MSSPA, founded in 1872, protects the health and welfare of neglected and abused equines.
The Society houses horses who have suffered from abuse or neglect and have been seized by Maine law enforcement agents. They are rehabilitated, (re)trained, and evaluated for placement in adoptive homes. Please visit our website often to view the horses available for adoption - www.msspa.org/adopt/. The MSSPA is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) entity and receives no federal, state or local funding. The So
ciety is entirely funded by donations, bequests, grants, and fund-raising activities. MSSPA does not charge for its services and seeks no reimbursement from any public source. We provide more than one million dollars in services annually to the taxpayers of Maine and salvation to abused animals. For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or 207-892-3040.
Today's the day! and Yes, the Summer Open House is happening. The Society can't wait to welcome you to the farm -- rain or shine 🙂. What's a little weather?! 10 am until 2 pm, plenty of parking, and lots of horses to pat. (and the Tack Shack is open!!!) Come visit!
The gang's all here! And can't wait to welcome you to the farm this Sunday for the MSSPA Summer Open House! Sunday, June 23rd from 10 am until 2 pm. Come meet the horses, tour the farm, enjoy the food trucks, co****le, hop horses, and learn a bit about the life-saving work that happens here. Free parking, and plenty of horses to pat. See you Sunday!
Oh, it's a hot one. On today's 'morning minute,' Equine Care Coordinator Jaymee Rankin knows some of the horses will line up for a shower.
Those gifts that you wait for - and work hard for - are somehow more impactful. And so it is with seven equines that arrived at the MSSPA two years ago - seven emaciated, filthy, neglected horses seized by an animal control officer, and brought here to the farm. Their case wound its way through the court system and encountered numerous delays. Meanwhile, these horses received the finest care and here at the farm - they were surrounded by love. If you've visited the farm, you've seen the 'no photos' sign hanging on their paddocks - because for two years, they've been considered 'evidence' in a court proceeding. With each delay, the staff accepted the disappointment, and - if anything - loved these horses harder as everyone got to watch them heal and make magnificent recoveries. And last week, the Society got the best news; these four horses, one mule, and two adorable minis were finally awarded to the MSSPA and *now* can begin the process of finding their forever homes. It is a lump-in-the-throat kind of day when news like this comes in. And it is with gratitude that the MSSPA shares this with all of its supporters who have loved those horses right alongside the Society staff.
Just over a week until our Summer Open House! Sunday, June 23rd from 10 am until 2 pm - join us at the MSSPA at 279 River Road to meet the herd, stroll through the barns, enjoy hop horses, co****le, food trucks and so much more. It's free, and the Society can't wait to welcome you to the farm!
Last week, the Society enjoyed an hour-long conversation with Horse Trainer Chris Lombard (https://youtu.be/80MOpYq8duc). During the program, we shared videos of Chris at work with some of the Society horses. Calli is one of those horses, arriving at the MSSPA back in February, terrified and unable to be handled. She is a diamond in the rough! Chris and the MSSPA barn staff have patiently worked with Calli; she is making tremendous progress. Here's a look at some of the work Chris has done with her. Chris Lombard Horsemanship
Horses with Hope is an amazing place - the MSSPA is so fortunate to be able to partner with this skilled staff to train some of the Society horses. Mark your calendar for their Open House! (And just look at handsome Remi!!!)
PLEASE SHARE: Join us on Sunday June 30th from 11-2:00 for our annual open house! We will offer tours of our facility, refreshments, a chance to meet our staff, and of course a meet and greet with all of the horses 🐴 We are located at 38 Grassow Loop in Hope, Maine and we look forward to seeing you there!
Who knew walking could be so fun? It can be when you've got a handsome guy to walk with. Here's today's 'morning minute.'
Pam Cates has a busy backyard this month. That's where she offers yoga to benefit local nonprofits, and next Tuesday (June 11th) she'll offer a class to benefit the horses at the MSSPA. Everyone gets in on the fun, including her goats and pigs. You can learn more here: https://www.talulahsgarden.org/events/backyard-yoga-msspa. Namaste! and thank you, Pam! Backyard Yoga with Pam Cates
Raise your hand if you get this excited about dinner. Sully wants to be sure they don't forget to feed him!
