New Freedom Equestrian Center Warning

07/26/2023

Looks like the case is still active and now Karen has an attorney…

07/17/2023

Word on the street is that Karen Witham has been evicted from “New Freedom Equestrian Center “—the late Dr. Hurtgen’s farm on Seiling Road. People who recognized her dishonesty and poor care were pleased to get out a year ago. Now who’s willing to admit we were right? Justine Hescox, Dawn Linke

02/09/2023

OMG. Here we go again. To all you people who said there is not a rescue at this circus…This makes at least 15 “rescue” horses. Please read other information on this page, below, anout hoarding and necessary quarantine for “rescue” animals.

Hi All, I have been asked to help 4 ponies get out of an awful situation. … Karen Witham needs your support for Emergency rescue mission for 4 ponies

12/27/2022

How does your horse’s farm handle extremely cold weather? What happens when pipes and waterers freeze? What’s the track record of the facility (does it happen often?) and workers (do they have a tested emergency plan for obtaining fresh, clean water?) for maintaining this essential element of your horse’s care?

12/26/2022

So we assume, according to the “policy”, that all horses at New Freedom Equestrian Center have been in their stalls continually since December 23, when the temperature plummeted. Be sure to get all policies and practices in writing, including what would happen if you didn’t want your horse in its stall 24/7 because the temperature was below 35.

12/12/2022

Hmmmmm. Soooo, two different statements about “full board” a few days apart. November 14: Horses STAY OUTSIDE unless it’s above 80 or below 40. Two weeks later, November 30: Horses STAY OUTSIDE unless it’s above 80 or below 35. And on a recent morning where it dipped below 35 overnight, horses fed OUTSIDE while the sun rises and it’s still almost dark. “Full board?”. No schedule, not using stalls, can’t monitor amount of water consumed, no shelters in some cases, and no 24-7 hay to keep body temperature up. Especially not monitoring water intake—recipe for colic???? For your horse’s health and well-being, be sure you get very specific details in writing.

11/05/2022

Hoarding occurs when someone acquires horses, can’t pay their vet bills, and doesn’t end up rehabilitating, re-training, or finding homes for them.

Learn more about the psychology behind rescuing or hoarding animals and how people get in over their heads.

11/04/2022

Dawn Linke everyone should pay particular attention to the portion of this article dealing with caretakers absolutely sanitizing themselves if they are near a quarantined animal before going near other animals. Especially if there are “rescue“ Equine‘s house on the same property as “dirty“ auction or other acquisitions.

https://www.horsenation.com/2018/06/07/so-you-want-to-rescue-an-auction-horse-part-v-quarantine/?fbclid=IwAR3rnHn3fYhHt2rYzNPd6dkT_fXuBOQRSUxHFsaY-vJXbE0NgrqhhDhOSSo

A critical component of rescue. Catch up on earlier installments: Part I: Adopting From a Rescue Organization; Part II: Finding the Right Horse; Part III: How Auctions Work; Part IV: Buying Your Horse You did it! You found a horse at the slaughter-bound auction, outbid the kill buyers, and have safe...

11/04/2022

Oh look. A current boarder (or “border” as she put it) has something to say:

10/04/2022

Boarders, common sense dictates that those handling your horses are experienced, for their own safety and that of the animals.

10/04/2022

Rescuer—or HOARDER? How does one pay the bills for legitimate boarders when one has 7 or 8 “rescue” horses to feed? Is there a 501-c-3? Where is boarders’ money going? To the “barn staff”?

We should support good horse rescues. Since humane societies are rarely equipped to take in equines, these private organizations fill a huge need. However, some "rescues” are really scams, hoarders, or horse dealers in disguise. Here’s how to tell the altruists from the underhanded.

09/24/2022

If you are considering moving a horse, donkey, or mule to New Freedom Equestrian Center in Pennsylvania, or taking lessons there, please review all of the information on this warning page. Do it for your peace of mind and the care and health of your horse.

09/20/2022

It has been reported to us that since mid-July, 14 horses were pulled by their owners from this facility due to poor care, and that two others will be removed shortly. At any boarding stable, ask yourself: is there sufficient hay for winter? Is there a reasonable schedule of care? Why are people leaving?

09/11/2022

https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/like-rats-fleeing-a-sinking-ship-history #:~:text=The%20idiom%20like%20rats%20fleeing,for%20over%20four%20hundred%20years.

An idiom that goes back centuries

07/25/2022

501-c-3 status information:

https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/inurement-private-benefit-charitable-organizations

Description of the prohibition on inurement and private benefit for section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations.

07/19/2022

Evaluating “horse rescue” organizations—before you get involved or donate—there’s much more to it than “let’s save the pretty horsies”. Pay particular attention to business records (should be completely transparent) and how it’s funded:

https://www.horseillustrated.com/horse-community-rescue-blog-05-reputable-horse-rescue/amp

https://equiery.com/give-but-give-wisely-tips-for-finding-legitimate-equine-rescue-facilities/

https://www.helpfulhorsehints.com/how-to-identify-bad-horse-rescues/

https://www.humanesociety.org/sites/default/files/archive/assets/pdfs/horse/hsus_awi_guidelines.pdf

https://paulickreport.com/horse-care-category/tips-to-recognizing-legitimate-rescues/

https://aaep.org/sites/default/files/Guidelines/AAEPCareGuidelinesRR2012.pdf

07/19/2022

Yesterday, the “owner and manager” actually contacted the PA State Police and had an officer come to the farm, alleging “harassment” because I was “texting and posting things on FB”. Officer Ferrier called me and after a conversation informed me “ this is 100% NOT a police matter”. Shocking. Should be taking care of horses. Of course I have written proof.

07/19/2022

Here’s an easy-to-understand article about using fans and other strategies to keep your horses from experiencing heat stress, or worse, in the hot and humid summer months, that everyone knows we experience in the Mid-Atlantic. They should never be turned out in the hot daytime without ample shade or a run-in shed that is of adequate size to allow all of them to get inside and away from heat and insects, which become particularly vicious this time of year. Be sure to get assurances in writing, not just verbal, about the daily routine and how your animals will be protected. https://equusmagazine.com/horse-care/beat-the-heat/

Send a message to learn more

07/18/2022

It is illegal to make false reports.

07/17/2022

07/16/2022

In most of the Mid-Atlantic, proper summertime care for a stalled horse means inside during the day with fans ON. Get it in writing.

07/16/2022

Coming soon--how to evaluate a prospective boarding stable or lesson program.

07/15/2022

When even considering a “rescue”, significant planning and infrastructure has to be in place, to prevent life-threatening illnesses to other horses on the premises. Be sure to ask what precautions are in place and how protocols will protect your boarded horses.

https://www.horsenation.com/2018/06/07/so-you-want-to-rescue-an-auction-horse-part-v-quarantine/

A critical component of rescue. Catch up on earlier installments: Part I: Adopting From a Rescue Organization; Part II: Finding the Right Horse; Part III: How Auctions Work; Part IV: Buying Your Horse You did it! You found a horse at the slaughter-bound auction, outbid the kill buyers, and have safe...

07/15/2022

Always ask for everything in writing and expect WRITTEN EVIDENCE, not just empty accusations!

07/14/2022

Beware bait and switch tactics.