In a stubbornly stagnant economy and with winter fast approaching, equine rescue operators are finding creative ways to attract financial support from beyond their traditional contributor bases.

Equine welfare agencies began to feel the financial pinch two years ago when extreme weather conditions and high fuel prices conspired to raise the cost of feed and other horse-care essentials. As owners struggled to cope, equine neglect cases spiked, challenging rescues to care for more horses just as the recession diminished donors' ability to contribute to their support. Less solvent rescues folded under the financial burden.

This year, with no leveling of feed prices in sight, and fewer rescues to help horses in need during the hard winter ahead, some rescue operators believe their resources will be strained even further this year