Thank you for joining us for "A Conversation with Horse Trainer Chris Lombard" last night. Here at the Society, Chris works with some of the MSSPA horses and we always learn something when we get the opportunity to watch him in action. If you missed the conversation, you can watch it on YouTube -- https://youtu.be/80MOpYq8duc. During the show, we included a few videos of Chris at work. Here is one, where he works with Alibar, helping him to focus his energy and begin to make decisions in unison with Chris. Chris Lombard Horsemanship
If the weather makes you want to get outside, then Ashley Flowers Yoga with the Horses might be just the ticket for this coming Sunday morning (June 9th). Ashley will lead a yoga class gazing out across the paddocks, while the horses munch on their morning grass. Sounds pretty heavenly! The class begins at 11:30, right here at the MSSPA at 279 River Road in Windham. To learn more, or sign up, visit https://ashleyflowersyoga.com/poses-with-ponies/.
When Calli arrived at the MSSPA, she was trembling with fear and terrified of humans. Fast forward a few months, and she's learning - slowly - to trust the human touch, and realizing she is in a safe place. That progress is thanks in part to the work that horse trainer Chris Lombard has done with her. We'll talk with Chris *tonight* about his approach to training horses, and how horses like Calli and so many others have contributed to shaping his approach to connecting with horses. You can join the conversation (on Zoom) for free, and donate to the MSSPA if you'd like to support the life-saving work that happens here. Join us tonight at 7 pm using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88459890100. Please share!
In his book, Land of the Horses, horse trainer Chris Lombard shares this philosophy about working with horses: "I like the horse to be a friend and willing partner to a person who uses safe and gentle ways based on clear communication." Chris often works with horses in the MSSPA herd, horses who present with unknown pasts full of trauma and mishandling. Watching him gentle their unease, and begin to build their trust is fascinating. Tuesday evening, June 4th, join us on Zoom for "A Conversation with Horse Trainer Chris Lombard" - which will include three videos of Chris working with MSSPA horses. The Zoom is free to join, and you will have the opportunity to donate to the MSSPA during the conversation. You can join using this link - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88459890100. Share with all of your horse-loving friends! Chris Lombard Horsemanship
What exactly is Plein Air painting, you ask? Plein air painting is the practice of painting landscapes outdoors, often with the goal of capturing the essence of the landscape in a single moment. And of course the farm would be the perfect spot for Plein Air painting! Want to give it a try? For four Fridays in June, Starting Friday, June 7th, artist Jude Valentine will lead a class in Plein Air Painting right here at the MSSPA. Here is the link to sign up. https://www.judevalentine.com/shop/classes. We have plenty of models ready to pose for you!
Join us NEXT Tuesday, June 4th, for "A Conversation with Horse Trainer Chris Lombard." Chris is nationally known for his unique approach to working with horses, gently and patiently peeling back the layers and helping horse and owner to connect in new ways. He is a fixture here at the MSSPA, often working with horses whose past traumas are presenting challenges to their training. Hosted by the MSSPA's Peg Keyser, the conversation will include videos of Chris at work with some of the MSSPA horses. You won't want to miss it! Tuesday, June 4th at 7 pm - here is the link to join the webinar. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88459890100. Chris Lombard Horsemanship
Head on over to ‘s story to see handsome Silver looking like a million bucks 😍
And suddenly, the farm feels like summer. And that warmth impacts all of us, horses included, who seem to relax into the gentle breezes and savor the mouthfuls of green grass. This weekend, as we pause to honor those who have died while serving our country, the Society is so grateful for the opportunity to welcome these horses to new chapters, and for the support of our enthusiastic followers who are with the MSSPA horses every step of the way. A safe and happy weekend to all!
The mission of the MSSPA is to protect the health and welfare of abused and neglected equines - and one way the Society advocates for its herd is to welcome kids to the farm to meet the horses and learn about the special care they get here at the MSSPA. When the weather warms up, the farm is a beehive of activity! The kids tour the farm, learn about horse behavior and communication, watch a bit of training, and get to visit with the horses up close. And when the buses pull away, we hope they are full of newly-minted animal advocates. It's hard to tell who loves the visits more - the kiddos, or the horses! Thank you Hollis Elementary School and The Root Cellar | Portland
Tonight's the night! Flatbread Company Portland Maine is hosting a Community Bake in support of the MSSPA. A portion of the proceeds from all pizzas ordered in-house or through takeout and delivery will benefit the horses. The Society will be on hand from 5 pm until 9 pm to welcome you and tell you about the work that happens here at the farm. So grab a friend, order some pizza, and know the horses appreciate your support!
a beautiful spring day at the farm!
Our adopters often bubble over with incredible news about a horse who spent some time here at the farm. When this sweet little mare was surrendered to the MSSPA there was concern she would not make it - as her hoof issues were quite significant. But sweet Tilly Mae made a remarkable recovery and was adopted to a very special family. Tilly Mae's Mom reports that she competed in her first ever driving trial at the Green Mountain Horse Association (GMHA) in Vermont a few weekends ago. Mother and son showed her, and "she was the most perfect pony ever!" They placed fourth in their division and are so proud of their little mare! (You can tell Tilly Mae is pretty proud of herself, too!) The Society LOVES sharing these success stories, especially during National Adopt-A-Horse Month. Congratulations, Tilly Mae!
