Equine group sad to see center closing

We acknowledge that the board faced a difficult decision and voted in the best interest of its ongoing operations and trust that the board will use the organization’s mission to “promote compassionate and responsible relationships between humans and animals” to guide them in selecting a buyer who will allow the community and educational aspects of the current barn programming to continue.

The equine center is a unique facility where a cooperative barn and education center work collaboratively. Since fall 2023, two key programs have sustained the barn’s operations: co-op members contribute to horse care including providing grain, daily stall cleaning and chore sessions; and second, North Country Animal League offers youth programs including camps, lessons and equine academy where kids learn while interacting with six donated horses. Eleven horses will need to find new places to live, but beloved program horses Elvis, Juju, Mirky and Ollie will have to rely on the generosity of adopters to find new homes.

The barn serves as a sanctuary, offering solace and connection. Chloe DePaul, 13, of Morrisville, a member of the center’s academy expressed profound attachment, highlighting its transformative impact on her life: “The NCAL equine center is the only place in this part of Vermont with the type of programming available where I can learn, and grow my love of horses, which is my passion. I am so grateful for the opportunities it has given me throughout the past two years. Without it, there will be a huge gap in my life and in the community.”

The anonymous donor who in 2019 enabled North Country Animal League to purchase the barn, has expressed interest in repurchasing the center from the nonprofit. The barn community, including its cooperative members and parents of its educational cohort, remains hopeful that the animal league will work with the donor to accept the offer and safeguard this invaluable and inclusive space. We are confident that this solution would enable both groups to accomplish their respective goals.

The North Country Animal League board meets Wednesday, April 17, by Zoom. Community members are encouraged to voice their support for preserving the equine center’s legacy.

Stephanie Nichols

Morristown

Dr. Emily Bond

Brandon Weaver

Johnson

Lauren Antler

Montpelier

Friends of the NCAL Equine Center