Blue Rider Stables, a nonprofit in Egremont, Massachusetts that has provided therapeutic horseback riding and related programs for 34 years, is currently under a 45-day quarantine after a rabid skunk bit one of its horses. Although all animals received rabies boosters, the quarantine has halted the stable’s operations, cutting off income while veterinary and payroll expenses continue. The incident has also disrupted the horses’ usual interaction with riders, which is vital for the therapeutic benefits of the programs. To cope, the stable launched a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise $30,000 and has received strong community support, raising over $25,000 so far.

The quarantine not only affects the horses but also the clients, many of whom come from local group homes and rely on the unique physical and emotional therapy provided by the stable’s programs. Staff have been working harder to keep the animals engaged and are developing alternative non-horse-related activities for participants during this period. Blue Rider plans to celebrate its reopening with a special event to thank supporters and welcome back the community once the quarantine lifts on December 1.