Enjoy a family day at Rivers Edge Horse Sanctuary

By Laurie Gordon
Newton — “A horse is a horse, of course, of course,/And no one can talk to a horse of course."
These famous lyrics from the theme song of the TV show, Mr. Ed,, hold true for the horses at Rivers Edge Horse Rescue and Sanctuary. You cannot talk to these horses either. But it is not hard to imagine that many of these noble creatures, who have been unwanted and doomed for the slaughterhouse, would once have been screaming for help if they could. And now they would probably be expressing their gratitude. That's what this sanctuary, on the banks of the Paulins Kill River, is all about. At Rivers Edge, horses get to live out their lives in a natural environment that allows them to socialize with each other. Most were slaughterhouse-bound and/or came from abusive or neglectful situations and have surely earned their retirement at the sanctuary.
Come out and meet them
On Sunday, April 23, head to Rivers Edge Horse Rescue and Sanctuary from noon to 5 pm for a free, fun day for the entire family to meet the sanctuary's horses and goats in honor of ASPCA Help a Horse Day. Comedian Missy Allen will be performing and there will be musical performances by Nick Keena and Crista Orefice. There's even going to be yoga with the horses.
Diane Romano-Potocki, the woman who founded and operates the sanctuary said, “Rivers Edge is thrilled to be sharing what we do for our horses and our passion for them with the community. We are hoping to raise awareness for autism as well as the horses."
In addition to honoring Help a Horse Day, the sanctuary is coupling with advocates for autism awareness — April is autism awareness month — and veterans' advocates. Romano-Potocki explained that horses are used to help veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other forms of traumas.
"Our program will be called horses helping heroes," she said.
The day will also feature educational presentations by Equine Veterinarian Dr. Otto Brasch, Veterinarian Dr. Nancy Frantz Shay, and Romano-Potacki. The event will be held rain or shine, It is free of charge and there is free parking.
“Each year, thousands of horses are slaughtered,” Romano-Potocki said. “The sanctuary is a place where we can save as many as we can and they can live out their lives in peace and tranquility."
Rivers Edge is located at 104 Halsey Road in Newton. To learn more about Rivers Edge Horse Rescue and Sanctuary and this event open to the public, visit: www.riversedgehorserescue.org. The web site has information about what the sanctuary does and profiles of its horses. You can also find them on Facebook or call 862-266-2140 or send e-mail to: RiversEdgeRescue@yahoo.com for information about visiting or making a donation.