RVR Horse Rescue, which moved from Riverview to Plant City last year, is throwing open its gates May 15 for its grand opening.
“It’s exciting. This new property is absolutely amazing,” said RVR Publicist Julie Dennis. The 26-acre property at 1710 W. State Road 60 so far includes a new 30-stall barn, a 12-stall metal barn and three quarantine stalls.
Nonprofit RVR Horse Rescue’s mission is to rescue abused horses and rehabilitate their minds and bodies so they can be placed in forever homes through adoption. Each horse is provided with care, training and love as volunteers work with a network of equine specialists to determine the best course for each horse, many of whom end up there under court order.
Dennis said the rescue property will expand as money becomes available.
The open house on May 15 includes a food tent with catering through Café Delanie, a Kona ice truck, a DJ and raffle baskets. All baskets are donated from individuals and businesses in the area. There will also be kids’ games, including a dunk tank, and horses made from pool noodles that the kids can race.
During the event, RVR volunteers will give tours of the facilities.
“There will be different stations where people can walk through the barns, including the medical barn, which has a large animal rescue team,” Dennis said. RVR received a grant from the ASPCA and with that purchased a dummy horse to train volunteers. The grant also provides training for firefighters who may come across stray horses or abused horses.
Entry to the open house is free.
