The Humane Society of Ventura County has received a $10,000 grant from the American Society for the Prevention and Cruelty for Animals to go toward the care of the 37 severely neglected horses that were rescued from a Lockwood Valley ranch last fall.

Jolene Hoffman, director of the Humane Society’s shelter in Ojai, said $5,000 of the grant is designated for the medical treatment and farrier (horse-shoeing) services for the horses, while the other $5,000 is to be used for food.

“What a blessing,” Hoffman said. “We’re in desperate need of funds, and this helps us with some of the costs that we are incurring to care for these horses.”

Hoffman said the grant’s timing couldn’t be better, since 20 of the rescued mares are confirmed pregnant, with one due to foal any day.

None of the ASPCA funds, however, are earmarked toward the Humane Society’s planned purchase of a 20-stall permanent barn to be used for neglected horses and horses evacuated during disasters. The cost for the new barn is approximately $47,000; so far, the Humane Society has raised over $21,000 for it.

Donations may be sent to the shelter at PO Box 297, Ojai, CA 93024. For more information, call 805 656-5031, or visit www.humansocietyvc.org.