More... * Gallery of images and videos * Fast Facts on key topics * Timeline of dates and events * Anthology of quotes, comments and jokes * Links to other resources
Equine rescue organizations have been created in response to disclosures over abuses and the increasing number of horses sent for slaughter. According to the most recent survey, there are over 170,000 unwanted horses in the United States. Although slaughterhouses in this country have been banned since 2007, it is estimated that more than 140,000 annually are shipped to Canada and Mexico for slaughter, often after being acquired by middlemen who disguise their motives for purchase of the animals.
Some groups have been formed by those with concerns for specific breeds such as thoroughbreds or standardbreds who are unable to pursue racing due to poor performance, injury or age. In other cases, sanctuaries have been established to provide care for horses whose owners have died or are no longer able to maintain them for financial or other personal reasons. Most rescue groups seek to identify foster homes for horses, but will also provide continuing care for animals unsuited for adoption. Nearly all rescue groups are organized as nonprofit charitable corporations, which allows them to seek tax-deductible contributions; typically, the organizations are supported by foundations, individuals and other sponsors.
Arabian Rescue Mission (Colesville) Rescue, rehabilitation and reconditioning of abused, neglected and unwanted horses with specific focus on Arabians but open to all breeds. Established 2003 in Wantage Township by Terry Figueroa with own funds, over 45 years working with horses, now holds annual fundraisers, farm also in Kentucky. Mission to find foster homes for horses, also host permanent residents unlikely to be adopted.
Rivers Edge Horse Rescue and Sanctuary (Newton) Rescues abused, abandoned, unwanted and slaughter-bound horses and provides sanctuary. Seeks sponsorships and donations, holds fundraisers. Operated by founder Diane Romano-Potocki.
* Warren County
Mylestone Equine Rescue (Phillipsburg) Offers abused, neglected horses considered unadoptable a safe haven, also seeks foster homes and sponsors for horses. Works to educate public about abuse and plight of unwanted horses. Holds annual open house in October, visits and tours by advance appointment on weekends.
Saddlebred Rescue (Hardwick) Operates national America Horse Adoption program which buys horses mostly from auctions and sales where they were slaughter bound. All horses evaluated by two professional horse trainers before at New Jersey rehabilitation center before they are placed for adoption in any state in the US. Located just off of I-80 near Delaware Water Gap.
* Morris County
Xanthus Equine Rescue & Rehabilitation (Boonton) Rescue, rehabilitation, adoptions. Also offers training, lessons with proceeds supporting operations. Seeks sponsors and volunteers. Christy Lee Sami founder and equine expert, over 16 years experience since rescuing first horse at age of ten
* Monmouth County
Horse Rescue United (Howell) Specializes in retraining and adoptions for Standardbreds, but saves all breeds from abandonment, abuse, neglect, and slaughter. Purchases slaughter-bound horses from auction and finds them homes, and also helps owner surrenders find appropriate placement.
Helping Hearts Equine Rescue & Retirement (Perrineville) Located at Chestnut Ridge Equestrian Center. Rescue in Monroe Township, rehabilitation and retirement of horses and other animals. Assists placement of horses of private owners who can no longer maintain them; rehabilitates horses for adoption to suitable homes as sport-horse prospects, pleasure riding prospects or as retirement/companion animals; seeks sponsorships for horses who remain permanent residents on farm.
Standardbred Retirement Foundation (Cream Ridge) Cares for, rehabilitates, and secures lifetime adoption of former racehorses to ensure their proper care. Conducts therapeutic programs for youth at risk in riding, care. Publishes online database of horses available for adoption in New Jersey and nearby states.
* Middlesex County
Second Call Thoroughbred Adoption & Placement (Helmetta) Serves as exclusive "After Care Program" for Monmouth Park Race Track in Oceanport with mission to assist rehabilitation and placement of retired racehorses. Horses accepted re-acclimated and placed with proven trainers with financial stipend from Second Call to re-train horses for new tasks and adoption.
* Burlington County
Forgotten Angels Equine Rescue (Medford) Rescues equines from slaughter, provides transportation, holding facilities, humane and quality care for abused, abandoned and neglected horses and other animals. Seeks adoptions, also maintains some horses on site as permanent residents. Promotes public awareness for the dramatic prevalence of horse slaughter, animal abuse and neglect. Sponsor and lease programs for sanctuary horses with riding and care lessons.
Gleneayre Equestrian Program (Lumberton) Located on 100-acre farm with four horse barns and 34 stalls. Focus on providing experiential learning environment for children facing challenges such as academic, social, financial, family, or problems associated with military families. Children taught horsemanship, ethics, and character skills, accepts children from age 10 until completion of their 13th year of school. Students encouraged to participate in various activities such as 4-H and sanctioned equestrian events. Resident horses primarily semi-retired show horses. Also offers lessons for general public. Founded 1998 by Bob and Ellen Healey, owners of farm and parents of children involved in equestrian competitions.
* Camden County
Labrador Hill Sanctuary (Waterford) Established 2000, dedicated to providing land and sanctuary for rescue and long-term care, training and rehabilitation of equines-donkeys, horses, ponies and mules. Also offers humane education, on-site adoption program. New riding ring constructed 2015, extensive pastures. Private riding and horsemanship lessons for beginner to advanced, including for children and adults with disabilities. Group clinics for both children and adults throughout year. Summer camp.
* Atlantic County
South Jersey All Breeds Horse Rescue (Weekstown) Rescue and rehabilitation facility in Mullica Township for abandoned, neglected, abused and slaughter bound horses. Seeks foster homes, sponsors for permanent residents. Donations pay for food, medicine and veterinary services and also purchases of horses at auction that would otherwise be sold for slaughter.
