations that will take on the challenges of our economic and environmental crises es we are all facing.  We are deeply concerned and motivated to do what we can to make this world a better place before we leave it. We are re-compensated in ways that are overwhelmingly miraculous. Every part of our lives individually and collectively has been made better for this service we provide for BSE. Overwhelmingly, I say, in that we could not possibly count or quantify the endless goodness that comes from our work.

If you have any questions or need more clarity please post below for all to see.....you may ask a question that someone else has.....In this time of year end giving please consider making BSE one of your charities. Your donation will help sustain and grow this amazing community inspired organization helping horses, humans and mother earth. 

For as little as 33cents a day you can rest assured that you are doing an important part in making sure we can provide the horses in our care with all that they need for their wellness.http://www.equiculture.org/join-the-herd.aspx

Or donate any amount...until we reach a $700 dollars your money will be doubled!http://www.equiculture.org/donations.aspx

Or Join Viridian..If you live in MA, NY, CT, PA, NJ, MD, IL, DE, DC you can SAVE MONEY, GO GREEN AND Support the horses!http://www.equiculture.org/viridian.aspx Any questions? Call David at 413-364-2438

Buy a candle, long burning SUPER High Quality Candles made with love for the herd by the Jim Cosenza athttp://www.stormymountaincandle.com/viewCategory.cfm?categoryID=123 They make great gifts and they really brighten your life with a comforting, relaxing scent while reminding you that you are connected to a wonderful program bringing light and love to our equine friends in need. 

Or you can get a FREE home improvement estimate and Yankee Home will donate $50 to Blue Star for every complete estimate through the month of November. Here's all you have to do, call Kathy today to schedule your appointment, must be a homeowner to call. 413-341-5259 or toll free 877-88-YANKEE Tell Kathy you found them on Blue Star Equiculture's page.Windows, Siding, Roofing, Insulation, Sunrooms, eShield Window film, Gutter Protection