Want to support an equine rescue?? Check this

[cherie]

This article has a helpful "checklist" to consider:

Gray names several criteria to look for when choosing your equine rescue group. These include:

• 501(c)(3) status
• A reputation for ethical conduct
• Sound financial and management practices
• An acting board of directors
• Thorough investigation of the organization’s annual report

Also important to look for are:
• How long the organization has been around (three-five years is a good benchmark)
• All required licenses and permits
• A working relationship with local or state authorities and local veterinarians
• Friendly and responsive staff
• Not overcrowded (it has realistic intake and outbound policies)
• A mission and/or vision statement and a strategic plan
• The animals and people that live and work there, respectively, are happy
• An explanation for any thin, sick or lame horses
• Own rather than rent or lease property

from Choosing a Horse Rescue
By Katie Olean

www.horsechannel.com/horse-exclusives/choosing-horse-rescue.aspx?cm_sp=InternalClicks-_-RelatedArticles-_-horse-exclusives/choosing-horse-rescue

[cherie]

Another Good Resource . . .

The Current Status of Rescue
Dr. Jennifer Williams
Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society, Inc.

(excerpt)

Unfortunately just like in every industry, there are a few unscrupulous people in the rescue world. I’ve been involved in removing horses from a “rescue” – they clearly could not care for the horses they brought in. They may have gotten into rescue with the best of intentions but gotten in over their head. Sometimes, people get into rescue hoping to make a “fast buck” at the expense of the public and the horses they claim to help. Luckily, there are far more good rescuers out there – and there are ways to select a good rescue and avoid the bad ones.

Screening potential rescues:

-Talk to the Rescue – and Ask Question
-Why are you involved in rescue?
-What are your rescue goals?
-What is your biggest rescue success?
-How many grants have you applied for? What grants have you been awarded?
-How do you fund the rescue?
-How much time do you spend with the horses daily?-
-Where do your horses come from?
-How much has your rescue grown in the past year? Since you began rescuing?
-How many equines are adopted each year?
-How many adopted equines are returned to you?
-Describe your horse experience.
-Review corporate documents
-Financial information - 990s
-IRS Determination letter – or visit www.irs.gov or www.guidestar.org to check the organization’s tax-exempt status
-Articles of Incorporation
-Bylaws
-Visit the Facility
-Is the facility serviceable and safe?
-Are the horses being cared for?
-How do the volunteers interact with the horses?

www.aaep.org/pdfs/pressroom/the_current_status_of_rescue.pdf