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Founder of local horse rescue nominated for a national award

Squamish residents can vote for Kris Latham of Second Chance Cheekye Ranch until Sept. 6
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Kris Latham with one of the horses at Second Chance Ranch.

A Squamish woman has been nominated for an award that recognizes horse-lovers' passion for the animals.

Kris Latham, Second Chance Cheekye Ranch's president, has been nominated for Horse Canada magazine's 2018 Hero of the Horse contest.

Squamish fans of the ranch and Latham can vote for her until Thursday, Sept. 6 at horse-canada.com/heroes-of-the-horse/.

The winner gets bragging rights, a trophy and $2,000 to continue fulfilling their horsey passion.

Latham has dedicated her life to horses, including the opening of the not-for-profit Second Chance Cheekye Ranch in the Squamish Valley in 2016.

The ranch has become home to 77 rescued equines since it opened — 71 horses, five donkeys, and one mini mule, according to the contest nomination page.

Thirty-eight of the animals have been rehomed, with adoptions pending on two more.

Half of the horses come from auctions, where the ranch outbids so-called “kill buyers,” others are saved from other unhappy situations. Still others come to the ranch from Aboriginal bands in the Pemberton area.

“SCCR has taken in nearly 30 of their horses in order to help decrease the herd’s population to a manageable number, and reduce the hazard of the animals getting out on public roadways,” reads the Horse Canada nomination for Latham.

“Most of the horses have had minimal handling, and can be considered wild or feral.” Latham patiently and painstakingly rehabilitates the animals, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the animal.

She also pairs horses with capable volunteers who care for them and help with their training.

To vote for her, go to horse-canada.com/heroes-of-the-horse/.

 

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