Mega Fund-Raiser, Capped by American Idol Star, Dubbed as Huge Success
Rick Langenberg
Official construction work for the Green Mountain Falls Horse Wellness Meadow center, an unprecedented equestrian rehab project for treating abused animals, many of whom were former performance racehorses, has hit a slight delay.
But plans for the facility are right on track, as the center is progressing with efforts to house about six to eight horses next year, according to project organizers. As part of the GMF Yule Days festivities, a mega fund-raiser was held for the project, spearheaded by the Elite Equine Rescue group, at the old Joyland Church building. It was entitled “Boots and Bling Gala -An Evening of Hope, Healing and Second Chances.” A large standing-room-only crowd attended the Dec. 6 event, capped by a lively performance by American Idol music star Grayson Little. For several hours, Little and his band entertained area horse buffs, residents and civic leaders with a rare form of music that combines elements of country, southern rock and soul.
Little has gained legendary status in the rich country-rock world of South Carolina. His 2024 Space Station release, with a video filmed in downtown Charleston, has received stellar reviews. He also was a big hit on the American Idol show several years ago.
For many attendees, the occasion marked a time to indulge in great country-rock music, culinary treats and to join a cause that has gained strong community support. An initial ground-breaking on the project, which unveiled concept plans, was held last summer and got an overwhelming response. Both the GMF planning commission and board of trustees have gotten behind the project and granted all the necessary approvals.
“From what I have heard on many occasions, this used to be horse town,” said Jesse Stroope, a leading representative of the Historic Green Mountain Falls Foundation, one of the main partners in the project, in addressing gala participants during the Dec. 6 fund-raiser.
Similar to her earlier presentation when the ribbon was cut on the new project, Gina Hluska, founder of Elit Equine Rescue, expressed much passion regarding the new venture, located in a 35-plus-acre area, near the old Joyland Church.
She described the abuse many horses have experienced, almost equating to a death sentence. She said their group has been actively working to help one particular horse, called Hope, a Thoroughbred-cross mare, who had kissing spine surgery and recently was adopted for her second chance at a new career and fulfilling life. Hluska cited these types of success stories as what their project is really about.
Hluska is confident that the official construction-related ground-breaking for the new facility will occur early next year She hopes that they can treat six to eight horses in their initial year of operation.
One lingering question has dealt with the prospects of commercial horse-riding operations transpiring from the project. GMF once was regarded as an equestrian hub. Former GMF trustee Margaret Peterson, who is now a member of the new Building Ute Pass Community group, recalls the historic look of GMF 40 years ago, when the town sported horse-related operations, and it wasn’t uncommon to see dozens of families galloping across town with their horses. According to some reports, people often visited area businesses and bars/restaurants on top of a horse. And this became the patrol technique used by formal marshals.
This is a tradition that some leaders would like to see rejuvenated locally, at least partially.
Initially, the GMF Horse Wellness Meadow would help serve an education purpose in dealing with the plight of abused and injured horses.
The GMF Horse Wellness Meadow is mostly aimed at serving as place for performance horses to decompress and heal from the rigors of competition. “Here, they receive the support and care they need to transition to a new career and find their forever home,” according to the group’s brochure.
In a ceremony last summer, Hluska outlined the problems many racehorses encounter, as they get older, and either get injured, or are no longer competitive. She cited horrific tales of abuse, an ugly fact in the race industry, which she was involved with for years. The depiction of this situation has received nationwide attention and was part of a major “60 Minutes” TV investigation. Unfortunately, the plight of animals who can’t race any longer or compete often serves as a death sentence for many performance horses.
At the Boots and Bling gala, these same abuse concerns were stressed by Hluska in a pronounced fashion.
To date, the project has received much community support, a fact that was quite evident during the recent gala. The GMF Horse Wellness endeavor has been cited for its humanitarian goals and for bringing an important tradition back to GMF. It is no secret that the town once boasted an active equestrian lifestyle and sported commercial stables frequently used by tourists and summer visitors and even by locals.
“Never doubt that a small group of citizens can change the world,” said Hluska during last summer’s groundbreaking event, in describing the commitment of so many local volunteers. For more information about the project, email the group at info.eliteequineGMF@
