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A new nonprofit in Spencer provides a `forever home,’ for senior and at-risk horses as well as a therapeutic benefit for veterans and others with whom they come in contact.
The Maple Brook Horse Sanctuary Inc. became a charitable organization earlier this year although owner Cindy Levey adopted her first senior thoroughbred 20 years ago.
Levey said following the first horse, she brought others into ownership at her home – and today spends most of her days feeding, cleaning, brushing and otherwise taking care of the eight currently in her barn.
Transitioning to a nonprofit made sense—starting as her daughter’s high school capstone project—and stemming from her desire to do more for the animals as well as other people.
“I wanted to give back to the community at large and veterans with emotional challenges,” Levey said. “And, I love horses.”
The sanctuary is volunteer-run and Levey noted she is still building a base of helpers and open to accepting more into the fold. There are currently eight regulars.
She said that new volunteers, often stepping outside of their comfort zones, leave as “a better version of themselves with a fuller heart.”
They may come to the sanctuary once (or more) per week to brush and spend time with the horses and return or not, but either way, the feedback is always positive, Levey said.
“Horses are therapeutic,” Levey said. “They can match a human’s heart rate.…. They are mirrors to the souls of who they are with and it has been proven they help decrease anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).”
She recalled receiving a text from a person with anxiety and depression following that volunteer’s time with the animals.
Levey said, “She wrote that the sanctuary changed her life. That was really something! It made me cry and I am so grateful to have her.”
Horses work well for veterans, she said, because the animals are “non-judgmental, open-minded and accepting.”
Levey has reached out to the American Legion to see who may benefit from visits to the sanctuary. One such person who has become a volunteer is veteran Col. John J. Giordano, state dental officer with the Massachusetts National Guard.
Levey said that partnership with veterans to provide emotional support is ongoing and she hopes to see it grow over time.
Status as a nonprofit allows fundraisers to assist the sanctuary with 100% proceeds from events going directly towards care for the horses’ medical needs—including veterinary bills, physical and massage therapies and medications.
The next fundraiser is The Maple Splendor 5K on Saturday, October 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rain date is October 20.
The 3.1 mile route starts at the sanctuary and loops around the country roads of Spencer. Prizes will be given to the oldest and youngest walkers as well as the participant with the goofiest headwear.
The suggested donation is $20 and $30 per family.
Refreshments will be available and several activities are planned at the site including hayrides around the back field starting at noon, self-guided tours until 1 p.m., a free mystery raffle, children’s painting of horseshoes and coloring and viewing of the horses grazing in the pasture.
Another fundraiser on Saturday, November 2 will feature a guided meditation session with a trained instructor in the barn surrounded by the horses. Hot chocolate and hot cider will be available. Space is limited.
Levey said her long-term goals include a continuation of what she is doing now.
“It’s a great thing to share with people…They are special animals and all different in their own way. The (horses) provide amazing benefits and touch lives for the better,” she said.
Maple Brook Horse Sanctuary at 150 Northwest Road is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Sunday. For more information, email info@maplebrookhs.org.
