Valley Stream woman doesn't horse around

After suffering the loss of a very special horse, Sage, Valley Stream resident Brittany Rostron channeled her energy into making a “mane” move in 2007 — starting a rescue organization. And this year, Rostron, 20, founder of Project Sage Horse Rescue, saddled up and found a new home for the organization in Northport, which opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 7.

Now, Rostron can continue to carry out a mission for her organization that specializes in the three R’s — rescue, rehabilitation, and relief.

With a passion for horses since she was 5 years old, Rostron is all smiles when it comes to these gentle creatures. For her, it was love at first sight when she met Sage, a brown beauty who made her eyes light up. And since his passing, Rostron’s love has grown into a deep dedication to rescuing those just like Sage from slaughter and abuse.

“Everytime I rescue a horse, I think about Sage,” Rostron said. “He is my constant driving force. I know he’s watching over all the rescued horses at our farm.”

Her “dream horse,” Sage is still near and dear to her heart. Upon adopting the thoroughbred from another horse rescue several years ago, the two became inseperable. Rostron trained Sage to compete in many horse shows. They did that for three years before Sage passed away from a stomach condition. “He was my best friend and we competed all over Long Island together,” Rostron said. “I will never be able to replace him. He was an amazing athlete and a huge part of my life.”

Rostron noted that Sage is her inspiration for starting the organization, which caters to horses in difficult dilemmas. It is geared toward saving horses from owners who cannot afford to provide for them, as well as from auctions where horses face being sold and slaughtered. Rostron’s desire to rescue horses bloomed from humble beginnings in 2007.

“I started by selling candy bars at the local Valley Stream train station,” Rostron explained. “I raised a few thousand dollars and rescued my first two horses. I then started doing other fundraisers such as garage sales and Chinese auctions, and the organization grew.”

Once “in danger” horses are rescued, they are examined by a veterinarian before entering a process of rehabilitation. A watchful eye is kept over the horses to ensure they are in top shape before being adopted into a loving foster home. Now, with the purchase of the new Northport facility, Rostron and her staff of volunteers have rescued more horses.

Rostron is armed with her passion and says the organization is basically her life. “Most of my friends are at the beach or the mall and I’m always at the farm spending time with the horses,” she said. “It takes a lot of effort to run this type of organization.”

And Rostron sets goals for the nearly 100 percent volunteer staffed organization, including rescuing 100 horses by 2011. She considers the horses to be a top priority, and strives to give them some old-fashioned tender, love and care at the Northport barn. “It is an amazing feeling to rescue these amazing animals,” she exclaimed. “They are all so thankful right when they walk in the door of our farm. You can see it in their eyes that they know they are safe.”

With one of the new horses, Troy, Rostron found that they do feel safe indeed. “[On] his first day at the barn, I left him in his stall to relax,” she said. “I was busy and walked past him a few dozen times. Everytime I would walk past, he would take his lead line and throw it at me. He wanted me to stand with him and pet him. He is the barn clown.”

The new facility at 386 Bread and Cheese Hollow Road in Northport — Ketcham Farm — ensures that the horses are safe on a 24-hour basis. The horses can now stomp their hooves on the historic ground of Ketcham Farm, which is the oldest operating horse farm on Long Island since being built in 1760. The farm has two acres of land that houses a 17-stall barn, nine turnouts, and a large riding ring. Upon moving in, no renovations were made and the old simplicity of the farm was preserved.

“I’m in love with the new facility,” Rostron said. “The farm is gorgeous. It’s very quiet which is perfect for my rescue horses.” She also loved the rich history of the farm, which will include the rescue facility along with a boarding and riding center, Two Cousins’ Farm.

Since finding the farm in June, the organization was ready to open its doors with a ribbon-cutting earlier this month. With the Northport Mayor George Doll and many other town officials in attendance, Rostron said it was a very amazing experience and one of the best days of her life so far. “Having my own farm has always been my biggest goal and [to] achieve that at the age of 20 is incredible,” she said.

And Steven Katz, co-founder of Two Cousins’ Farm with Rostron, agrees with her sentiments. “Brittany is amazing,” he said. “The passion she displays is wonderful. She gets up at 5 a.m. every morning and spends 12 to 13 hours at the farm every day. She gives the horses a second chance at life.”

Katz speaks of Rostron with such high esteem. And though the two happen to be cousins, they strive to keep the rescue and farm running like a well-oiled machine. Katz strives to bring a business framework and structure to Brittany’s rescue, which he finds to be a joy to work with her.

With an astounding rescue of more than 40 horses, the organization’s staff raises funds in various ways like year-round fundraisers. And they collect monetary donations from the public. But for Rostron, the biggest support comes from her family and about 30 volunteers. “My mom is my rock when it comes to the rescue,” she said. “My dad has always helped me with everything from fixing up the barn to cleaning the barn. I have some amazing volunteers…they spend all day here with me helping me run the farm. It would be impossible about them.”

And she noted that the Valley Stream community is very supportive, with many donors there. Rostron, who is a fourth-year student at SUNY Old Westbury, strives to give back to her community and others by spreading awareness about horses in need of help. “Not many people realize that horses are slaughtered everyday,” she said. “I have a lot of kids that come to the farm to learn about the horses and hear their stories. It’s great for the kids to learn what happens to animals so they can lend a helping hand.”