Haunted barn benefits horses

Published 8:52 pm Thursday, October 10, 2013

People looking to get spooked for a good cause this month can scare up a few dollars and head out to Windsor for a haunted barn and hayride being put on by a horse rescue organization.

This is the third year of the creepy event for Diamonds in the Rough Equine Rescue, and owner Sonja Reuter said they are hoping for plenty of victims to visit the farm to help fund the organization, which has been an official nonprofit for three years.

“In that three years, we have taken on over 350 horses,” Reuter said. The organization works with animal control officials to help abused or neglected horses and also takes voluntary surrenders from owners who are no longer able to care for them.

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“Our vet bills run about $80,000 a year,” Reuter said. “Since we don’t get funds from animal control, this is our way of funding our practice. Our goal this year is to try to make $12,000. That would pay off last year’s vet bill.”

The hayride will take about 20 minutes and will wind through a haunted forest and graveyard, Reuter said. Visitors then will go through the five mazes in the barn, followed by spirits and specters of all kinds.

“It’s tons of fun, and it’s a great family event,” Reuter said. “It’s cheaper than going to a movie.”

Folks who don’t get too scared and want to stay around longer can also hang around the bonfire and listen to ghost stories, Reuter said. There might even be volunteer opportunities for those who want to participate in the scaring, she said.

A couple of horses will be on display for visitors to see and pet to reinforce the mission of Diamonds in the Rough, Reuter said.

The event is located at 19251 Bob White Road in Windsor and will take place from 8 to 11 p.m. every Friday and Saturday night in October. Tickets are $8 each. Visit www.adoptditr.org for more information.