Progress on our stackyard

Temperatures are dropping and snow is falling – nature’s reminder that now, more than ever, our horses need shelter and protection.

We are pleased to report that progress has been made on Phase II of our efforts to develop buildings on the property that ensure the feed for our horses is protected from the elements. Framing for this structure, called a stackyard, is now 90% complete. The front eve supports will be fabricated on site this coming weekend and installed along with cable reinforcing. Sheathing will begin after these steps are complete, and then we can begin the exterior steel skin installation, which includes flashing, roofing and siding.

Our progress to date would not be possible without the financial and volunteer support of our community, including a fundraising campaign we held this summer and countless work hours contributed by our volunteers since.

We’re almost there, but we still need help!

 Please help us identify volunteers with legitimate roofing experience for Saturday, November 17. We need dedicated and skilled workers to help us finish this project safely and effectively. You can also support this effort by donating to our effort. We are still looking for roughly $5,000 to purchase steel at cost for the structure. Weather and volunteer help permitting, we hope to have this structure completed soon.

We are especially grateful to MVHR board member Larry Cavanaugh, who has worked tirelessly to lead the construction and completion of this critical structure.

 Without a stackyard, hay is exposed to the elements and susceptible to mold. MVHR currently covers hay for our horses with tarps, but those tarps are at the mercy of our strong wind and weather – which we expect will pick up as we head further into the winter months.

Please consider donating funds and/or skilled labor to help keep our horses safely and properly fed!