If you’re among the many that light up around animals, you’re not going to want to miss this special summer event. On Saturday, June 20, Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue is partnering with Neptune Feed & Saddlery and Long Island Equine Trail to launch an island-wide initiative, 30-minute contactless Long Island Drive-Thru Animal Tours at Spirit’s and North Shore Horse Rescue and Sanctuary. The tours will support the equine industry on Long Island.
“We’ve had to pivot our barn operations to be able to offer our services while keeping everyone safe. We are committed to continue to work together to bring the equine community to every household,” Marisa Striano, Founder of Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue, expressed.
Last month, Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue hosted a successful Hay For Horses Mobile Food Pantry at Tanger Outlets as part of Giving Tuesday. The Neptune Feed & Saddlery collaboration will allow even more equine organizations to utilize the horse mobile food pantry, and also support funding for medication for farm animal rescues, and in-person/virtual equine therapy and recreation programs for local families.
Long Island Drive-Thru Animal Tours will take place on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer. During the ticketed tours, from the safety of tour-goers’ cars, attendees will admire the farms’ four-legged residents, while also learning about the animals’ history. A digital map, available via smartphone, will highlight photos and interesting tidbits about each animal.
Long Island Equine Trail’s mission is to “promote and advocate for Long Island’s (Nassau & Suffolk County) robust equine industry.” “When you visit a Long Island equine destination, you share in the pride we have for the people, places and passion for horses,” noted Diane Tucci of Main Street Agency. “Our firm is leading digital storytelling for these efforts. My daughter personally volunteers at a local equine rescue and growing up on a farm on the North Fork, this work couldn’t be closer to my heart to assist.”
According to an economic impact study conducted by The American Horse Council, the equine industry is the second largest agribusiness in New York. It provides $5.3 billion in economic impact, as well as 42,400 full-time jobs for New Yorkers.
Online reservations are required and a face mask must be worn at all times. The Long Island Drive-Thru Farm Animal Tour 2020 will continue through Sunday, September 13. Farm animal feeding options available at North Shore Horse Rescue and Sanctuary only. General admission is $32 per car and $27 for early bird tickets.
Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue is located at 2746 Sound Avenue in Riverhead. North Shore Horse Rescue and Sanctuary is located at 2330 Sound Avenue in Baiting Hollow. For more information, visit www.spiritspromiserescue.org or www.longislandequinetrail.com.