We work with several 501c3 rescues throughout New England to provide foster training for horses that may otherwise be unadoptable. These rescues run entirely on donations and mostly volunteer labor and either lack the experienced staff, facility, or funds to provide training for the horses in their care. We are privileged to be a part of a close-knit network of like-minded rescues that work together to find loving adoptive homes for so many rescued equines. The rescues that we are currently working with are:
Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (MSSPA)
The Society is unlike any other animal welfare facility in New England. Originally formed in 1872 to protect the horses who pulled Portland’s streetcars and fire engines, the Society now provides shelter services, has access to veterinary medical care, and maintains dozens of equines on its farm facilities. The mission of the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals is to provide refuge, rehabilitation, and placement of seized equines, support the placement of surrenders, and educate the public. The vision is the elimination of equine abuse and neglect. The Society uses its resources to provide direct care to animals who have suffered abuse. The Society promotes humane treatment, training, and use of animals through education and hands-on experiences. It collaborates with other animal-serving agencies to maximize the resources of all.
New England Equine Rescue North (NEER North)
Since April 2008, NEER North has been helping horses and owners in crisis, primarily in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. In January, 2011, the rescue became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and remains dedicated to saving horses, donkeys, and ponies whose lives are at risk in our local area. They also work with horse owners to help them avoid crisis situations, network with other rescues and educate the public about equine abuse and rescue.
They actively rescue horses and donkeys in need. There are a wide variety of situations including owner surrenders, abuse and neglect, where these majestic animals are at risk of diminished health or, worse yet, at risk for slaughter.
NEER North is a safe haven where these animals are rehabilitated with the intention of adoption into new families. NEER North also networks closely with other reputable equine rescue organizations, assisting where needed.
Futures for Standardbreds (FFS)
Futures For Standardbreds was created in January 2014 by a group of Standardbred enthusiasts from Southern Maine. Today they are proud to be an independent, nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c) (3) organization. They accept donated Standardbreds that are no longer racing for a variety of reasons and also rescue them from situations that will lead to inhumane treatment. Their goal is to save as many Standardbreds as possible and educate the public about this gentle, versatile breed.
Often when Standardbreds are no longer able to successfully harness race they are discarded. FFS re-trains Standardbreds that are donated by their owners or that are rescued from kill pens. After re-training and assessment under saddle and in harness, the Standardbred is advertised as a pleasure horse and put up for adoption to a responsible forever home. Saving one Standardbred at a time!
Gerda’s Equine Rescue (GER)
Gerda’s Equine Rescue is a Vermont based 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to rescuing horses from the unthinkable fate of being slaughter bound for human consumption. Since its founding in 2005 GER has been able to able to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home over 1,000 horses. Last year they rehomed 91 horses. Located in Townshend, Vermont.
Dorset Equine Rescue (DER)
The Dorset Equine Rescue is an approved 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in the beautiful Green Mountains of Dorset, Vermont. They are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of neglected, abused and slaughter bound horses. Horses come to them from a variety of situations, including many from owner surrenders. Their organization gets contacted regularly by people who wish to surrender their horses for many different reasons. In some cases, there has been a loss of job, serious illness, divorce, foreclosure or death of an owner. Due to lack of funds and space, they are forced to focus on the ones who are in the most dire situation.
