Spring Hill Horse Rescue

Dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of abused,
neglected and slaughter-bound horses.

Equine Memorial Building
Spring Hill Horse Rescue, Inc (SHHR) was created in January 2000 as a pilot program to run and operate as a true non-profit dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of abused, neglected and slaughter bound horses. Through this experience we have learned that there is an urgent need for a horse rescue facility and the community is very supportive in our efforts. In March of 2002, SHHR incorporated and then received an advance ruling from the I.RS. for non-profit status.

The following information is some of what we have learned over the past four years of operating:
     A large percent of horse abuse complaints go unattended due to lack of knowledge of horses in law enforcement and humane society staff as well as lack of transportation and care facilities.
     A lot of horse abuse and neglect is committed out of ignorance. Many people just do not understand the nature of the horse and how to properly care for and handle horses safely. Those abuse cases that are intentional can reveal child abuse and neglect as recent studies have shown a substantial link between animal abuse and child abuse.
     How does the horse industry affect Vermont? A recent study (2002 Vermont Horses Count! Equine Survey and other resources) conducted by Dr. Betsy Greene, UVM Equine Extension Specialist, revealed that Vermont has the highest horse population per capita. A small state with a small population, Vermont’s ratio of horses to people (1:18) rivals “horse states” such as Kentucky (1:26) and Texas (1:36). The horse industry also plays an important role in Vermont’s economy, bringing in significant dollars into the state. For example, the annual Vermont Summer Festival brings in over $17 million to the community through food, lodging, shopping, etc. This is just one example! Vermont has several organizations, clubs, and equine-related activities, not to mention the various riding stables and camps. “Vermont’s horses industry is enduring and growing, brining new business and tourism to the state,” says Dr. Greene.
     How does the horse industry affect the United States? With over 6.9 million horses in the United States there are 7.1 million Americans involved in the industry as horse owners, service providers, employees and volunteers. Additionally there are millions more Americans that participate in horse related activities. It’s no wonder that horse related injuries happen frequently. The majority of horse related injuries occur at home (approx. 39%). The majority (38%) of the victims are between the ages of 25 – 44. Many of these accidents happen due to improper handling or inadequate know-how and carelessness.
     Horses have a huge economical impact on America’s economy and society. In fact, the horse industry produces goods and services of $25.3 billion and has a total impact of $112.1 billion on U.S. gross domestic product. This industry’s contribution to the U.S. GDP is greater than the motion picture services, railroad transportation, furniture and fixtures manufacturing and tobacco product manufacturing industries. Some examples of equine businesses are: Thoroughbred Horse Farms and Race Tracks; Boarding, Breeding & Training Facilities; Veterinarians and Farriers; Equestrian Supplies and Feed Sales; PMU (Pregnant Mare Urine) farms for making hormone replacement therapy drugs; equestrian riding camps and schools. Unfortunately, with this industry come a lot of abuse, neglect and exploitation. It’s been stated over and over again that the horse is the most exploited animal in the world, in history.
Since its inception, SHHR’s programs have evolved extensively. Rather than just rescue and rehabilitation of the horses, prevention and education are just as, if not more, important. For the past four years we have organized and hosted an annual event that initially started with a mere 80 participants. This past year it was to a two day long educational clinic and awareness event well received by over 200 participants and viewers. While realizing the reception of such an educational event and working with other organizations (such as the Vermont Animal Cruelty Task Force, Pittsford Equine 4-H Club, Humane Society of the United States and several of Vermont’s humane societies and animal shelters) we can clearly see an educational program will be readily welcomed and participated by many.
We are excited to announce the following upcoming prevention and education programs!
Horse Care and Training Workshops, Clinics, and Seminars: Horse owners (both new and long time owners) and equine-related activity participants can learn to be safer around horses and provide a better understanding and care ethic to their horses while preventing potential abuse and neglect. This program will include equine communication, equine science, natural hoof trimming, etc.
Youth Summer Program: This program will involve caring for horses that are rehabilitating from abuse and neglect including bathing and grooming the horses, hand walking, etc. This type of learning environment will help to give children the skills necessary to mature into more compassionate, empathetic and responsible adults. Studies have shown that troubled youth have been known to make a strong connection with animals more readily than with people.
Hands-on Equine Abuse Investigation Workshops, Clinics, and Seminars: Those persons involved in animal abuse investigations such as law enforcement, humane officers, animal control officers and town officials, can be better trained to handle equine abuse and neglect cases.

However, before we can offer any of these much needed programs, we must have the proper facilities to accommodate such events. Facilities that normally host conventional trainings, workshops and seminars simply don’t have the room or proper amenities to accommodate horses. To get a true education on working with horses we are very certain that hands on work is necessary. This building would also function as a turnout and exercise facility for horses that are rehabilitating from abuse and neglect. They can enjoy full shelter during the cold winter months and the hot summer sun as many of the older horses or horses that have been severely malnourished just do not do well out to pasture with healthier horses. The building would be at approximately 72’ wide by 80’ long to provide enough space to conduct the events with horses and to facilitate bleachers for participants and auditors. Within the building there will large wood stalls to house horses in intense rehab &/or those horses being used for an event. The building fund budget is approximately $40,000.

Please, take the time to send a contribution to the Equine Memorial Building Fund. All donations are tax deductible but more importantly you will be helping many horses by educating their owners and handlers. Send checks or money orders (with ‘Building Fund’ noted in the memo line) to: Spring Hill Horse Rescue, 2617 Union St., Brandon, VT 05733. Credit card donations can be made on our homepage via PayPal.

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Spring Hill Horse Rescue
175 Middle Rd, Clarendon, VT 05759
(802) 775-1098 Email: SpringHillRescue@aol.com