Answering the call to help horses
They weren't going to see a Zenyatta on the grounds, but they were happy to meet Arthur, Rio, Zipper, Teddy, Greysea and Ginger.
While much of the nation was watching Saturday's Breeder Cup Classic in Kentucky to see Zenyatta, one of the best racers in thoroughbred history, 15 people gathered at Field of Dreams Horse Rescue and Adoption Center in St. Charles to learn about horses they might help nurture to health.
Kim Baldyga of Carol Stream, the volunteer coordinator for Field of Dreams, hosted an information session at the 22-acre site off Brundige Road.
“We have about 60 volunteers total on the grounds,” said Baldyga, a volunteer for nearly 2½ years. “There is no commitment to time. We have some volunteers who come every morning, and some who come once every two weeks.”
She gathered the group in the barn housing 13 stalls, which are almost always full of horses brought in because of past abuse, injuries, illnesses, or the financial troubles of previous owners.
Field of Dreams has had four adoptions this year, considered good in this down economy when more people are relinquishing their horses than those who want to adopt, officials said.
Mike Daleiden of St. Charles said his work schedule allows him to volunteer for a couple of hours each weekday morning.
“I started at just one day a week, but it just grew on me,” said Daleiden, who cleans the stalls and feeds the horses. “The camaraderie with the people here is just as great as the camaraderie with the horses.”
Baldyga introduced potential volunteers to many horses on the property, and told their stories of injuries, allergies, abuse or neglect. She also shared the story about a donkey named “Orlando,” the organization's “mascot.”
“I would like to say Orlando was an actor because he was used by a company that needed him to turn pinwheels, and he played the donkey in a Nativity scene,” she explained. “Our president, Sue Balla, was in Orlando, Fla., when she got the call that these people had an old donkey that might not make it through the night.
“It turned out that volunteers found Orlando frozen to ground, and he could hardly walk,” Baldyga said. “Three years later, he is doing fine and he is our love bug.”
Balla created Field of Dreams five years ago after she had owned the property and was leasing boarding space, but pursued her dream to save animals in distress.
Potential volunteers learned about the various tasks, from feeding to cleaning and grooming, and available shifts.
Baldyga assured potential volunteers would be trained properly and learn the organization's systems for caring for the horses. And they'll make new friends.
“You'll get to know the horses very well,” Baldyga said. “You'll get to know their demeanor and personality, and you'll get to know them so well, you will know right away if something is not right or they don't feel well.”
To learn more about Field of Dreams, visit fodhra@aol.com or by calling (815) 762-1983.