I picked this article up thanks to Google Alerts (for "Los Gatos"). Horses are at the wrong end of hardship with this poor economy, and several individuals and agencies are trying to keep these beautiful animals from ending up in the wrong hands. One of them is right here in Los Gatos.

Love horses? Got room and the ability to care for them? Have a look at the article in the Contra Costa Times:  Free to a good home -- the horse of your choice. (Scroll to the bottom and find an equestrian do-gooder in Los Gatos.)

As for me, I wish I had room and the budget. I have fond memories of riding horses in south San Jose and at Garrod's in Saratoga as a kid here. My parents had a home next to a horse ranch, and as a teen I felt like I was in heaven just to see the horses graze each day. For today I'll have to settle for spreading the word, but I would love to hear more about this from folks involved.