The Cowgirl Spirit horse rescue group and drill team will hold a volunteer orientation day, noon Saturday, Feb. 19, at the group’s headquarters in Carnation.

Those who attend will meet the current rescue horses, and learn about the history of the organization, the day-to-day operations, volunteer and membership opportunities.

Cowgirl Spirit is funded entirely by donations and is run by volunteers who dedicate hours of their time each week to save and care for our area’s slaughter-bound and neglected horses. After the horses have been rehabilitated and retrained using equestrian drill, they are then adopted out to new homes.

Cowgirl Spirit’s mission is to raise awareness of equine slaughter in America by education and by rescuing supposedly worthless slaughter-bound horses and, with affection, training and dedication, develop their skill and spirit through equestrian drill competition; then fulfill their promise by placing these horses in new adoptive homes to give them long, happy and productive lives as riding companions.

Since its inception in January 2005, Cowgirl Spirit has rescued more than 40 slaughter-bound horses that are now living fulfilling lives, while enriching the lives of their new owners. This organization has grown significantly since moving their headquarters to a centralized location in Carnation, greatly increasing their volunteer base, and expanding community awareness about the vast potential of slaughter-bound horses.

To attend, e-mail officers@csrdt.org for more information. Or, visit www.CowgirlSpirit.org.