Rob interviewed Joyce Pomeroy, owner of Last Stop Horse Rescue.
When and why did you start Last Stop Horse Rescue (LSHR)?
In 2006. I had worked in the medical field, driven an ambulance, for 26 years. I had always taken care of others and when I stopped working I had to start trying to find myself. I got a pony called Emma. She had so many issues and when I got her she had already been passed through 7 homes. I looked at her and told her: “Emma, this is your last stop.” And that’s how Last Stop Horse Rescue started. I didn’t start off thinking I was going to start a horse rescue but then Belle came along who was such an angry horse and people started hearing about me. I took in horses that had been neglected and abused and I made a pact with the horses that this would be where all the negatives in their life would end.
Do you only rescue horses?
I am licensed as an equine rescue but I also rescue people by allowing them to touch and connect with a horse. In March a newborn cow was found standing over its dead mother trying to nurse and was brought to a barn at the rescue. I taught him how to suck from a bottle and did all his feedings. I taught him to walk on a halter. As the time approached for him to go back and be raised as an Angus cow for his purpose I approached the farmer and asked if I could buy him and raise him and allow him to grow and live. The farmer agreed and Hershey is now part of my life here at LSHR.
When did you start liking horses and what is so special about a horse?
Like a lot of little girls I dreamed of owning a pony, and I have always rescued animals. Horses are majestic, smart animals. There is something unique in each horse and if you look into a horse’s eyes you see your own soul.
What was the first horse that you rescued?
Emma. She is an Appaloosa pony. I was determined to bring out the best in her and protect her.
What is a story that you love to tell?
I like to talk about Emma because she completely changed my life. In rescuing her I found that she rescued me too. There are a lot of people who come to LSHR who need rescuing too.
What do you want the community to know about LSHR and how can they help you?
LSHR is run on a code of high ethics, morality and honesty. It takes a lot to fund and feed these beautiful horses. When I ask the public for help I like them to come up here and experience what I have here. My focus is always: For the Horse. The public is welcome to come and meet me and spend time with the horses and follow our journey on Facebook.