Oregon Horse Rescues

As barns, stables, and hobbyists across the globe feel the financial pinch of recession, horses are becoming more and more at risk for abandonment and neglect. Trapped in limbo between livestock and pet, horses require care that is often expensive and overwhelming in times of financial crisis.

Although the problem of the poorly kept horse is one that many are aware of, it is often difficult to know where to turn when they find that a horse has been left on the pasture of a foreclosed farm, or kept in an overcrowded paddock without enough feed to go around. Local horse rescue shelters are available for those who take the time to find them. Here are a few of the horse rescues in Oregon.

HyTyme Equine Rescue
Horse rescue in: Eagle Creek, Oregon
On the Web: www.hytymeequinerescue.net
What they do: Specializing in horse rescue, horse rehabilitation, and horse adoption, HyTyme Equine Rescue is a home for abused or surrendered horses that have the personality and physical ability to be retrained and re-homed with another owner. While some of the horses do call HyTyme a permanent home, the HyTyme volunteers strive to find new homes for as many horses as possible.

Valley Equine Rescue
Horse rescue in: Gaston, Oregon
On the Web: http://valleyequinerescue.org
What they do: Working as a nonprofit horse rescue, Valley Equine Rescue works with local animal control agencies to rehome animals found in unsafe situations in addition to working to remove horses from auction yards and unhealthy homes. The staff and volunteers at Valley Equine look to find permanent homes for horses, and provide a permanent home for special horses that have difficulty finding new owners.

Whispering Winds Equine Rescue
Horse rescue in: Roseburg, Oregon
On the Web: www.whisperingwindsequinerescue.com
What they do: Providing homes for both wild and domestic horses, Whispering Winds Equine Rescue acquires abused and neglected horses with the hope that they will be able to be brought back to good health and place them in homes where they can live full and active lives.

Equine Outreach
Horse rescue in: Bend, Oregon
On the Web: www.equineoutreach.com
What they do: Rescuing and rehabilitating abused and unwanted horses in central Oregon, Equine Outreach works to promote awareness and aid in responsible horse ownership. Volunteers work to bring horses away from neglect and abuse and into a setting of positive experiences and friendship.

StrawberryMountain Mustangs
Horse rescue in: Roseburg, Oregon
On the Web: www.strawberrymountainmustangs.com
What they do: While best known for their work with the Mustang horse breed, Strawberry Mountain Mustangs works to rescue and find homes for animals of all sizes. Working to reduce equine overpopulation through their Stop-the-Backyard-Breeder Program, they encourage the castration of stud colts and stallions through a partial reimbursement of the cost.

What can you do to help?
If you want to help a horse in need, but don't have the room or experience for one of these beautiful animals, contact your local horse rescue shelter and volunteer a few hours or a bag of grain to their cause. All of the horse rescues listed above are in need of hay, feed supplements, tack and other horse supplies. If you have a few hours a week to spare and would like some hands on experience, each horse rescue also needs the help of volunteers to train, groom and clean up after their guests.