Days End Farm Horse Rescue

11/01/2024

Happy adoption day, Sterling! 💕

This is a very special adoption because Sterling found his forever home with long-time DEFHR supporters and volunteers, Kristin, Ava, and David! This is their family's first horse and we could not be more excited for them! Please help us send best wishes to Sterling in his new home!

10/30/2024

Check out Willoughby's transformation! 😮

From neglect to super star ⭐, Willoughby has come a long way since his arrival to DEFHR earlier this year! Now available for adoption, Willoughby is looking for a home where he can continue to shine. Under saddle, he’s going walk/trot/canter, playing with some lateral movement, riding through obstacles, trail riding, and popping over small jumps. He is an all-around guy! Willoughby is a 2016 unraced registered thoroughbred.

Learn more about Willoughby and his journey here: https://defhr.org/horses/willoughby/

10/29/2024

🐴 Meet Hickory: The Perfect Companion Horse! 🐴

Hickory is a stunning 25-year-old Tennessee Walker gelding standing at 14.3 hands high, with a beautiful strawberry roan coat. This sweet senior is looking for his forever home as a companion horse (non-riding) and would make an amazing addition to any herd or family!

✨ Why Hickory is Amazing:

Behaves like a gentleman for the veterinarian and farrier
Gets along well with other horses
Behaves well in stalls and stands calmly when tied
Great for bathing and loading into trailers
Experienced in the round pen and on the lunge line

If you're looking for a calm, well-mannered companion who knows the ropes, Hickory might just be your perfect match! 🥰

Interested in learning more about this lovable guy? Visit DEFHR.org to inquire about adopting Hickory today!

10/28/2024

🐴 October Volunteer Spotlight: John 🐴

Meet John, one of our dedicated volunteers who's been with us for 10 months! 🙌 When he first came to Days End Farm Horse Rescue, he had zero equine experience—his introduction to horses happened right here during his volunteer orientation! But that didn’t stop him from diving right in. 💖

John’s favorite part of volunteering? The constant learning! He loves the opportunity to expand his knowledge and appreciates how patient and amazing our staff are every step of the way. He also enjoys the variety in tasks, which keeps every day exciting.

A retired Howard County teacher, John first learned about DEFHR while assisting a student on a project about the rescue. Later, when searching for fulfilling ways to spend his retirement, he remembered DEFHR and was impressed by the professionalism and dedication of our staff. Now, he’s a core part of our volunteer team!

We’re so grateful to have you, John! Thank you for being part of the DEFHR family! 💙

If you are interested in becoming a part of the DEFHR volunteer family and working alongside amazing volunteers, like John, please visit https://defhr.org/getting-started/

10/27/2024

Do you know how to double your impact?

Empower the transformative journey of equine recovery by generously contributing to DEFHR through your workplace giving campaign.

You can elevate the impact of your compassion, as many companies graciously match your donation, effectively doubling the force of your benevolent contribution. Some companies even donate to match your volunteer hours!

Witness the ripple effect of your support!

Federal employees can donate to DEFHR through the Combined Federal Campaign. DEFHR is included in the Animal Charities of America section – CFC #11897

Private company employees should check with your Human Resources department to see if your company offers a matching gift program or visit https://defhr.org/support-programs/double-your-impact/ for a list of companies that are known to participate in programs to match employee gifts of cash and services to charity.

10/26/2024

We're so excited for tonight's 2nd Annual BOO-tiful Barn Bash at the farm! 👻 Get ready for an evening of spooky family fun, perfect for all ages. 🎃

Bring the kids for trick-or-treating around our spook-tacularly decorated horse stalls. With dimmed lights and a Halloween playlist to set the mood, it’s going to be a festive celebration you won’t want to miss!

While you explore, vote for your favorite decorated stalls at $1/vote—whether you choose one or spread them around, all proceeds help support our rescue horses. 🐴 Bring cash or purchase tokens on-site for voting.

Admission is FREE (though donations are always appreciated), so come out and celebrate with us!

