The Larsen Group

Circles of Change:  Conversations with Dr. Zara Larsen

 on Change Leadership and Career Fulfillment

 

June 18, 2008

 

“Passion and Mission:  Hearing Voices across Borders”

Guest:  Karen Pomroy, Founder of Equine Voices Rescue and Sanctuary 

 

Anchoring Points:

 

1. I have always been an animal advocate; but, in learning about the plight of Premarin horses, outrage turned me to take action to make a difference.

• Pregnant mares’ urine has been used to make a hormone replacement drug for menopausal women since the 1940’s.
• Horses were essentially enslaved and force bred at over 460 farms in the US and Canada in the 1980’s, down now to 72 farms only in Canada.
• Inhumane horse slaughter prevails, mares and foals, in Canada and Mexico.

 

2. A 2002 study released by Women’s Health International linked Premarin to ovarian and breast cancer, dementia, and stroke, with over 5,000 law suits outstanding today – however, the drug is still being manufactured, distributed and prescribed by doctors.  

• Synthetic and natural alternatives exist today, including special products provided by compounding pharmacies tailored to women’s unique blood analyses.
• It appears that several of the compounding pharmacies have been targeted by pharmaceutical stakeholders.

 

3. Equine Voices Rescue and Sanctuary is a 501c3 foundation that has rescued over 200 horses, providing rehabilitation, placement and longer term sanctuary for some; plus, serves to educate the public on euthanasia over slaughter, and the ongoing atrocities spurred by the Premarin industry.

 

4. All horses have a story to tell.  They remember everything in their lives, and they can learn to forgive through special training, essentially “starting all over again”.

• Natural horse training to work with horses in their own language, based on trust, non-verbal communication and partnership.
• Over 95% of the rescued Premarin horses are being ridden today, with several in the show rings and competing in dressage.

 

5. Equine Voices has special programs for youth, and is imminently partnering with the Veterans Administration for a special therapy program for returning Iraq War veterans.

 

6. Those who adopt have a heartfelt, symbiotic connection to these special horses, often inspired by simply viewing a photo on the website or a visit to the ranch.

 

7. Volunteers are the backbone of the organization, many driving weekly from greater Tucson to Amada, AZ, to help – and escape, meditate, seek personal renewal through working with the horses.

 

8. How you can help – www.equinevoices.org –  Donate, Sponsorship of a horse for $50 per month, volunteer on site, adopt a horse, attend major fundraisers (annual shows, silent and live auctions), visit our gift shop.  Share the news with others.

 

9. A Special Request:  A used golf cart to transport disabled visitors. Please!

 

10.  For those considering starting or joining a nonprofit – Do your homework, be pure from the heart, know what you want to do, be clear on your mission. 

• This is a 24/7 job where the glass is half full, and if you go with your heart, the sky is the limit.

      Trust in your mission.  Trust in your calling.  Trust in yourself.