Seasonal Patrol Service Outing Benefits Neglected Equines

Troop 211′s Dragon Patrol performed its seasonal service project Dec. 11, 2011, at the Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue (RVHR) in Hardy, VA. Patricia Muncy of Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue requested assistance for barn renovations and for horse grooming/working as the facility is at maximum capacity of 50 horses. The economy has been tough on families and organizations alike; the RVHR has taken in abandoned, neglected and abused horses from individuals and other rescue organizations.

Fifteen scout from Troop 211 completed the Horsemanship Merit Badge this past summer, and some were able to put those new skills to use as the Dragon Patrol and their families completed the following items in just a few hours by volunteering at the facility:

Pal’s Barn was renovated to include stalls for the blind horses (5 total) currently living at RVHR. All the horses had their own spaces by dinner feeding.

The main barn is also being renovated to accommodate volunteer check in and work organizations. RVHR is staffed with only volunteers so keeping organized to support the 50 horses is a necessity.

All the horses in the main pastures from yearlings to senior citizens were groomed so they can grow healthy coats for the upcoming cold weather! The under 3 year old horses worked on lead rope manners. It is important to work with these young horses so they can be adopted into good homes. Dinner feeding of all the horses at the facility was a fun experience.

As we were packing up, Patricia was smiling from ear to ear and couldn’t stop saying “Thank You”.

Her son later told us it was her birthday the next day and she couldn’t have asked for a better gift.

A special Thank You to the scouts and all the Dragon Patrol families who made this happen:

Haley Family – Dan, Donna, Kyle, Kevin and nephew Hunter

Lester Family – Russell, Lorraine, Hayden, Trenton and Myla

Wilson Family – Tom, Sheila, Ryan and Rachel

Rakes Family – Mike, Cabell and Lauren

Joey DaVolio , Suzanne D’Angelico and Benton Hunsicker

If anyone would like to support the RVHR for the holidays, please visit their website, http://www.rvhr.com or contact

Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue (RVHR). They are a Non Profit 501 (c) 3 organization / All donations are 100% tax deductible. Mailing Address – P.O. Box 13 Hardy, Va 24101 Contact Phone (540) 721-1910

–submitted by Suzanne D’Angelico