Horse Rescues

What's Real, What's Not?


The words "animal rescue" evoke primal emotion. The concept satisfies a very real human desire.  It is a noble phrase with noble connotation attached, yet it has been bastardized by the con artists of the animal world.

It's lovely to hear someone say they've adopted their pet from a humane society or animal rescue.  More and more, we've noticed that horse shoppers are also turning their attention to equine rescues while searching for suitable riding horses.

In the world of dogs and cats, individuals or groups that identify themselves as rescues have multiplied over the past few decades almost as quickly as a feral cat has kittens.  Some are conscientious, ethical and committed to placing their charges in appropriate homes.  Some are 501(c)3 designated as not-for-profit, some are inspected by USDA agents, some are exemplary small outfits run by just a few dedicated individuals.

Some are animal hoarders.  

Some misrepresent themselves to attain outwardly desirable pets, then immediately sell them for a profit, caring nothing for the animal or the adopting family.  They are called "pet flippers."  They lurk on Internet sites (Craigslist being a favorite), watching for free or inexpensive animals that need to be rehomed.  They invent stories about themselves to entice the animals into their possession, then invent all kinds of fiction about the animals to buyers fooled by the label of "rescue."

Not surprisingly, the same pattern has emerged with horses.  There are many bona-fide horse sanctuaries and rescue organizations that provide necessary medical treatment and training for their horses.  When they interview prospective horse adopters, they not only take the time to determine what the adopter wants and needs, but also provide detailed information about each adoptable horse.

Anyone can hang out a "rescue" shingle and we've been conditioned not to question.  Dishonest horse traders are well aware of the marketing value of the word.  They employ all the usual tricks, and hide behind the implied altruism of their disguise.

The foulest of all are the horse traders who call themselves rescues but instead collect horses for slaughter.  They are usually located in remote rural areas (inconvenient to visitors), will pick up retired or unwanted horses, and drive to killer auctions many miles away to sell their cargo.

Be smart.  Be ready and willing to do a little investigative work if you are looking at a "rescue" horse.  Contact your nearest humane organization for information.  Use the Internet. Talk to local equine vets. If you see something scary at the facility, report it to your local sheriff's office, animal control division, humane society, or police department.   A good horse sanctuary or rescue will ask you lots of questions; be prepared to do the same.

Read Rags in Rescue here