APRIL 2020 THE RIDER /19 7 ways to rescue a horse – even if you can’t adopt By Brenda Thompson


7 ways to rescue a horse Too many horses live


in dire straits. You may not be in a position to adopt, but you can still help rescue a horse from a life of neglect. Horse rescues rely on


public support to “keep the barn doors open”. Many people believe that the only way to help is to adopt a horse, but that’s not the sole option. In fact, if someone takes on a horse without being in a position to meet the animal’s needs, it can be detrimental to the horse’s well-being. A lack of fi- nances, space and especially education can make a bad situation worse. But here’s the good news – there are many other ways to support a horse rescue!


1. Donate cash One of the biggest


challenges for start-up horse rescues, and the individuals behind them, is a lack of re- sources, both financial and educational.


It requires


much more than a caring heart to operate an efficient non-profit organization. Horse rescues rely on


public funding and support in order to operate. Making donations is one of the best ways you can help them provide the necessary care to the horses they take in. Before you give your hard- earned money to any organ- ization, though, do your


homework to make sure they’re legitimate and rep- utable. If possible, visit the facility. Bring a question- naire to help you with your research (see below). Think about whether a monthly or one-time donation is right for you. Remember, if the organization is a registered charity, you should get a tax receipt.


Before supporting a res- cue, ask these questions: • Are you a registered char- ity? (If they are, be sure to get a donation receipt to off- set your taxes at the end of the year.) • How long have you been in operation? • How does your organiza- tion operate? • Do you adopt horses out? How are homes found? • What type of care is pro- vided to new horse arrivals, and by whom? Also, consider the fol-


lowing: • Are there many malnour- ished or injured horses on the property? If so, ask why and when they arrived. • Is the facility over-popu- lated? • Is the facility well kept? Does it have proper fencing, bedding and hay?


2. Become a foster “par- ent”


If you have some space


on your property, keep in mind that many horse rescue organizations offer foster


4. Attend or host a fundraiser Attending or hosting


programs with varying de- grees of duration and re- sponsibility. If you are not in a financial position to take on a horse of your own, fos- tering is a way to help with- out committing to the long-term responsibility of horse ownership. This can be a win-win situation for both horse lovers and res- cues.


As with donating, do


your homework to find a reputable rescue facility that will provide the necessary support you need, both fi- nancial and educational. It is not in anyone’s best interest if you take on a horse with- out proper support in place.


3. Sponsor a horse Sponsoring a horse can


be a very rewarding option for those who don’t have the space or time for a horse of their own. Sponsoring pro- vides much-needed finan- cial support to the rescue, while giving you a sense of pride and responsibility. You are able to witness the effect your sponsorship has on your horse, as you keep yourself updated on his journey. There are varying degrees of sponsorship available, so seek out what’s best for you. Sponsoring a horse on someone else’s be- half is a great gift idea for any horse lover.


fundraisers that benefit an equine rescue is another great way to “step up”. It re- quires many hours to organ- ize and put on a successful and profitable event. With- out volunteers, it wouldn’t be possible. There are many types of fundraising activi- ties,


including concerts,


farm visits, bake sales, garage sales, etc. Subscribe to a rescue’s newsletter or mailing list to stay informed of upcoming fundraisers. If you like to plan, why not host one of your own?


5. Donate supplies Horse rescue organiza-


tions require lots of sup- plies. Make an in-kind donation of hay, feed, tack or other supplies. If you have the resources, you can purchase much-needed pro- visions. Some rescues even have “wish lists”, where you can see specifically what supplies they lack, and do- nate accordingly. Donating supplies, instead of the money to buy them, pro- vides assurance that your money goes directly to the horses in need.


6. Volunteer It’s true what they say


– many hands make light work! Volunteering at a horse rescue facility is one of the most rewarding ways you can contribute. If you do not have the knowledge or experience to work di- rectly with horses, it’s okay.


$499K Opportunity Knocks!


There is so much else to be done on a daily basis — stalls and paddocks to clean, hay to be distributed, etc. The list can seem endless, and that’s why rescues need your help. Volunteers are one the most valuable re- sources to a properly-run horse rescue facility. If you have a special skill or area of expertise, such as market- ing or design or website maintenance, you may lend your talents in other ways too.


7. Spread the word Last but not least, if


you are not in a position to help in any of the above ways, there is still another option…educate! Educate yourself about equine wel- fare and spread the word. Choose a legitimate horse rescue organization, learn as much as you can about it, and share the great work they do. Word of mouth, so- cial media, websites and blogs are all effective ways you can spread the word. Remember, one per-


son’s power to effect change is often underestimated. Helping any way you can, whether


financially or


through your time and tal- ents, can make all the differ- ence to horses in need.


Brenda Thompson Brenda Thompson is


president and founder of Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue Center, a federally-


Milagro (which means “miracle” in Spanish) after receiving plenty of TLC at Whispering Hearts.


registered non-profit organ- ization with charitable status that was established in 2007. A volunteer-based equine welfare organization, their goal is to ensure qual- ity care and treatment of horses through intervention, education and outreach. Their mandate is to provide care and rehabilitation to abused and neglected


horses. Brenda also au- thored the Ontario Care Guidelines for Equine Res- cue, Retirement, and Adop- tion/Rehoming Facilities. For more information about WHHR, what they do, the horses and ways you can help, visit whhrescue.com.


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