UPDATE: This event has been rescheduled due to weather concerns. It will be June 3.

By Rebecca Rider

rebecca.rider@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Midnight’s Promise Equine Rescue will hold its spring fundraiser May 13.

The nonprofit organization, located just outside China Grove, was established almost two years ago to rescue, rehabilitate and find new homes for horses that are starved, abused or going to slaughter.

President and founder Deborah Baker said the rescue holds some a fundraiser or awareness program each month.

“If you don’t get out there and ask, it doesn’t come,” she joked.

But the upcoming benefit will be a bit special. It will double as an open house, allowing the public to see the rescue’s barn adn 60-acre farm and to meet horses currently at Midnight’s Promise.

Horse neglect and abuse is a national problem, Baker said. Many people dream of getting a horse but don’t understand the care and cost the animals entail.

“It’s a lot more complicated than having just a dog,” she said.

Those who aren’t prepared can get overwhelmed quickly. As a result, many horses are neglected or starved. And often, when a horse is sold, it ends up in a slaughterhouse.

Midnight’s Promise works to raise awareness about the slaughterhouse industry.

The rescue works with others nearby, as well as with county animal control offices. It partners nationally with the Standard Red Retirement Foundation.

The cost of running Midnight’s Promise varies from month to month, Baker said, and largely depends on veterinarian bills. On average, it costs $250 to $400 per horse per month.

Admission to the May 13 fundraiser is free and open to the public.

“We just ask for a donation,” Baker said.

There will be activities and music in addition to barn and rescue tours. Food will be for sale, and Baker said she hopes to have tethered hot air balloon rides as well.

Activities will run from 2 to 7 p.m. at the rescue, 685 Delta St. Balloon rides will run from 5 to 7 p.m., weather permitting.

For more information about Midnight’s Promise, visit www.midnightspromise.org.

Contact reporter Rebecca Rider at 704-797-4264.