I was emailed a question recently that I was happy to answer and would like everyone to know what happens at the rescue farm.
The question was: "What is a no-kill shelter?"

Some humane organizations take in "x" number of animals and put them up for adoption. After a certain period of time, if the animal is not adopted, it is considered unadoptable and is euthanized. Some animals are considered unadoptable and never put up for adoption, never given a chance to live. They are destroyed.

Horses that come here are placed up for adoption and if not adopted will remain here for the rest of their life as the burden of the rescue. Your donation helps these horses as well as other horses in need. I have horses here which "are of no value for someone to adopt" because they are "special needs" horses. They may be old, have diseases such as Cushing's, C.O.P.D., deformities, arthritis or abuse issues so they cannot be ridden. They can be maintained with medication and special care but are costly and most people do not want to spend the work or finances for a horse that cannot be ridden.

For instance, Humphrey is a 3 year-old gelding born with a back deformity. He was a 9 month-old stallion when we acquired him from a feedlot. He was being fattened up for slaughter so he could become a steak dinner at a European restaurant. (Yes, 95% of America's horses are slaughtered for human consumption, not dog food.) He is not in pain, runs, bucks and plays in the pasture just like any other horse. He loves to be groomed and fed treats. It costs the rescue to keep him. Should he be sent to slaughter simply because he cannot be ridden? When you look into his eyes, you can see he is full of life. We have had people come here and say they cannot look at him because he is deformed and it's ugly. Other horses don't care, why should we? We have to look beyond the shallowness of beauty to the eye and look deep into the hearts and souls of horses and humans, as well. If we humans value all life, then how can we pick and choose what life is valuable? How can one horses life be more valuable than another? Why can one child's life be more valuable then another?

If a horse is ill and in pain, and medically nothing can be done for him, he will be humanely euthanized by a veterinarian.

Read about other residents who are deemed "unadoptable" but not unlovable.
Randy, Sarah, Trudy.

These are just a few of the horses here which need extra care. They may be a financial burden but they are not a burden of our time and extra care, we give that freely. If you can help out in any way, it is always very appreciated.

The volunteers and myself work hard raise money to keep these wonderful horses safe. I hope everyone reading this or coming to visit leaves with a sense of satisfaction and peace knowing they have joined in this compassionate effort. Horses are the purest of teachers and enhance your personal life. They are honest and can mirror feelings you are trying to hide. There is a growing number of programs which horses are used for both physical and emotional therapy programs.

We work with both disabled and able bodied children and adults, local girl and boy scouts, 4-H and local U.S. Pony Club members, Churches, youth groups, home schoolers and more.

We are in the process of seeking certification with the North American Handicapped Riding Association (our DOC therapeutic program) which will require improvements in the facilitate disabled persons.

We started a program of Equine Assisted Therapy with teenage girls at-risk group home. It builds self-esteem, trust and self worth.

We bring our horses to visit schools and nursing homes and teach people about compassion and make them smile when they see and have the opportunity to touch these wonderful animals.

We want to show the world why we need to continue to value these special animals. The horse-human connection is a strong bond that enhances your mission in life.

How can you help?

Please help us help them and the children by making a contribution today!

The Horse Rescue, Relief and Retirement Fund, Inc. was created to address the urgent need for rescue services and equine public education. We are an all-volunteer organization operating solely on tax-deductible donations to our 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation.

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