LIU Post’s Equestrian Team Rescues Horse
When the plight of a little horse struck a giant chord with LIU Post’s Equestrian Team her fate took a joyful turn. A sweet, diminutive Palomino mini-mare, most likely slaughter-bound and up for sale at a Pennsylvania horse auction, caught the attention of the animal-loving team members who rallied to her rescue.
The students raised funds to save the four-year-old’s life through a campus bake sale and a website, collecting enough money to pay for adoption, veterinary and transportation fees, an effort reflective of the LIU Post students’ ongoing determination to give back to their communities, setting examples of generosity and kindness. LIU Post Equestrian Team captains, Cristina Bakos and Alex Diez, along with fellow equestrian Christina Cepeda, traveled to Pennsylvania to bid on the mini-horse, with the help of Cristina’s father William, who is licensed to make equine purchases. The pint-sized mare was named “Hope” and christened as the official LIU Post team mascot.
“We named her Hope to inspire hope that all animals, even those in terrible situations, can have better lives. As competitive equestrians, our horses are our team members and deserve our respect and concerns. Hope represents the value we place on these animals as our partners,” said Cristina Bakos, who houses Hope in her family’s Smithtown barn where the little mare safely resides with her new family, three other miniatures horses and a donkey, all rescues.
To learn more about LIU’s equestrian programs visit www.liu.edu/CWPost/StudentLife/Activities/Sports/Club-Sports/Equestrian
