Windham is home to the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (MSSPA) and located right in the heart of the farm is Treasure’s Tack Shack, a place to donate and buy second-hand horse equipment. Treasure’s Tack Shack is getting ready to host an event called “Unpack the Shack” day on Saturday, Aug. 26.
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| The 'Unpack the Shack' event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 26 at the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals in Windham. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
Horses who have been seized by the law or have been surrendered by their previous owners, currently reside at the MSSPA. The goal of the society is to rehabilitate and ultimately find a new home for the animals under their care. All horses receive veterinary care and individualized feeding plans. Those who are deemed unsuitable for adoption, live out their lives under the care of the farm.
Treasure’s Tack Shack was created by two of MSSPA’s volunteers, Mary Oate and Amelia Small. Originally, the concept of selling their second-hand horse equipment was an event held twice a year called “Take It Away Day.” The event proved to be incredibly popular, and MSSPA volunteers established a permanent place for the “Unpack the Shack” day.
To get ready for the event, all horse equipment donations that are made to Treasure’s Tack Shack are sorted through by staff ahead of time. Some items are kept for the in-resident horses at MSSPA, and the rest are displayed for sale to the public.
Treasure’s Tack Shack offers a wide range of used and new horse equipment such as saddles, bridles, halters, blankets, riding clothes, grooming equipment and more. Offered at a discounted price, MSSPA volunteers say that this is a great opportunity for horse owners and horse enthusiasts to buy quality equipment at a lower cost. All proceeds from the event go toward assisting the herd currently living on the farm.
MSSPA currently has around 170 volunteers who serve a variety of different roles. The Shack itself is completely run by volunteers as well.
“The Tack Shack is truly a volunteer labor of love,” says Peg Keyser, MSSPA’s Advancement Director.
Volunteers assigned to the Tack Shack focus on sorting and cleaning the donated equipment. They also assist with sales and run the shop while it is open.
“The Society staff could not engage in the important rehabilitative work that it does if not for the volunteers that literally keep the place running smoothly,” says Keyser in describing the roles volunteers have on the farm.
Not only does MSSPA welcome volunteers who have extensive experience working with and around horses, but also people who have never touched a horse. The important quality MSSPA looks for when searching for volunteers is their dedication and respect for these animals.
In general, what the volunteers all have in common is a dedication to the MSSPA's mission to protect the health and welfare of neglected and abused equines, and an openness to share their time and love with the horses.
Many of the volunteers have been able to form lifelong friendships and connections with one another. For example, one volunteer shared a cancer diagnosis with her fellow volunteers, and they were there to support her throughout her battle. During the pandemic, the former MSSPA Volunteer Coordinator hosted book groups over Zoom to keep the volunteer community alive during a difficult time.
“Volunteers have created a sense of community at the shelter that now extends into their personal lives - having potlucks, going for walks, seeing movies and so forth.” says Keyser in talking about the community that has formed between volunteers.
Treasure’s Tack Shack offers a great opportunity for horse lovers to buy used equipment at a discounted price while supporting these beautiful animals at the same time. MSSPA and the Tack Shack have a supportive and caring community for both their horses and their volunteers.
Those who are interested in volunteering at the farm can fill out an application through the Maine State Society of the Protection of Animals website at msspa.org <
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