An Equine Safari

Neptune Feed and Saddlery in Riverhead announced a two-year title sponsorship with the Long Island Equine Trail to support the local equine community. The combined efforts will include a 30-minute contactless Long Island Drive-Thru Farm Animal Tour. The drive-thru experience will begin on Saturday, June 20, at 7 PM at both Spirit’s Promise in Riverhead and North Shore Horse Rescue in Baiting Hollow.

“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,” said Marisa Striano, founder of Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue.

Equine rescues that operate on limited resources have been impacted by COVID-19, like many other nonprofits. The ticketed family friendly, educational, and social distancing experience will finance the food and medication for the farm animal rescues, along with supporting in-person/virtual equine therapy and recreation programs for local families. It provides animal lovers an opportunity to reconnect to nature and the four-legged residents right from the comfort of their own vehicles. Car windows can roll down for animals to peek their heads in, and petting is allowed, so face masks must be worn at all times. A digital map, accessible on a smartphone, will showcase photos, fun facts, and a history on each animal.

“We are a small farm with a big heart. Working with likeminded organizations is critical for all of us to weather this storm together,” said Laurel Palermo, founder of North Shore Horse Rescue. “We’ve been here for over 15 years. This initiative will allow us to be here for the next 15 years.”

New York state’s Equine Industry is the second largest agribusiness in New York, with a $5.3 billion economic impact that generates 42,400 full-time jobs, according to The American Horse Council. Equine space accounts for approximately 1.3 million acres solely used for horse-related purposed across all 62 counties of New York state. The Long Island Equine Trail is a platform for connection within the equine community in both Nassau and Suffolk County, inspiring the public to engage and develop an appreciation for all horses provide in leisure, competitions, social work, and rescue.

Online reservations are required and time slots are limited. Tours are expected to continue through September, with other locations to be announced. Visit www.longislandequinetrail.com for tickets and up-to-date information.

nicole@indyeastend.com