4th annual benefit Fuzzy Sweetheart Horse Show

On Saturday, Feb. 14, Maricopa residents can help send a valentine to the rescued horses at Equine Eden Rescue Center. The 4th Annual Fuzzy Sweetheart Horse Show at the Thunderbird Community arena is a benefit fundraiser.

Registration for the various classes opens at 7:30 a.m. with the show starting at 9 a.m. The entry fee for each regular class is $5; 12 or more class entries are available for $50.

The Thunderbird Community arena is located south of the tracks and west of John Wayne Parkway at 12365 N. Ralston Road between Papago and Farrell Roads (see photo map).

Halter, showmanship, lunge line, English, western, driving, trail and fun classes are open to all breeds. All equines, big or small, are welcome at the Fuzzy Sweetheart show.

Funds raised from the show will go to benefit Equine Eden Rescue Center. Equine Eden Rescue Center is a recognized 501(c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and welfare of abused, neglected and unwanted Appaloosas and Appaloosa- cross horses. The rescue does not turn away any horse in need, if there is an opening.

“The benefit horse show allows us to purchase feed, medical services and supplements our rescued horses need,” said Equine Eden’s director Belinda Clifford.

Rescued horses have many and varied needs. A Mustang pony rescue may need to have his eye removed soon due to being repeatedly rammed by a pick-up truck. “I call him Biscuit,” said Clifford, “because he’s small, round and brown.”

Equine Eden provides a safe environment for horses that have endured starvation, neglect and physical abuse. Each horse receives medical attention and daily loving human contact. The facility strives to rehabilitate and/or retrain each horse in the hope that it can be re-located to a responsible, caring and loving home. As recently as November one of the rescued equines was adopted out.

For more information contact Clifford at (520) 568-9315 or [email protected].

Submitted photo