Horse lovers rallying to help threatened stables

Local horse lovers are trying to gallop to the rescue of a Castalia horse stable known for taking in abandoned or abused horses.Kandi-Land Stables at 5414 Tiffin Avenue is facing a Jan. 13 sheriff's sale because of a business dispute between the two owners, Linda Hillenbrand, and her sister, Brenda Frische.Frische has not been active in the business for years and wants to be bought out. Hillenbrand says she can't afford the price her sister wants. Frische has explained she is forcing the sheriff's sale because the two have not been able to reach an agreement.Over the years, Hillenbrand has taken in dozens of horses and found homes for them. She and her daughter have been trying to raise money to save the farm.Rick Ellick, vice president of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 444, said he's been trying to help raise money.Pam Brunetti, Huron, also is sympathetic. She said she is making a donation to Hillenbrand's horse rescue charity and also is urging others to help."She's really gone overboard to try to help people," Brunetti said, referring to Hillenbrand. "Here she's in this difficult situation."Brunetti said Hillenbrand's horse rescue operation fills a need."We don't want them to end up on some dinner plate in Mexico or Canada. People work hard to rescue horses," Brunetti said. "Some people buy a horse when they really shouldn't, or they lose a job and they can't take care of them," she said.Brunetti is active with the Stampede of Dreams riding program in Norwalk, owns horses and has loved the animals all her life. When she was still using a stick horse at age 13, her parents relented and got her a real horse, she recalled.BOX: Want to Help?Donations to help the horse rescue operation at Kandi-Land Stables may be sent to KLS Equine Rescue, 5402 Tiffin Ave., Castalia, OH 44824. KLS Equine Rescue is a 501c3 organization, so donations are tax deductible.Register photo/ANGELA WILHELM Linda Hillenbrand brushes Barry, a horse who was starving and near death when she rescued him in April. Barry is now healthy and works with 4-H participants.Register photo/ANGELA WILHELM Linda Hillenbrand pets Barry, a horse that was starving and near death when she rescued him in April. Hillenbrand is co-owner of Kandi-Land Stables, which is facing a sheriff's sale in January. She currently has 22 rescue horses at the stables.