About Us-Our History
H.O.R.S.E. Rescue & Sanctuary
H.O.R.S.E. (An acronym which stands for Help Our Rescue Save Equines)is a charitable, tax-exempt Humane Corporation based in Wyoming County, about forty miles southwest of Rochester. The Rescue was incorporated on May 16, 1996, in order to prevent cruelty to equines of all breeds and ages. From its inception, the Rescue has carried forward programs designed to ease pain and suffering endured by many thousands of equines in a wide variety of circumstances. The Rescue is active in many areas that encompass horse interests and fosters the humane ethic and philosophy through education, legislative, investigative, and legal activities.
Stop cruelty and abuse in the transportation and killing of horses used for human consumption.
Eliminate the use of pregnant mares (and the subsequent destruction of their foals) used in the manufacture of Premarin (and similar HRT drugs)by Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals.
Stop cruelty and abuse of horses used in sporting events such as racing and rodeos, where horses are often exposed to dangerous activities.
Investigate complaints of horse abuse as outlined in the New York Meat and Agriculture Codes and to assist in the prosecution of those individuals or groups knowingly in violation of such codes.
Carry forward a continuous program of fundamental, widespread education, aimed at adults and children, primarily to develop humane attitudes in children inside and outside the classroom in the hope of breaking the cycle of abuse.
Monitor and assist in the development of improved anti-cruelty laws and their enforcement at all levels of government.
The Rescue's work is supported
entirely by bequests, grants, and contributions. All income is used in
accordance with the wishes of the donors and in effective efforts to fulfill
the chartered purposes of the organization. There are no salaries paid.
Areas of Interest to the Rescue
SLAUGHTER
More than four million horse have been killed in the United States since 1987 for human consumption in France, Belgium, and Japan. The Rescue would like all slaughter for meat consumption stopped. The kill plants are owned by foreign interests with the meat going to the rich in foreign countries.
PREMARIN
Premarin, or Pregnant Mare Urine, is the most prescribed hormone therapy drug used today. Over 9 million American women take this drug to relieve symptoms of PMS or osteoporosis. An estimated 50,000 to 80,000 foals delivered by PMU mares are killed annually. This method of horses helping their female human counterparts is inhumane and needs to be stopped.
BREEDERS
Many, if not most, breeders today keep trying for the perfect foal, the star, that will make the most money for them. The ones that don't reach "star" status are sold at auction. Auction is another term for slaughter.
RACING
We have had several horses with track experience. Most have been broken down at an early age. Typically, Thoroughbreds race at age two, two years before their bones are fully formed. They are often drugged and pin fired when injured to relieve pain so they may race again, further damaging their fragile skeletons. Horses have been proven to be just as fast at four years old as they are at two.
EDUCATION
Many children, especially those from broken or abusive homes, carry abuse into their adult lives. This vicious cycle can be broken by teaching the kids how others, horses or people, can recover from abuse and become loving wonderful companions. Horses are being used today in psychotherapy sessions with both troubled adults and children with astounding results that conventional therapy cannot do or cannot accomplish as quickly. We intend to target the urban areas where gangs and violence are common everyday occurrences. In addition, we have had our first horse donated specifically for use with physically and mentally challenged children.