WHEN: Tonight, 5:30-7:30pm
WHERE: 1372 Woodbine Road, Woodbine, MD 21797
ADMISSION: FREE! (donations encouraged)

10/25/2024

Alumni Update 💙

Who remembers Ulyssa, who came to DEFHR as a neglect case in March 2023? We recently heard from Ulyssa’s adopters and they are having a blast 💥 and even earned 1st 🥇 place at their recent fun show together! Ulyssa originally came to DEFHR as a body condition score of a 2 out of 9 on the Henneke Body Condition Scale. See her remarkable transformation below!

10/23/2024

Looking for your next equine partner? 🐴 Check out the Owner’s Listing page on the DEFHR website—your future horse might be waiting!

👉 https://defhr.org/owner-listings/

Through our Owner 2 Owner (O2O) Program (formerly METS), these horses are seeking new homes directly from their current owners, without going through DEFHR’s facility or adoption process.

This direct transition approach minimizes stress for the horse and ensures a smoother, more personalized experience for everyone involved. Plus, you can get valuable insights from current owners about the horse’s history, personality, and care needs.

Ready to welcome a new horse into your life? Explore the listings and become part of the DEFHR family with support from our team of experts!

10/21/2024

At DEFHR, our Guardian Program horses hold a special place in our hearts! These incredible horses have been rehabilitated and are waiting for compassionate forever homes under the care of dedicated guardians — could you be one of them?

By adopting a horse through the Guardian Program, you’re not just providing a loving home—you’re also ensuring a lifetime of care. Here’s what makes our Guardian Program so unique:

✨ Lifelong Support: DEFHR retains the title for each Guardian Program horse, meaning we’ll always be here to help monitor their well-being through annual health and facility checks.

🏡 Ongoing Care: As a guardian, you provide essential daily care for your horse. The best part? Many of these expenses may qualify for tax deductions!

💞 A Bond Like No Other: Guardian Program horses have been through incredible journeys of healing, and as a caregiver, you’re part of their story. The bond you’ll build is something truly special.

Want to learn more about how you can make a difference in the life of a rescued horse? Visit our Adoptable Horses page at https://defhr.org/available-horses/ to explore more about Zelda, Windsor, Dublin and Carrots who are available for adoption through DEFHR's Guardian Program!

10/17/2024

What is DEFHR's adoption process? Here's a quick run down of our adoption process. (For more information, visit https://defhr.org/adoption-process/)

Step 1: Complete a Horse Interest Form

The first step toward adopting a horse from DEFHR is submission of a Horse Interest Form, which helps inform us which horse(s) you are interested in. It must be completed by a parent or guardian if the applicant is under 18.

After receipt of the Horse Interest Form, our Adoptions Team will reach out to you to explain our adoption process and provide you with more information about our adoptable horse(s). We will also introduce you to one of our trainers and schedule an appointment here at DEFHR for you to meet both the trainer and horses.

Step 2: Meet Your Match

During your visit to DEFHR, you’ll be introduced to the horses as well as the trainer you’ve been in touch with. DEFHR works diligently to match each adopter with a horse that suits their riding experience and skill set. For a rideable horse, we require three scheduled appointments with our trainer. For a companion horse, only two appointments are scheduled. All visitors to the DEFHR facilities are required to sign a release form.

Step 3: Complete an Adoption Application Form

If, after your appointments, you have found your perfect match, you will then complete an Adoption Application Form, which will be provided by our adoption team.

Step 4: Complete a Facility Profile Report

Each adopter is required to complete a Facility Profile Report within 14 days of submitting the Adoption Application Form to ensure the facility meets the Maryland Horse Council’s Minimum Standard of Care for Equines.

Step 5: A New Forever Home

All our horses leave for their new forever homes with up-to-date vaccinations, Coggins, farrier, veterinary, and dental care. We also microchip all our horses and register them with .net

All adopters must be over the age of 18
New home must have:
- At least one other equine present as company for any adopted horse
- Access to suitable shelter 24/7
- Access to water 24/7 in winter-appropriate tubs or troughs
- Appropriate, safe fencing

Visit DEFHR.org (link in bio) to view horses currently available for adoption.

