Idaho Horse Rescue

 

Idaho Horse Rescue

by Cate Cummings APRN FNP IFMCP ReCODE 2.0 Certified Practitioner

 

Rescuing, Rehabilitating & Protecting Victims of Equine Abuse.

I love learning how horse rescues have their beginning! In the case of Idaho Horse Rescue, it was a most fortunate circumstance for the future wellbeing of a Thoroughbred filly mare. A jockey at the Les Bois track told his friend Robert Bruno about a 2-year-old Thoroughbred filly mare named Wapello Road. She sustained severe ligamentous injuries that caused her owners to make the decision to euthanize her on the very day the jockey contacted Robert. But, thanks to Robert’s intervention, Wapello Road’s life was saved. Instead of being euthanized, she came under Robert’s care and he restored her back to health! Wapello Road flourished under Robert’s care, becoming completely sound, and she then became his personal riding horse for over 20 years! What a beautiful and true story!

WAPELLO ROAD

 

Because of this experience, Robert recognized that an equine horse rescue organization was highly needed in southwest Idaho and thus he founded Idaho Horse Rescue! In 2010, Idaho Horse Rescue became a federally recognized Non-Profit Organization. Since then, over 150 horses have been rescued. It was in Robert’s nature to rescue Wapello Road because from a very young age, Robert had been rescuing both tame and wild animals (for example, skunks, raccoons, songbirds, and mice). He has always been dedicated to helping stop the suffering of any animal.

Robert and Bob

 

Idaho Horse Rescue is located south of Boise, Idaho, on 27 beautiful acres. Robert, who is a custom home builder, made a superb 16-stall horse barn. This spacious rescue also has round pens and pastures, so the horses are able to heal and be restored to health in an ideal environment. Robert and the volunteers at the Idaho Horse Rescue continue to take in suffering horses from the entire state of Idaho. They rely entirely on the generosity of donors and volunteers. They often need such supplies as horse panels and sand. They always need money to help pay for the expenses such as the electrical bill, veterinary care, and food for the horses. They are 100% committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and preventing cruelty to horses.

 Robert and Fred

 

There are many ways in which you can help the rescued horses at IHR.  People are welcome to donate online at idahohorserescue.org/home/donate or on Facebook at facebook.com/IdhaoHorseRescue

I really like the Facebook page for Idaho Horse Rescue. They have some great videos there, including one where they rescued two starving abandoned horses in the depths of winter by helicopter! The people who are involved in Idaho Horse Rescue are phenomenal individuals! These videos clearly depict the suffering of these majestic animals and the heroic actions of Idaho Horse Rescue!

DONATIONS MADE TO IDAHO HORSE RESCUE ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

The fastest way to help is to donate money. IHR constantly receives calls and emails about horses in need of rescue; many are in dire condition and need immediate care. 

IHR is funded entirely by individual donations, private and corporate trusts, and charitable foundations.  It costs a great deal of money to rescue these horses, and they depend on the generosity of people like you to be able to continue this work. Every donation is crucial, no matter how big or how small.

The Idaho Horse Rescue is not open to the public without an appointment because the volunteers all have varied schedules. They generally only allow visits by persons who are interested in adopting a horse.

Idaho Horse Rescue will adopt out healthy and rehabilitated horses only to suitable and approved homes. All adoptions are intended to be forever homes for the life of the adopted horse. They have very clear adoption rules that must be followed by the persons adopting a horse.

An adopted horse cannot be resold, bred, or re-homed. If for whatever reason, the person can no longer keep the horse, the horse must be returned to Idaho Horse Rescue. All adopters must complete and sign the Idaho Horse Rescue Adoption Contract and also pay a small fee for the horse. All adoption fees are used to take care of the rescued horses at Idaho Horse Rescue and all adoption fees are non-refundable.

Anyone who is interested in adopting a horse from Idaho Horse Rescue should make certain that they meet the requirements for adoption because this rescue does not make exceptions to their rules. These are the rules for adoption:

• Companion Equine (another horse or donkey).  Horses are herd animals and it is best for them to have an equine companion.  In order to adopt at IHR you must already have an equine, or be adopting two.
• At least one acre of clear cut pasture per equine with some shade available & including acceptable fencing.  For example, if you will have 3 horses, you will need at least 3 acres.
• A 3-sided shed to block heavy winds/ bad weather
• Must own facility/property/barn where adopted equine will be residing.  No renting, no boarding.
• Must have trailer and truck or other means to transport equine.

 

Furball upon arriving at Idaho Horse Rescue 

 

 Furball after Idaho Horse Rescue brought him back to full health!

 

Idaho Horse Rescue has literally come to the rescue of so many horses saving them from further suffering and often from the brink of death. It is very sad to see what these equines have had to endure. It is a testament to the will of the horse to live no matter what, and a testament to the great people at Idaho Horse Rescue who are always ready to show these horses that there are sincerely caring and conscientious humans who will protect them from further harm and allow them to enjoy a healthy, happy life.

So, please help Idaho Horse Rescue continue its mission of alleviating the suffering of abused and neglected horses by donating your time, money, and other suitable resources. Thank you!