(Photo above courtesy of Equine Outreach, Inc.)
Equine Outreach, Inc., a Bend non-profit founded in 2003 to facilitate the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of abused or neglected horses, announced the formation of a new Board of Directors at a meeting with volunteers that took place Saturday at their 20 acre facility on Silvis Road.
Bill Inman, a member of the leadership team at the fast-growing outdoor industry start-up Cairn, has been selected as the new president. Prior to moving full-time to Bend two years ago, Inman gained leadership experience as an executive at companies such as Nike, ExOfficio and Merrell. He brings strong business acumen to EOI, along with the ability to work with diverse teams and an understanding of how to get things done. Not only has Inman seen firsthand the positive impact that working with horses can have on people’s lives, but he is also no stranger to amazing animal rescue stories. He was an instrumental part of the rescue, rehabilitation and subsequent release of Cinder, a bear cub burned in the forest fire outside of Wenatchee in 2014, a story that made international news.
“I’m thrilled to be able to give back to the Bend community by helping Equine Outreach continue the work of saving horses from bad situations and training them to be great equine companions,” says Inman. “I also am excited to work alongside such a strong group of directors and volunteers who believe in the vision that founders Joan Steelhammer and Gary Everett set forth over a decade ago.”
Also joining the board are Mary Shrauger as vice president, Treana Henley as secretary/treasurer and Nancy Baldrick and Debbie Kendrick as directors.
Shrauger brings extensive non-profit and animal rescue experience to the board, having served many years on the board of the Humane Society of Central Oregon.
Henley’s experience in both the legal and accounting worlds will ensure the organization’s operations and finances are transparent, accurate and legal.
Baldrick is a certified therapeutic riding instructor and equine expert who will ensure EOI remains focused on its mission to provide the best environment possible for the horses that are rescued.
Kendrick is a passionate animal welfare advocate with years of experience volunteering and possesses strong organizational, administration and bookkeeping skills from her professional work.
Founder Joan Steelhammer says, “I’m so pleased with the new board members whose desire is to establish the long-term viability of what Gary and I started. We look forward to stepping back from managing the organization and just working as volunteers who love to see the transformational experiences for both horses and humans that Equine Outreach can provide.”
Since its founding, Equine Outreach has rescued and found homes for hundreds of horses. It currently houses more than 60 horses, including six that were just saved in the last month, including one brought in on Saturday following the death of its owner. Four new horse owners are enjoying well-mannered equines just in the last two weeks thanks to the patient work of volunteer trainers.
For more information about volunteering, or to donate to help the horses, go to equineoutreach.com or email info@equineoutreach.com.