10/15/2024

Now available for adoption! ⭐ Meet Zesty Zelda-

Zelda recently trailered out to Patuxent River State Park and enjoyed her first trail ride with DEFHR's Head Trainer. We think Zelda found her calling, as she led most of the ride and was brave and thoughtful on the trails. At 21-years-young, Zelda is going to be fantastic partner for an adopter looking for pleasure riding and adventure! Inquire about her today: https://defhr.org/horses/zesty-zelda/

10/14/2024

Dublin is looking 👀 for his adopter. Could it be you?

Dublin is an eye-catching boy with large kind eyes. He is estimated to be around 30-years-old, but you would never know by looking at him! He looks fantastic at his age! Dublin is polite on the ground, easy to handle, and especially loves bath time. Dublin would love to find a forever home to spend the rest of his days. If you can make room in your herd for a special senior, inquire about Dublin today!

For more information, visit: https://defhr.org/horses/dublin/

10/13/2024

Does your scout troop want to join us for a Scout Day at DEFHR this fall? We have a few openings still left for October 19th!

Scout Day is a great way for Scouts of all ages to get hands-on horse experience, whether they've never been around horses or have years of experience!

During their time on the farm, Scouts will rotate through multiple stations, which include topics like grooming, leading horses, and how DEFHR rehabilitates horses. A farm tour and riding demonstration are also on the docket. All Scouts will get a patch for participation and completion of all stations.

Information and registration is available at https://defhr.org/education-programs/scout-days/

10/12/2024

We had such a fun day at the farm! Our trainers hosted an obstacle clinic and fun show. The participants enjoyed learning clinic-style from our trainers in the morning, everyone had lunch together, and then a fun show/obstacle challenge in the afternoon.

Congratulations to everyone, including our first place finishers, Kathy and Dolly, and second place finishers, Rebecca and Moose. 🎉

10/10/2024

🍁 Meet Our Fall Interns!

Hello everyone! I am Jake Peachey, and this is Gemma. I am a fourth year Animal Science major at the University of Maryland College Park, go terps! I aspire to be a large animal veterinarian working primarily with horses and cattle.

We are thrilled to welcome Jake to the DEFHR team this season! Jake will be spending the fall learning the ins and outs of equine care, rescue operations, and nonprofit management. As Jake works alongside our staff and volunteers, he will play a vital role in helping us give every horse a second chance at a happy and healthy life. 💕🐴

Stay tuned for updates on our intern's journey and the incredible impact they will have on our herd! 🌟

Welcome to the DEFHR family, Jake!

Animal Science at University of Maryland

10/08/2024

🎄🎅 Save the Date: The Lisbon Christmas Parade! 🎅🎄

Mark your calendars and join us on December 14th for the annual Great Lisbon Farmers Feed the Hungry Christmas Parade! 🐴✨ DEFHR is thrilled to be a part of this magical community event that showcases the beauty and spirit of horses, all while spreading holiday cheer! 🎁❄️

Bring your friends and family for a festive day filled with stunning horses, holiday decorations, and the joy of the season. We can't wait to see you there!

📅 Date: December 14, 2024
📍 Location: Lisbon, MD

Stay tuned for more details from The Lisbon Christmas Parade, and let’s make this a parade to remember! ❤️

The Lisbon Christmas Parade will be here on December 14, so start getting your entries ready and send them in! Visit the website to learn more. http://www.lisbonchristmasparade.org

Before and after the parade, there will be Santa's Village and food trucks at Days End Farm Horse Rescue

In the October issue of The Equiery, we goofed and ran the wrong date in their ad - December 14 is the correct date!

10/08/2024

🍁 Meet Our Fall Interns! 🍁

"Hi, my name is Alyssa and I'm an intern here at DEFHR! I'm from Southern, IL and am attending Murray State University where I am working towards getting my bachelor's in Equine Business Management. I have always had a love and passion for horses and have three of my own back home. My future goal is to hopefully start my own horse rescue back home and help the horses in my area. Being an intern at DEFHR has been a dream come true as I am learning so much every day from the day to day care of the horses to what it takes to run a rescue of this magnitude! I love every horse here however I have to say Dylan holds a special place in my heart and I am so excited to be a part of his rehabilitation journey!"

