Robert and Lynn Reynolds know about love of family and sacrifice. They also know about horses and what it takes to make them healthy and sometimes, to bring them back from the brink of death. Clear Creek Equine Rescue is the name of the not-for-profit organization they operate on approximately 140 acres of rolling hills and pasture land in Huntsville, Ark., called Clear Creek Farm. They are currently working on getting 501(c) 3 status for the rescue and Lynn stressed, “We couldn’t do it without our board members.” The non-profit status may enable them to become eligible for certain federal grants and relieve some of the financial pressure for the Reynolds family personally.
Robert suffers from a degenerative back condition so Lynn, along with their children Matthew, 17, Justin, 16 who’s also President of the Youth Board at Clear Creek, Rebecca, 13 and the youngest, Bobby, 11, shoulder the principal responsibilities, including chores and daily care of the 31 horses they currently have at the rescue. As a family, they have always loved animals and especially horses. The family has six horses of their own.
As a young woman, Lynn received her degree in Horse Training and Management in Colorado before moving to Arkansas, but she never made use of it until a devastating fire in January of 2004 destroyed the Reynolds’ home. “We showed up the next morning at the insurance agent’s office in our pajamas,” Robert said. Lynn said, “I had to do something to rise up, and the rescue was born from that.”
Several of the horses at Clear Creek were brought to the rescue because some people find they aren’t able to care for their animals anymore or just don’t want to. Only three days ago, the Reynolds trailered three horses up from Jonesboro, Ark., a seven-hour trip. Sadly, there are few other rescues in the area so through word of mouth, the internet and referrals, people have sent horses to Clear Creek from as far away as Oregon for care or rehabilitation.
That care and rehabilitation can be costly. Robert estimates the rescue spends an average of $35 per horse per week for such things as feed and hay, not counting medicine or extra care like farrier services. Lynn praises her vet and other friends that always seem to provide the necessary care but don’t seem too concerned about being paid promptly. They also have several sponsors and the occasional donation of hay bales, feed or other items that help, but the task still seems daunting at times.
Lynn said, “It gets a little overwhelming every now and then but it is so worth it. These are amazing creatures that can give back more than you could ever imagine and it’s truly an honor to be able to do this. But the hardest part of the job is when the horse is just too far gone and dies or must be put down.”
Clear Creek Equine Rescue is at peak capacity at present and has healthy, happy horses ready to be adopted now. They also board horses and Lynn even gives riding lessons at the rescue for a nominal fee. Volunteers are always welcomed and needed.
