Rescue Reality

The question of where all of the unwanted horses will end up looms greatly over the heads of horse lovers and equine industry professionals and leaders. However, horse rescues across the country are doing everything they can to offer these animals a safe haven. In April 2007, the non-profit Kentucky Equine Humane Center (KyEHC) in Nicholasville, Ky., opened its gates to Kentucky’s equines and strives to find a home for every horse it takes in.

The KyEHC was conceptualized in 2006 by a group of equine community members who were concerned about the growing number of unwanted horses. They agreed that there was a need for a rescue similar to those that care for cats and dogs: one with an open-door policy that takes in all horses, regardless of breed, with the goal of finding them new homes.

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The KyEHC has several programs in place to promote horses that are available for adoption. Because of its proximity to Kentucky’s major Thoroughbred racetracks, the center receives many Thoroughbreds off the track.

“We now have stalls at all of the Kentucky racetracks,” says executive director Lori Neagle. “If people can’t keep their racehorses or don’t want them anymore, we have surrender stalls where they can drop [a horse] off, and our paperwork is in the racing secretary’s office. We have volunteers at all of the tracks that will take care of them for us until we can get there.

The “Horse of the Week” program helps the KyEHC bring attention to what it does to help Kentucky’s equines. “We put out a flyer that highlights one of our horses, and it goes out to a big mailing list of people and different breed associations, as well as one of the local TV stations here, which puts our horse of the week on their Friday noon news and their website,” says Neagle. “People will pass it on to their horse friends, who pass it on to their horse friends, and it just keeps on going. The “Horse of the Week” program has helped us place a lot of horses.

“We also have the open-house adoption days once a month,” Neagle continues. “We’re open every third Saturday of the month, and it gives the public a chance to come out and look at the horses. At that time they can submit their application for adoption.” Anyone interested in adopting a horse can also schedule an appointment to visit the farm.

In the future, Neagle hopes to provide more educational programs for the public and a retraining program for the horses. She would also like the KyEHC to serve as a model for other states that may be interested in developing similar open-door rescues. Since 2007, the KyEHC has found homes for nearly 200 horses.

Throughout 2009, Horse Illustrated will work with the Kentucky Equine Humane Center to bring you information about what goes into running a horse rescue and how you can get involved. Look for successful adoption stories and highlights of various rescues around the country.

Keep up with KyEHC happenings at our Rescue Blog >>

Visit the KyEHC website >>

16 years ago

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View Comments

Galadriel says:
December 23, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Sounds like a lot of good work.
Cindy Webb says:
January 15, 2009 at 5:52 am
I like this idea, I hope it works and doesn't get closed down.
Bonnie says:
January 15, 2009 at 9:56 am
Congratulations to all that have worked so hard to have such a great program for our equine friends.
Keep up the good work and I WILL sometime come to visit.
Thanks to all.
Linda says:
January 15, 2009 at 8:22 pm
I love what you've done! My best friend and I want to start a horse rescue ranch here in southern Oregon and would really appreciate your input.
Kristina says:
February 19, 2009 at 3:19 am
I own my own horse farm and train and board other peoples horses. I care for horses that owners cannot afford to take care of. I would take in a lot more but the funds are just not there. Do you have any suggestions on what I could do to open my farm to more horses in need??
Jenn says:
April 2, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Have you all checked into getting grants for using your farms for sanctuaries for hurt or in need horses? You can solicit donations from large corporations by creating a scholarship fund for children and teens going into the equestrian trade. Whether its horse only Vets, riders or trainers. There are lots of different ways to get money, be creative and make a list of companies to target. McDonald's may be interested too!
Patti says:
April 11, 2009 at 5:57 am
Thank you, Thank you!!!! I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for what you do. I have saved three horses in the last six years. Sheba, Jake and sweet Sadie. Sheba had to be put down, in November of this year. Sheba had cancer when I got her, that is why she was unwanted. We had six wonderful years together and it left a whole in my heart when I lost her. Keep up the good work, these horses are worth it.
Carly says:
April 13, 2009 at 7:12 am
Good luck finding homes for the horses. Thank you for rescuing these beautiful creatures when no one else will. One day, I hope to start a rescue center too. You inspire so many; keep up the fantastic work!
Katie says:
June 24, 2009 at 2:56 pm
Hope they all get homes.
gail says:
August 9, 2009 at 10:58 am
Help me to do what you are doing in princeton wisconsin. I despartely want to start myown non profit rescue program. Can you tell me how to get started. Thank you for the work you do. Help me to become a part of it too. gail sayre-rew po box 404 brinceton wisconsin.