TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Rescue Is Saddled With Tax Problem

ADVERTISEMENT

By JESSICA BALANZA

jbalanza@tampatrib.com

Published: April 1, 2009

CARROLLWOOD - Glenda Smith is hoping to rescue the lives of the animals at Equestrian Club Country one more time.

She has 18 horses, three ponies, 45 cats, six dogs, a donkey and a duck on 10 acres that is facing the possibility of being shut down if $7,000 isn't raised by April 30, when the property taxes are due.

For the past few months, Smith, who oversees the nonprofit horse and cat rescue, has been racking her brain trying to find ways to raise the money.

Smith said that with the economy's downfall it has been increasingly difficult to raise the money for the taxes, which is part of her agreement with the investors that purchased the property five years ago.

"We are looking for that one special person that will step up to the plate and help us out," Smith said.

On a yearly basis, the taxes are due in late August, but this year Smith said she was blind-sided when she was told they were due by the end of April.

"We get calls on a daily basis of animals that need saving," Smith said. "After 20 years, some of our horses have passed away and they have been buried here. This is sacred ground."

Friends and volunteers have been helping put together barbecues, spaghetti dinners, spring break camps and even carwashes.

"It's a group effort," Smith said. "Everyone is helping to put events together and join us in preserving this."

Other than providing a home for rescued animals, Smith hosts riding lessons, a summer camp, fishing and horsemanship lessons. The rescue also has Fix & Feed Feline Feral on the property. The program rescues cats and also helps with the spaying and neutering of feral cats.

"My goal is for everyone to know about this out here," Smith said.

DeeAnn Smith, 13, has been raised on the camp and doesn't know what she will do if they lose the property.

"It rescue pretty much means the world to me," DeeAnn said.

Glenda Smith said that DeeAnn recently has been offering to give up her summer camp trip to Wolf Creek if the money isn't raised in enough time.

Cheryl Almas of Forest Hills was laid off a few months ago and was soon faced with having to find a home for her horse because she couldn't afford the boarding fees.

"Glenda, you could say, rescued us," Almas said. "Glenda does everything she can possibly do. If she loses this place I don't know what I would do."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Spring break camp

WHEN: 5 to 8 p.m. Monday to April 10

WHERE: 4902 Timberlan St.

COST: $100 to $135, does not include lunch.

DETAILS: Camp provides horsemanship lessons, riding and crafts.

HOW TO HELP: Monetary donations may be made by making checks payable to Equestrian Club Country and mailing them to 4902 Timberlan St., Tampa FL 33624.

INFORMATION: (813) 407-6805 or visit www.equestrianclubcountry.org

Reporter Jessica Balanza can be reached at (813) 865-1518.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT