Our Story
Hidden Pond Farm Equine Rescue (tax ID: 47-5424832) is a 501(c)(3) organization registered with the IRS as: HPF - Rescue - Rehab - Rehome. The organization was founded in 2014 and incorporated in 2015.
Hidden Pond Farm Equine Rescue began with the single click of a computer key, the launch of a GoFundMe campaign, and the rescue of our first horse, Hairy. Shortly thereafter, a trailer load of horses came north to our farm in New Hampshire from the auction at New Holland, Pennsylvania. Our next step was to bail several horses directly from the killpen, which is the last stop before the slaughterhouse. Quickly, our mission became clear: to rescue horses in direct danger of slaughter, rehab them, and rehome them with suitable adopters. Volunteers and foster farms signed on to help, and an organization was born.
Here are the facts: 160,000 American horses are shipped to plants in Canada and Mexico each year, where they are slaughtered for meat to be consumed overseas. They come from show barns, riding schools and camps, private owners and backyards. They might be jumpers, barrel racers, trail horses, backyard companions. Some are stolen or bought by unethical dealers. We have a saying at HPF: Every horse is one sale away from the killpen. It is our goal to save however many we can, to give them a second chance at life.
First, we RESCUE a horse (or horses), by identifying those we believe we can help start a new chapter in life either as companion animals or riding mounts. Occasionally, we rescue a horse that is so injured or sick, the most humane act is to have it euthanized peacefully. In doing so, we prevent the horse from enduring the terror and violence of slaughter.
Second, we REHAB the horse, giving it plenty of food, vet and farrier care, appropriate training, and a lot of emotional TLC. Sometimes the horse just needs time in a pasture with friends. These horses are often traumatized and afraid of people, so a big part of our job is helping them to re-gain trust in humans. During this time, the horse might actually live with one of our hand-picked fosters.
Third, when the time is right--and the match is suitable--we REHOME the horse. All potential adopters must complete and sign our adoption contract, which includes stipulations about notifying HPF any time the horse is moved to a different living location.
In addition to our rescue-rehab-rehome mission, we strive to EDUCATE the public about the existence of horse slaughter and ways to help owners prevent their horses from sliding into the pipeline. We are a resource, a network community-- if you know of anyone who is struggling to care for their horse or is considering sending a horse through an auction or horse sale, please refer them to us for some possible alternatives. Together we can work toward a common goal: to save these magnificent animals that have carried us through history.
