Hello Dear Friends:,

I would like to begin by saying “thank you” to our wonderful volunteers and donors whose gracious assistance has made the past year and a half such a positive and life changing experience. I have been overwhelmed by the local and national response to our charity, once again, highlighting the critical need for hay for horses.

To date, The Hay Bank has provided over 1500 bales of hay to impoverished horse owners in need

Those 1500 bales were given free of charge to applicants who come from all equine disciplines and walks of life. We have fed the horses of:

· Business owners who have lost their companies due to the economy.
· Parents and spouses of terminally ill patients trying to hold on to their beloved friends.
· Retirees, just trying to keep their old friends fed.
· And so many more!

The rewards of what we are doing here are so great. The smile on the face of someone in need when we pull in with a load of hay makes the sweat and endless miles of driving worthwhile.

And while we have seen good growth over the past year, I would be reticent if I didn’t share with you that we could not help all of those in need. We just can’t.

Why? Because applications keep coming in.

I have spent countless hours sorting through them and letting the tears flow. It breaks my heart to read of a horse owner who has been diagnosed with cancer and unable to work for the past year. As medical bills pile up, they are just trying to hold on to the one thing that brings them a touch of gladness. If you have never owned a horse, you may not completely understand the therapy that just spending time with them each day can bring.

Through the years, my horses have had many a tear shed into their manes. While I poured out my troubles, they always stood quietly, seemingly listening and offering hope. Our horses actually place their trust in us to care for them and do what is right for them.

And while many non-horse owners can understand our deep feelings for our equine friends, just as many think those experiencing tough times should just sell their horses. I think, in different circumstances, they’d probably be right. But then reality sets in. Web sites are absolutely flooded with people trying to sell their dear friends for just pennies on the dollar. And these are not irresponsible people. They are horse owners, just like me, who have had a major life changing event and need help until they are back on their feet.

The Hay Bank came about as a result of a plea for help on a local sales website from a poor soul just asking for a little hay to feed their horse. You and I listened! Since that day we have had the privilege of offering a reprieve to many of our fellow horse owners.

But there is so much more work to do! My desire is to have hay for horse owners in every county of Colorado – and one day, I hope, across the United States. I believe that with your help, support and prayers, we can achieve this goal.

If you possibly can help, no matter how big or how small, would you please donate? Today?

In advance, thank you for being part of what we do. Financially. Emotionally. Spiritually. It means so much to all of us here at The Hay Bank.

Riding the Rockies and thinking of you,

Amy Ryals,
Executive Director The Hay Bank

P.S. Got hay to donate? A $5 bill to share? That’s wonderful. Please call me today. I’d like to talk to you!