We also welcome volunteers in donating their time and efforts at Habitat for Horses. What we do not do is rent horses, provide horses for rodeos, sell horses, offer horse rides nor have mares for breeding.

Established nonprofit rescue organizations in the United States involve many dedicated people. The challenge of an effective rescue, often under adverse conditions and with the help of law enforcement, is successful only because the equine rescue organizations involved see the neglect, abuse and possible death of a horse as being totally against our beliefs. While the challenge of educating an abuser is important, we see the obligation of saving the horse as an immediate need. Once the horse is safe, the problems behind the abuse can be handled. Educating the horse owner is important, something we had much rather do than to seize the horse, but our first committment is to the welfare of the horse. We offer no apologies for our love of horses and we actively seek to find a solution to the economic and social reasoning behind the neglect, abuse and slaughter.

The bottom line is this: the life of a horse is greater than the need for a dollar. Education, commitment and understanding can make the challenge of horse ownership achievable, while the reward to all those involved is far beyond what words can describe.

Please join us as we ride the wave into a whole new experience in the horse world by proving that horses can have a dynamic, positive effect on the lives of people!

Basic Guidelines for Operating an Equine Rescue or Retirement Facility
A publication by Doris Day Animal League.

Caring for a horse or other equine is a significant, time consuming, and long-term commitment not to be entered into lightly. No organization or facility should house more equines than can be managed with available resources, particularly where the health and condition of the equines and sanitation of the facility are concerned. Taking in more animals than can reasonably be cared for endangers the welfare of the animals and their caretakers.

These guidelines, while applicable to general equine management, are designed especially for use by non-profit equine rescue and retirement facilities. While not exhaustive, they offer basic parameters for operating such a facility. In addition, any facility or individual keeping equines must comply with all relevant federal, state and local laws and zoning ordinances. Download guidelines (pdf format).

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