Marine Saves Rescue Horses from Florence Fury

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Sept. 16, 2018 - PRLog -- Swansboro resident Eric Walker is a proud Marine and veteran.  For years, he subscribed to the belief that you "never leave a man behind."  Last week, as residents along the North Carolina coast prepared for Hurricane Florence, many making arrangements to evacuate, Eric and his wife Shari made the difficult decision to "shelter in place," rather than leave horses and animals behind.  The animals survived, the house, not so much.  The roof collapsed and the Walkers are hunkered down in the one room in the house that is dry.  Still, they are grateful because they realize it could have been much worse.

In the years following his retirement, Eric and Shari, became involved in a new battle, the war against PTSD for returning combat veterans.  For 23 years, the Walkers have been fixtures in Swansboro, using their love of horses to help local veterans and their families.  Their ranch, Little Boro Farm, is frequented by veterans, children with special needs and their families.  In 2012, the Walkers registered their facility with national non-profit, Horses4Heroes and participated in Operation Free Ride, an initiative that gives free horseback rides to veterans and their families.

"Throughout my career in the Marines, we were constantly reminded to never leave a man behind," said Eric.  "Our horses are our troops, our battle buddies, and we have a responsibility to them.  They are the soldiers in the war against PTSD, they help veterans transition from warrior to civilian, soothe nerves, calm fears and build self esteem and self confidence."

Two years ago, the Walkers joined forces with Elizabeth Carr, founder of Francis Florence and Friends Equine Rescue, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) based in Greensboro.  The rescue is located adjacent to the Walker's Little Boro Farm.  The Walkers have opened up their farm to animals displaced by the storm.

"We have been using horses to rescue veterans for years," said Walker.  "So it just made sense to use veterans to rescue horses.  We have been proud to work with Elizabeth and support her mission to give at-risk horses a second chance, and grateful she supports our mission to use horses to help veterans and children with special needs."

According to Carr, many of the 30 horses that live at the rescue came from feed lots otherwise known as "kill pens."

The Walkers decision saved the lives of their horses, dogs, cats and a goat, but the storm destroyed their farm house when the roof collapsed. The Walkers and Carr are asking for the community's support to help feed the horses and fund the rebuilding of Little Boro Farm.  Donations are accepted via PayPal, francisflorenceandfriends@gmail.com.  A Go Fund Me site has been set up to help rebuild. https://www.gofundme.com/equine-rescuers-lose-everything&rcid=r01-153706449723-be15fbe3d4f34b18&pc=ot_co_campmgmt_w.

Thousands of residents in North Carolina are hurting and it will take weeks and months to fully assess the damage.  The Walkers hope they can rebuild and get back to the business of rescuing horses and humans.

Little Boro Farm is an affiliate with Las Vegas-based national Horses4Heroes.  The organization's large and growing national network of equestrian centers in 45 states and Canada offer affordable, sometimes free, recreational, instructional and health and wellness programs for all ages, all riding levels and in all disciplines.  For more information on all programs and activities, email events@horses4heroes.org, visit www.horses4heroes.org or call 702.645.8446.