Hitchcock – Over thirty volunteers from Bechtel Corporation gathered at the Habitat for horses ranch in Hitchcock, Texas, to start framing out a much needed barn on Saturday, October 10th . From just after sunrise until late afternoon, the volunteers hammered, sawed and measured to complete the initial framing. "We’ll need at least two more days with the volunteers just to finish the outside of the building," said one of the workers. "Once we get the roof on and the side completed, that’s when the real work begins."

Habitat for Horses has been saving money for several years to build a barn for their ranch location. Donations from hundreds of people finally gave them enough to build the structure. "Completing the inside is our next goal," said Jerry Finch, manager of the facility. "When it’s finished, we’ll have a small equine operating room, and even smaller lab and three intensive care stalls." The ranch holds between 40 to 50 horses that are waiting for adoption after they are rehabilitated.

"Many times we find horses that need emergency treatment after a seizure," added Finch. The organization works closely with law enforcement throughout the state to educate owners about neglect and abuse. "When the owners don’t listen, law enforcement is left with no alternative but to remove the horses from their care. We assist them, bring the horses here or to one of a number of locations throughout the southern states and attempt to rehabilitate them."

The plans call for the lab and operating room to be fully functional by the end of the year. "Right now we are seeking donations so we can purchase the necessary equipment," Finch added. "Having this facility will mean the difference between life and death to a number of horses in the future."