Summer has yet to arrive, but we've already got our eye on the Fall -- mark your calendar and 'save the date' for our first ever "Focus on the Farm: Horses, Healing, and Hope" event. Tickets on sale soon!
from the MSSPA -- today is 'Unpack the Shack' day! Bring all your horse pals and come shopping -- 279 River Road in Windham, right here at the farm. We'll be here from 10 am until 2 pm.
279 River Road
Windham, ME
04062
http://www.msspa.org/, https://www.bonfire.com/store/msspa-merchandise/
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Oh, it's a hot one. On today's 'morning minute,' Equine Care Coordinator Jaymee Rankin knows some of the horses will line up for a shower. #rescue #rehabilitate #rehome #horselove #Maine #summer
Last week, the Society enjoyed an hour-long conversation with Horse Trainer Chris Lombard (https://youtu.be/80MOpYq8duc). During the program, we shared videos of Chris at work with some of the Society horses. Calli is one of those horses, arriving at the MSSPA back in February, terrified and unable to be handled. She is a diamond in the rough! Chris and the MSSPA barn staff have patiently worked with Calli; she is making tremendous progress. Here's a look at some of the work Chris has done with her. #healing #stepbystep #retrain #horselove #rescue #grateful #rehabilitate #patience Chris Lombard Horsemanship
Who knew walking could be so fun? It can be when you've got a handsome guy to walk with. Here's today's 'morning minute.' #stepbystep #grateful #healing #retrain #morningminute #rehabilitate #rescue #horselove
Raise your hand if you get this excited about dinner. Sully wants to be sure they don't forget to feed him! #horselove
Thank you for joining us for "A Conversation with Horse Trainer Chris Lombard" last night. Here at the Society, Chris works with some of the MSSPA horses and we always learn something when we get the opportunity to watch him in action. If you missed the conversation, you can watch it on YouTube -- https://youtu.be/80MOpYq8duc. During the show, we included a few videos of Chris at work. Here is one, where he works with Alibar, helping him to focus his energy and begin to make decisions in unison with Chris. #horselove #rehabilitate #Maine #gratitude #rehome #rescue #horses #training Chris Lombard Horsemanship
a beautiful spring day at the farm!
#morningminute from the MSSPA -- today is 'Unpack the Shack' day! Bring all your horse pals and come shopping -- 279 River Road in Windham, right here at the farm. We'll be here from 10 am until 2 pm.
here's a morning minute from the MSSPA! #rehome #community #rehabilitate #horselove #horses #Maine #gratitude #rescue #adopt
A morning minute from the farm! #rescue #gratitude #rehome #horselove #rehabilitate #community #Maine #horses
What goes into keeping the MSSPA herd safe? The very first measure happens as soon as a horse arrives. Each horse is quarantined - a term we are so very familiar with after living through the Covid pandemic. Why is it important to quarantine these new horses coming onto the farm? This week's 'word from the herd' answers that question. #horses #Maine #barnstaff #horselove #shelter #rescue #rehabilitate #rehome #safety
Even though Spring is right around the corner, we kind of wish we were heading into the holidays so we could take a quick spin in this GORGEOUS sled! An extremely generous donor gifted this beautiful cart and sled to the Society, with the hope that the proceeds of the sale of these items would benefit the herd. In the true holiday spirit (which clearly exists year-round!) John Leonard from Willie's Towing in Windham offered to deliver the cart and sled to the farm, free of charge. The Society is so grateful to everyone who made this possible. Over the river and through the woods we go! #horselove #winter #rehome #adopt #community #maine #nonprofit #rescue #rehabilitate #horses #gratitude
Can horses benefit from chiropractic adjustments? You bet they can. Recently, Seneca was a bit off - not lame, but one hip a bit higher than the other. Veterinarian Tom Judd has received extensive training to perform these types of procedures (in other words, don't try this at home!) and the results are rather amazing. This is a medical treatment, provided by a licensed veterinarian, and you'd want to consult with your vet about the benefits of a procedure like this for your horse. A 'chiro' takes about 25 minutes, and this 'word from the herd,' while a bit long, is an abbreviated version. But if you've never seen a 'chiro' performed, you might find this fascinating. Equine Veterinary Service #horses #winter #maine #rehome #adopt #horselove #rehabilitate #rehome
In the midst of the long winter, this is the week that we celebrate love. Here at the farm, there is always plenty of love to go around. (What's not to love about the endearing MSSPA horses?!) Here's a quiet little love story that demonstrates the devotion of the staff, and the resilience of the horses. Happy Valentine's Week! #horselove #valentinesday #ittakesavillage #love #rescue #rehabilitate #rehome #barnstaff #farm #maine #shelter