We are excited to have Alyssa join the DEFHR team this fall! Throughout the season, Alyssa will be immersed in equine care, rescue operations, and the intricacies of nonprofit management. Working closely with our dedicated staff and volunteers, Alyssa will play an essential role in giving every horse a second chance at a healthy, happy life. 💕🐴

Be sure to follow along as we share updates on Alyssa's journey and the incredible impact she’ll make on the rescue horses at Days End Farm Horse Rescue! 🌟

Welcome to the DEFHR family, Alyssa!

10/07/2024

🍁 Meet Our Fall Interns! 🍁

"Hi, I’m Jo, one of the Residential Interns at DEFHR! I’m applying for veterinary school, where I want to study livestock medicine with a sub-specialty in veterinary public health. I aim to explore the way agricultural standards of care impact food quality and the health of its consumers. There is a direct correlation between human health and animal health, so the prospect of delving into that is incredibly exciting. Access to veterinary care varies greatly across the country, and I hope that I can work with other vets on providing care for small-scale, organic farms to ensure that humane treatment and farming/ownership methods can become more widespread practices for future generations."

We are thrilled to welcome Jo to the DEFHR team this season! Jo will be spending the fall learning the ins and outs of equine care, rescue operations, and nonprofit management. As Jo works alongside our staff and volunteers, she will play a vital role in helping us give every horse a second chance at a happy and healthy life. 💕🐴

Stay tuned for updates on our intern's journey and the incredible impact they will have on our herd! 🌟

Welcome to the DEFHR family, Jo!

10/05/2024

As we continue to receive reports on the devastation that Hurricane Helene caused, our thoughts are with everyone affected.

Our CEO shared the following message:
“Part of my Days End Farm Horse Rescue team visited Asheville, North Carolina a couple of years ago. It was a valuable experience, and we fell in love with this beautiful area. Our hearts go out to all the people and animals who have been impacted during Hurricane Helene. We are so thankful for colleagues and partners working hard every hour to assist.”

We encourage everyone to please support our partners in these affected areas, as they are on the front lines, working tirelessly to provide relief and care to families and their cherished animals that have all suffered great loss.

Part of my Days End Farm Horse Rescue team visited Asheville, North Carolina a couple of years ago. It was a valuable experience and we fell in love with this beautiful area. Our hearts go out to all the people and animals who have been impacted during hurricane Helene. We are so thankful for colleagues and partners working hard every hour to assist.

10/04/2024

We are so proud of DEFHR Equine Ambassador Zillow and DEFHR Assistant Trainer Leigha Schrader for the amazing work they do together to showcase the diversity of the rescue horse. 😍

Thank you to The Capital Challenge Horse Show for reimagining the future of equine welfare alongside us and for your continued support of our mission.

10/01/2024

Meet O’Malley, one of DEFHR’s beloved Equine Ambassadors! He arrived at DEFHR in 2019 after being rescued from a neglect case in Taylor County, WV. Severely underweight and battling parasites, O’Malley made a remarkable recovery thanks to our dedicated team. Since then, he’s become a star in our programs and a fan favorite among campers, volunteers, and sponsors.

This summer, O'Malley shined at our Legacy Camp, where he gently guided nervous first-time riders on game day. Though he wasn’t the fastest, his steady and calm demeanor made him the perfect horse for kids who needed a little extra confidence.

O'Malley also made an appearance at our annual golf fundraiser with his fellow ambassador, Waldo. Freshly bathed and looking handsome, he was a hit with guests who loved snapping photos with him.

Most recently, O'Malley and his rider, Kathy, joined the DEFHR drill team at the Montgomery County Fair, where they showcased the talents of rescue horses alongside Turvey, Isaac, and Rooster.

We’re so proud of O’Malley and all he does to support our education programs. We couldn’t do it without him and his fellow equine ambassadors!

10/01/2024

Offelia (in off-site training with Equine Welfare Society) is now available for adoption! If you're looking for a stunning OTTB mare, look no further!

