GINA B. GOOD / PVT Diane Davis, owner of Dream Chaser Ranch horse rescue, stands with a horse she named Charlie Brown. The owners left the starving horse at her ranch during the night without notifying her. Advertisement

People struggling to make mortgage payments and buy food for their families are finding it increasingly difficult to buy horse feed.

Horses are being dropped off at rescue facilities in record numbers, or worse, are being turned loose to fend for themselves in the desert.

Local horse rescue facilities are at capacity, according to Diane Davis of Dream Chaser Ranch horse rescue.

"We have a waiting list for people who want to give up their horses," Davis said. She estimated that on average, it costs about $100 a month to feed a horse. But Davis has an idea.

"Leave your car parked in the garage for short trips to the corner grocery store to buy a gallon of milk," she said. "Ride your horse to the market instead.

"Give your horse a job. Learn to drive a buckboard or wagon and take a leisurely ride to town," Davis added. "Depending upon the health of your horse, you could ride for miles all day, every day, running all your errands."

Although Davis admits it would take longer than driving your car around town, she suggests if you have the time, it's more than worth it -- it's pleasurable, cheaper than buying gas and maintaining a car. "Riding your horse also helps with the environmental impact," she said.

Davis' Dream Chaser Ranch horse rescue is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that is run entirely with volunteers.

To help Davis feed and house abandoned, neglected, abused or given-up horses, contact the ranch at 775-513-0945. In addition to donating money personally, donations may be made for gifts or memorials. Horse supplies and volunteers are needed for fundraising help or Davis said, "just come out and hug a horse, adopt a horse or help out at the ranch."