Horses are herd animals, and do best when they are kept with other horses. Making sure they don't become herd-bound, or too attached to a particular friend, is a bit of a balance. Here at the farm, the staff moves horses into different paddocks for many reasons. What are some of the factors they take into consideration? This week's 'word from the herd' addresses that question. #rehabilitate #community #gratitude #horses #rehome #rescue #shelter #ittakesavillage #horselove #Maine #herd
Despite the farm being covered in snow, we can't help but think about the beautiful warm, balmy days ahead. Pretty sure there is one girl in the herd who can't WAIT to break out her bathing suit and run through the sprinklers. Last summer, Cherry was always first in line for the hose! #Maine #summer #rescue #rehabilitate #rehome #horses #horselove #sprinklers #winter #warmtemps #shelter
When a new horse arrives at the MSSPA, it is a bit like solving a puzzle; we often don't know much about their history. Even if we do, it takes time and patience to 'peel back the layers' in order to help the horse relearn and retrain habits from the past. Aspen recently joined the herd here at the farm. Like many horses, leaving the paddock causes some anxiety - she has a hard time focusing when she knows her friends are still outside. On this week's 'word from the herd,' horse trainer Chris Lombard helps Aspen to settle and begin to focus on training, with a particular eye towards preparing her for a visit with the farrier. Chris Lombard Horsemanship #horselove #horses #health #horsetraining #Maine #rescue #rehabilitate #Retrain #rehome #AllThanksToYou
Horses express their gratitude in ways that are subtle - but if you are around them, you know how they soften to you when they know they are in a safe place. Many of the horses here at the farm have no reason to trust humans again, but they do; it happens all the time. That trust grows from the skilled care and patient rehabilitation that takes place on the farm. And all of it happens thanks to our generous supporters. The Society says it all the time -- but this life-saving work would not happen without our devoted, enthusiastic, and generous supporters. Please enjoy this short video as our way of saying "thanks to you." #community #gratitude #generosity #rescue #horses #Maine #shelter #rehabilitate #rehome #horselove #AllThanksToYou
The MSSPA stays connected to each horse that is adopted out with annual site visits. It is the Society's way of staying in touch, staying connected to both the adopter and the horse for the duration of its natural life. Reigning Hope Ranch of Maine in Orrington has the distinction of having adopted three former MSSPA horses - Leo, Amir, and Tripp. All three now have found new purpose working in the ranch's equine-assisted therapy program. Tuesday mornings at RHR are set aside for veterans and first-responders; the connection they feel with these horses is profound. #rescue #horses #horselove #community #rehabilitate #Maine #shelter #gratitude
To our most wonderful supporters, you all are AMAZING. Giving Tuesday at the Farm seemed to go on and on for miles - even Holly noticed the beautiful chain of horse shoe hearts in the indoor while she was worked a bit under saddle today. All of us here at the farm love the work of rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming these incredibly special horses - but it is our incredibly generous and special *supporters* that give these horses the gift of healing and the hope of a forever home. Here are some of the gifts that came to the farm yesterday: Online donations received: $7,950 In person donations received: $600 NEW Horse Hero monthly donors: 3 Current Horse Heroes INCREASING their monthly gifts: 2 NEW Legacy Circle Member: 1 Pledges received: $10,000 Sweatshirts purchased: 9 Amazon Wish List Orders: 3 THANK YOU! #horselove #Maine #generosity #gratitude #rescue #shelter #rehabilitate #rehome
What a difference six weeks can make in the life of a horse! Archer and Seneca have plenty to celebrate. Video credit: Emma Hawkes.
The Society houses horses who have suffered from abuse or neglect and have been seized by Maine law enforcement agents. They are rehabilitated, (re)trained, and evaluated for placement in adoptive homes. Please visit our website often to view the horses available for adoption - www.msspa.org/adopt/ - or stop by the farm and visit in person! The shelter is open to the public every day from 1PM to 4PM, including weekends and holidays.
The MSSPA is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) entity and receives no federal, state or local funding. The Society is entirely funded by donations, bequests, grants, and fund-raising activities. MSSPA does not charge for its services and seeks no reimbursement from any public source. We provide more than one million dollars in services annually to the taxpayers of Maine and salvation to abused animals.
For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or 207-892-3040.
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