Helping horses in transition find their next chapter to be useful, protected and loved is what the EQUUS Foundation is all about.
Two horses in a pasture for rescued horses
Helping horses in transition find their next chapter to be useful, protected and loved is what the EQUUS Foundation is all about.
© 2008 by Louis New window.
That's why actress Beth Behrs ("Two Broke Girls", "The Neighborhood") who is also an equine/animal advocate and rescue horse owner, contacted the EQUUS Foundation for help in finding a solution for some neglected Thoroughbreds on the East Coast. Click here to watch her video!
All too often animals can become victims of unfortunate circumstances, even when their owners mean well – which was the situation with these unfortunate Thoroughbred horses who were owned by an elderly couple. When the husband passed way, the widow tried to continue to care for her horses, but with the arrival of winter, it became impossible.
"The horse community is unlike any community I've ever had the gift of being a part of," said Behrs. "The way that horse lovers show up to support each other and the animals always makes me so emotional. I love the community of horse people I've made in real life and on social media."
"When my friend Caitlin of Rancho Relaxo Rescue desperately needed help, I had no doubt EQUUS Foundation would be up for the challenge. I'm so happy I was able to help connect two incredible horse warriors in order to save these beautiful four-legged souls in dire need of help."
It was the best of social media at work. Caitlin Cimini at Rancho Relaxo Rescue had intervened, but they were at full capacity and could only take two. Valerie Angeli, VP, Engagement, EQUUS Foundation, immediately reached out to EQUUS Foundation Guardian, Rising Starr, and its founder, Kelly Stackpole.
Just like that, in a major team effort, two more horses, Jonathon and Drew, got their freedom ride out of a freezing cold, tumble down, makeshift barn to the safety and comfort of Rising Starr's brand new facility in Wilton, Connecticut.
"Human animal guardians can fall on hard times beyond their control and often the human needs help as well as the animal," said Valerie Angeli, VP, Engagement, EQUUS Foundation. "While every case of animal abuse and neglect is tragic, it is important not to waste time judging and condemning, but to find a quick solution."
"This can be complicated and require expertise and assistance from different organizations who have unique skills and resources, especially when it comes to horses. Pulling that together and working as team to help horses out of bad situations and into hope and a new life is a beautiful thing!"
"Working together as a team with Rancho Relaxo Rescue, the EQUUS Foundation and Beth Behrs made the rescue of Jonathon and Drew possible. No one organization, rescue or foundation can stop slaughter and abuse. Like minded organizations must work together," said Stackpole. "Jonathon and Drew are just starting to realize humans are friends and not foes. Sometimes it's just kindness that matters."
Jonathon and Drew have been undergoing veterinary care and a nutritional and training program so that they can eventually be adopted to a loving home and be all they can be. They are being handled and loved by Rising Starr's volunteers and getting used to trusting people and enjoying the safety of a warm barn and the luxury of regular meals.
You can follow the progress of Jonathon and Drew on Rising Starr Horse Rescue's social media on Facebook here and on Instagram here. Adoption inquiries should be directed to Kelly Stackpole at Rising Starr, RisingStarr100@gmail.com; 203-257-8345. Learn more about Rising Starr here. To make a donation to support Rising Starr, click here
Rising Starr is an outstanding example of the ever-growing list of EQUUS Foundation Guardian partners across the country.
The EQUUS Foundation Guardians program nationally recognizes equine charities dedicated to the highest standards for horse care that demonstrate their willingness to be fully transparent by making their policies and horse care practices available for public scrutiny.
"It is a very powerful force for good when people come together for horses in need and pool their expertise and resources," said Angeli. "We need to work together to save lives. All horses deserve hopeful, happy lives and a humane and dignified end of life."
"We are currently helping with solutions for the three remaining rescued Thoroughbreds that need a home and will keep our followers posted," said Angeli. It's more important now than ever before -- with the advent of the internet and social media and the ease in which misleading information can be disseminated -- that the very best equine charities are nationally recognized and receive much needed financial support from horse lovers and horse protectors across the country.
We welcome donors to designate their donations to specific EQUUS Foundation Guardian charities. View the list here.
About EQUUS Foundation: The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, also known as Horse Charities of America, the only national animal welfare charity in the United States 100 percent dedicated to protecting America's horses and strengthening the bond between people and horses. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-mail: mail@equusfoundation.org, Website: www.equusfoundation.org.
Press release provided by EQUUS Foundation