Horse Rescue

Horse rescue is a noble undertaking set up by some non-for-profit organizations to save horses that may have been abused, neglected,  no longer needed or wanted for any reason, like retired Thoroughbred race horses. Every horse rescue center’s goal is to rehabilitate these horses, retrain them for a second chance to be of service again, maybe not at par with whatever great fete they have done in the past, but useful just the same, even just to be a companion to any horse lover and willing takers, who could provide homes where they can continue live a happy life and never again experience the traumas of the past.

As the recession set in, there is a growing number of  horses surrendered to horse rescue centers by owners who can no longer afford to maintain the direct expenses incurred in caring for these horses. Other owners surrender their horses for health reasons that prevent them from properly caring for the beloved wards.

Once taken into the horse rescue program, horses undergo rehabilitation, receiving the care and retraining needed for their chance to a second life. Retired race horses are retrained to become show horses, polo horses and mounted by participants in therapeutic riding programs. Horse rescue is a continuing process which does not end by closing an adoption transaction. Through continued and constant monitoring of progress and care, each adopted horse is guaranteed a renewed sense of hope and love towards a brighter future. 

Since horse rescue centers are non-for-profit organizations, the institutions rely mostly on contributions and donations from generous private entities and businesses. Sustainability is more of a question on how many more horse rescue donors, benefactors, as well as responsible adopting individuals can support the program. Most horse owners pay so much yearly to maintain their horse, especially so, if the animal has ill health conditions or needs specific dietary supplements. For these reasons, horse rescue centers also host workshops and seminars on proper care and responsible ownership. This is an all-out effort to address the rising number of unwanted horses whose owners neglected them because the animals were of no further use anymore or because owners could not afford their maintenance anymore. Moreover, the annual increase in unwanted horses could not be accommodated by horse rescue centers all at once due to limited housing capacity.

All of these horse rescue centers need the support of the general public.  Other than neglected and abused, an animal may need help when deprived of adequate food resulting to starvation or illness, shelter, lack of ventilation, scarce water supply, habitat or veterinary treatment, wounded animals that may have not been treated, animals who have flea or tick infestation, badly messed up hair can also cause distress to an animal and grooming or overgrownd nails or hooves.

If you are concerned and aware of animals in distress, you can do your share by contacting any horse rescue center nearest your area. Help save horses and give them another chance, another leash in life!