Help 18 Rescued Horses Begin Their Journey to Safety

The horses range in age from just three years old to approximately 25. Before arriving, we understood that the group of nearly 20 horses included one or two stallions and only a couple of feral horses. However, once our team was on-site and able to fully assess the situation, we discovered that there were actually nine feral mares and four stallions between the two properties.

This made the safe handling, separation, and transportation of the horses considerably more complex than originally anticipated.

One of the stallions is completely blind and deaf in one ear. Understandably, leading him from the paddock and loading him onto a trailer required tremendous patience. But with gentle encouragement, extraordinary teamwork, and a great deal of compassion, he bravely stepped aboard.

Although DER was asked to assist primarily with the horses, they were not the only animals involved. Between the two properties, law enforcement also ordered the removal of 13 cattle, 11 chickens, nine quail, two goats, and one dog. An additional five dogs were surrendered by their owner. Veterinarians on-site documented serious concerns regarding the animals’ health and living conditions.

We are deeply grateful to every veterinarian, law-enforcement officer, volunteer, foster home, transporter, and organization that stepped forward. It took many people working together, each playing an essential role, to ensure that every animal had somewhere safe to go.

The Dorset Equine Rescue devoted an enormous amount of time and effort to helping plan and coordinate the removal and placement of all 18 horses.

Six of the horses are being welcomed by two trusted partner rescue organizations, while twelve will remain under the long-term care and financial responsibility of The Dorset Equine Rescue (more info to come).

For these horses, this is only the beginning.

We are committed to providing their daily care, veterinary and farrier treatment, necessary supplies, rehabilitation, and training for as long as they need us. The cost of caring for this many horses will be substantial, and we truly cannot do it without you.

Today, all 18 horses are safe and receiving the individualized care, patience, and compassion they need. Their healing journeys are just beginning, but they will not have to face them alone.

We could really use your help.

Please consider making a donation to help cover the rescue-day expenses DER incurred while coordinating, removing, and transporting the 18 horses from the properties, as well as the ongoing care of the 12 horses we will soon welcome into our care. Every gift, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference.

If you prefer to donate by check, donations may also be mailed to:

The Dorset Equine Rescue
P.O. Box 92
East Dorset, VT 05253

We hope you’ll join us as we help these horses begin a new chapter filled with safety, healing, and hope. ❤️

With gratitude,