Have you hugged your horse rescuer today?Or better yet, give them some cash if you can spare it.
But do your homework and make sure you are contributing to a legitimate rescue.
Here are qualities I would look for in a legitimate U.S. horse rescue. I know, because I came from such a rescue:
- They are (or have applied for) a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
- They don't breed their rescue horses.
- They are a member of a state or national rescue group. Legitimate rescues help each other out; they don't compete with one another.
- They rehabilitate, train, and find homes for their adoptable horses; they don't hoard them.
- Their adoption fees are reasonable, indicating they are more interested in placing their horses in a good home rather than "selling" them.
- They screen their adopters carefully and do post-adoption followup.
- They answer to a board of directors consisting of reputable people in the community.
- They have a working relationship with law enforcement and animal control.
- They follow horse care guidelines established by the AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners).
Great post and good info on things to look for in a legitimate rescue. I've rescued a few horses in my day. My most recent two are Arabians a mother and son they were just going to put down because they couldn't care for them anymore. I'm afraid that right now there are way too many horses in dire straits, we can't save them all but we should all do what we can.
ReplyDeleteThanks Grey Horse. There is a "rescue" in my region that breeds their rescue mares and sells the offspring as performance horses. It's suspected they dump their rescues at auction too when they get in over their head. It's a shame. But there are a lot of good ones too, that need and deserve help.
ReplyDeleteYour Arabs are lucky they found you.
Misty, you are one wise horse. I would be devastated if I couldn't keep my horses anymore.
ReplyDeleteWe have a fantastic rescue organization around here that specializes in racehorses, but doesn't discriminate. "Friends of Ferdinand" They do a nice job. It's good to bring awareness to rescue organizations especially when so many folks can't take care of their horses these days.
ReplyDeleteOnceUpon, I wonder if you could help me with a thing?
ReplyDeleteA good friend of mine is going to Denver for a visit this spring.
Do you know of any rental facility where she could go trail riding? She is an accomplished rider and has two horses at home. I don't know if she has ridden Western though. If you have any suggestions, I would be grateful.
If you prefer to send me a mail you can do so on:
maria_fje(a)yahoo(dot)no
Thank you.
Ellimae, I'll have to check out Friends of Ferdinand.
ReplyDeleteHofCourse, Let me see what I can find out. I haven't been to any rental stables in Denver myself.
Thank you, OnceUpon, any help is appreciated!
ReplyDeleteIf you feel that you have not got enough info to recommend anyone, no problem. I just thought I could chance that you knew of someone - it's better than just reading ads!