Equine Rescue

Equine Rescue Program

Giving horses, ponies and other equines

a second chance at life.

These animals have been acquired by willful release from their owners, impoundment from cruelty cases or have been purchased at slaughter sales. The equines that are fortunate enough to make it to our shelter receive medical, farrier, dental, extensive behavioural and physical rehabilitative care. They spend as long as they need at our shelter or in foster care to fully recover -- receiving daily evaluation, lots of love, excellent nutrition and the finest veterinary services. When the equines are ready, MHF finds loving families who are committed to giving each and every rescued equine a second chance at life.

Slim was abandoned at a Virginia slaughter sale.

When placing an equine, Middleburg Humane ensures that each animal is situated into a home that best suits that animal's needs. MHF visits the facility where the horse will be housed and sends the equine home for a foster period before finalizing adoption. This gives the equine and the adopter a chance to bond.

Here is Slim 6 months later and 400 pounds heavier!

Equines adopted from MHF cannot be used for breeding or racing and cannot be sold or given away. We also maintain a lifelong commitment by requiring adopters to complete an annual report. If you are interested in adopting an equine, please click here for our adoption procedures. Equine adoption donations range from $100 to $1000 depending on expenses incurred by MHF for rehabilitation.

Slim's Chance

by: Cathy Moss

All proceeds of this book go to MHF's Equine Rescue Program. Go to our How You Can Help page for more details!

Amie

Amie Rescued in 2005

What a special young girl! Amie is a PMU (pregnant mare urine- Premarin) Belgian cross filly from Canada that ended up at a local slaughter sale. She was one of the lucky ones. The man who had brought them into the sale told us that 4 had died in transport- and those that did not sell that day would go onto Kentucky for one more chance at being sold and then the remaining ones to Texas to be slaughtered. Amie was 5 months old when we bought her. At one year of age she completed a 30 day training course for ground manners. She is absolutely gorgeous, solid as a rock and grew up to be a terrific riding horse!

This 2 year old mare was nursing a 6 month foal at time of seizure!

ORANGE COUNTY RESCUE - 1996

In February 1996, the Middleburg Humane Foundation was involved in the seizure of 27 horses from Orange County, Virginia. These horses were being kept in a half acre enclosure. There were 9 stallions, 2 foals and several pregnant mares and yearlings. These animals were severely malnourished and emaciated at the time of seizure. Poor animal husbandry was exhibited in several areas, stallions should not be kept with mares, much less foals and yearlings.

Princess, one year later, a beautiful mare.

All animals were suffering from multiple injuries sustained while competing for the limited food available. All had severe parasite infestation and extreme thrush (rotting hooves.) The owner fought in court for 4 months, appealing every court decision. Finally, the owner was found guilty and convicted for cruelty to animals. Almost all of these horses have been placed in wonderful homes and are all doing beautifully. To be expected though, a few of the horses still linger in our adoption program awaiting homes.

Bureau of Land Management

National Wild Horse and Burro Program

Providing a home for a wild horse or burro is a challenging and rewarding experience. For qualified individuals, this is a unique opportunity to care for, then own, a "Living Legend" -- a symbol of American history -- a wild horse or burro. This document answers the most frequently asked questions about adopting a wild horse or burro. Additional information will be provided to adopters of a wild horse or burro at the adoption site. Please inquire about the "sale authority" horses. There is approximately 8,000 horses that you can "purchase" and they really need your help.

Go back to: "MHF Programs"

Middleburg Humane Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All donations are 100% tax deductible. MHF continues to be entirely funded by private donations with no state or county funding. Please donate via paypal or make your check payable to: MHF and mail to MHF, PO Box 1238, Middleburg, VA 20118. Click here for other ways you can help.