ARLINGTON, Va. – Since the age of eight, NAFCU Public Relations Manager Rebecca Somers has always yearned to have a horse, but financially it just wasn't feasible.

She's been riding horses since around the same time and she thought for sure her father would buy her one on her sixteenth birthday.

"We got a boat instead," Somers bemoaned.

Fast forward to where she currently lives, considered "horse country," she said. But at $2,000 and up, buying a horse still seemed an illusive dream. So when she heard about a program that auctions off horses that are longing for a home, she immediately sprang into action.

The way the program works is horse auctions are held around the country. Interested persons can bid anywhere from $250 to $500, depending on if it's a horse or stallion, Somers said. If the horses are not bought after three auctions, the price is typically reduced to as low as $25.

"By the third auction, they're looking pretty bad," Somers said. "You can see their ribs. Their manes are matted. But you have to look past that."

Origin and breed unknown, Somers adopted two stallions and took them to a developer in the D.C. area who had four acres of land for them to roam on. Over a month's time, Somers would visit her animals, Dakota and Dallas, regularly, feeding them and assuring them that she could be trusted. After some time, they began to look for her when she came, finally allowed her to pet them and both horses began to gain weight and thrive.

"These horses never had any human contact," Somers said. "They're starved for affection but you don't want them in your space because they might become afraid and nip you."

Somers said the adoption process is "tougher than adopting a child." Everything is verified including whether the potential owner has the financials to get the required shots, and enough acreage for the horse, which includes an onsite visit to be sure.

It's been nearly two years since Somers adopted her horses and she plans to adopt more in the future. Her horses have even been used with children who have mental deficiencies such as autism or kids that have been abused.

"It really helps them," Somers said.

Somers is trying to spread the word encouraging others to consider adopting these neglected animals. Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.), along with other legislators, has introduced legislation that would make it easier to adopt horses, she pointed out.

"If they don't get adopted, they end up going to the slaughter houses," Somers said. [email protected]

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