Help for the horses

BROOKSVILLE – On Saturday, Ohana Horse Rescue’s 85 acres was home to 28 horses and many of them came in sick, emaciated or untrained.

But instead of cleaning stalls or doing other work at the ranch, Carrie Young and Allan Wilson were at the Hernando County Fairgrounds, where a benefit was thrown for their nonprofit organization.

“With the economy the way it is, donations are down,” Young said. “And we want people to know that we have a lot of healthy horses ready to go.”

Susan Llamera, a Mary Kay consultant and one of the event organizers, said most of the vendors were crafters or involved with direct sales. Proceeds from vendors’ fees are being donated to Ohana and will contribute to the horses’ food, training, medical and rehabilitation.

“We don’t do this for us, we do this to give back to the community,” Llamera said. “Carrie runs a fantastic rescue … she really has a passion for it.”

Llamera said canned food items were also being collected for the Dawn Center, and a benefit for Mid-Florida Services is planned later in the year.

More information on Ohana Horse Rescue, including location and volunteer hours, is available at http://ohana horserescue.org.

Carrie Young can be reached by phone at (727) 326-7827 or by email at [email protected].