“We’re saving them from going to slaughter,” said National Riding Stables Horse Rescue co-founder Terry Latschar about the non-profit’s horses. “Our focus is on the horses.”
The organization is one of several that provide guided horse tours through the Gettysburg National Military Park. But the horses ridden on these tours are different, because each one was saved from neglect or abuse and placed here or in retirement homes as trail or companion horses.
The stables, located at the Artillery Ridge Campground at 610 Taneytown Rd. in Gettysburg were purchased by John and Terrry Latschar in 2015. “I grew up with horses. That was what I did instead of working at a grocery store or something,” said Terry.
Since 2018 the stables have rescued 42 horses and mules from auctions and surrenders. 16 of these animals have been placed into permanent retirement homes. Currently, they have 24 horses under their care — 13 retired at pasture and waiting for adoption, and 11 rehabilitated and used for trail rides.
Terry also accumulated over 31 years of experience as a licensed battlefield guide and park ranger. “The two just meshed,” she said.
Visitors receive a short lesson on horses prior to going on the trail. The lesson includes a history of the stables and a crash course on the horse they’re about to mount. “We don’t just put people on the horses and take them up to the battlefield and tell them who shot who and where and bring them back and say thank you very much,” said Terry. “When a visitor gets on a horse they know not just the name, but also the background of that horse — where they came from and what kind of problems they have had.”
The Latschars remember every horse they have saved by name and personality, frequently sharing happy memories about them.
“Many of our riders leave with a much better appreciation of horses than they would otherwise,” said John. Riding at National Riding Stables is an opportunity to give back while also gaining an experience that touches you. You can’t love your horse enough,” he said.
Support the Stables:
You can help by donating, volunteering, adopting, sponsoring, or partaking in trail rides that are ⅔ tax deductible. Financial donations are made possible through cash pledges or ordering from their Amazon or Chewy item request pages that make a large difference in helping the horses. In 2023, 34 volunteers collectively donated 1,199 hours of labor.
Featured image caption: Duncan
Stefany Kaminski, intern, is a Senior at Gettysburg College from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is a History and English major with a Writing Concentration and a Civil War Era Studies and Classics minor. Outside of academics, she is a member of two historical journals at the college, on the cheerleading team, and a former executive member of Alpha Delta Pi.