Throwaway Ponies, a Rockwall-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of horses, does much more than provide a safe haven for equine that have been abused or neglected.

As our Nov. 27 cover story revealed, Throwaway Ponies also provides equine-assisted therapy to women and children who have been physically, emotionally or sexually abused.

Karen Bander, founder of the organization, was recently honored by Rockwall Mayor Bill Cecil, who declared Dec. 7 as “Helping Horses, Healing Hearts Day.” In his proclamation, Mayor Cecil encouraged all citizens to “recognize Karen for her vision and positive impact on this community.”

Members of the Rockwall County 4-H Rockin’ Riders Horse Club took that message to heart. These young horse enthusiasts quickly organized a community service project to raise funds for Throwaway Ponies – funds that will help feed the 30 horses currently in Karen’s care.

Club members met in Karen’s barn on a cold and windy Sunday afternoon, equipped with horseshoes, bailing wire, ribbons and bows. They set to work pulling nails from the U-shaped iron and scrubbing the horseshoes clean, twisting bailing wire into decorative hangers and hot-gluing Christmas greenery.

 Karen supplied glossy photos of the horses. 

My job, as a neighborsgo volunteer, was to do whatever these creative and imaginative elves told me to do.

It took some time, effort and homework, but the group turned a bucket of iron and holiday scraps into one-of-a-kind, Western-themed Christmas ornaments, ready to adorn a tree or hang on a wall – each featuring a rescued animal and raising awareness about the cause.

The horseshoe ornaments were offered for sale at local feed stores in time for Christmas. And since horseshoes aren’t dipped in chocolate, topped with sugar or laden with excess calories like Christmas cookies, I not only got to help a good cause, but I didn’t gain any holiday pounds doing it.

As the new year gets underway, you’ll find neighborsgo editors out in the community helping various organizations. Share details about your club, school or church’s service projects at neighborsgo.com, and we may show up at your next meeting or feature you in an upcoming print edition.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone!

For more information about Throwaway Ponies, visit throwawayponies.org. To learn more about the Rockin’ Riders, e-mail managers Lori Rowe or Carol Boronkay at rockinriders@gmail.com.