On the morning of Tuesday, May 16, 2017, LeighAnn Hittle arrived to feed the horses. She discovered that our tack trailer had been broken into and $25,000 worth of our tack (e.g., saddles, girths, halters, helmets, boots) had been stolen.
THE BREAK-IN
The door of the trailer and the screen were bent and ripped. The tack portion of the trailer was almost empty.
KTVT NEWS STORY
Joel Thomas and a cameraman from KTVT arrived that afternoon to do a spot for that evening’s 5:00 newscast. They interviewed LeighAnn (the volunteer who discovered the theft), Terry Wade-Ottley (GSA’s founder and Executive Director) and Morning Star (a horse). You can see the story at: http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2017/05/17/thieves-steal-from-nonprofit/.
RESULTS
Since the story aired, several people and organizations have stepped forward with donations of saddles and other tack. However, we need more to accommodate the LISD agricultural and FFA students. Our needs include: more saddles, halters, bridles, bits, girths, safety helmets, and boots. Also on our wish list are: a round pen for training horses, a tractor to haul hay, and a new truck. Monetary donations can help us with daily care of the horses or in saving up for the large items on our wish list.
To donate money, click on the Donate button on the GSA website: www.gabbysark.org. There is also a volunteer sign-up form on the website. To contact us about anything else, email Gabby’s Sanctuary ARK at: info@gabbysark.org.