Inquire about Offelia today at https://defhr.org/horses/offelia/

💋Fairbanks Kiss: Available for Adoption

"Offelia" was a successful racehorse with fifty-three starts and a broodmare before coming to DEFHR/EWS.

🥕2011
🥕Thoroughbred
🥕16 Hands
🥕Mare
🥕Trail and Light Arena Work
🥕$1000 Adoption Fee

Offelia's pedigree contains very popular lines for amateur-friendly second-career thoroughbreds. She has had no prior retraining but is currently walking and trotting quietly undersaddle in the arena and going out for short hacks alone. She stands nicely for mounting and has displayed a kind, relaxed demeanor.

This sweet mare is not spooky, and is very light in the mouth. She is a kick ride in the arena and maintains a nice even pace when riding out. An adopter with previous experience with OTTBs and a slow approach to training would be the best fit for this lovely mare. She is looking forward to a career of light arena riding and developing her trail skills. Offelia enjoys cookies, ba****ck rides, and agility games, and will make someone a rewarding pet as well as a riding partner.

Fairbanks Kiss is offered for adoption through our friends at Days End Farm Horse Rescue.
​
📸https://equinewelfaresociety.smugmug.com/Homepage/Fairbanks-Kiss

🎥https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpRpACTi1Pb3ugMMowchVQkgd4-qZMtVp&feature=shared

09/30/2024

Every week, we hear from horse owners who are facing the difficult decision to rehome their beloved equines. 🐴💔 Whether it’s due to financial hardship, life changes, or other circumstances, DEFHR's Owner 2 Owner Assistance Program is able to provide support and help find the best new homes for these horses.

Through our Owner 2 Owner Assistance Program, we work with owners to explore safe, responsible options for transition. No horse should be left without a secure future. 🏡

Our Owner 2 Owner Assistance Program, also known as the Maryland Equine Transition Service (METS), is a statewide equine safety net initiative, sponsored in part by Maryland Horse Council Foundation, to provide responsible alternatives for horses needing homes and assistance by helping owners to identify and select the best transition options for their horses.

Equines in need of transition come in every shape, size, breed, color, age, training level, and temperament. DEFHR's Owner 2 Owner Program provides individualized services for these horses, including equine assessment and consultation, marketing assistance, end-of-life support, owner education and safety net resources, and facilitating the transition of horses into new homes. The program is unique because it works with a wide network of industry organizations, professionals and private owners to source the best options – from retraining to retirement –because no horse in Maryland should ever be at risk of neglect or entering the slaughter pipeline.

To learn more about DEFHR's Owner 2 Owner Assistance Program or to find your next horse through the Owner Listings, visit https://defhr.org/owner-assistance/

09/30/2024

Venice before ➡ Venice after

As a body condition score of a 2 out of 9, Venice came to DEFHR from Cecil County Animal Services in need of rehabilitation and refeeding. We are super excited that Venice started in training this month to prepare for adoption. Keep a look-out for updates on this gorgeous girl!

09/28/2024

We're thrilled to invite you to our 2nd Annual BOO-tiful Barn Bash on Saturday, October 26th! 👻 Join us at the farm for an evening of spooky fun, perfect for the whole family. 🎃

Bring the kids to enjoy trick-or-treating around our spook-tacularly decorated horse stalls. We'll set the mood with dimmed lights and the ultimate Halloween playlist for two hours of festive excitement. Don't miss out on the fun—come celebrate with us!

If you come upon a stall (or stalls) that you absolutely love, cast your vote! At $1/vote, you can put all your votes towards one stall or divide it amongst all. No matter how you vote, it will all go back to our rescue to continue helping horses. 🐴Bring cash or purchase tokens at $1/token.

Admission is FREE (although donations are encouraged and appreciated), so come on out and help us make this event a BOO-tiful success!

WHEN: Saturday, October 26th, 5:30-7:30pm

WHERE: 1372 Woodbine Road, Woodbine, MD 21797

ADMISSION: FREE! (donations needed & appreciated)

https://facebook.com/events/s/boo-tiful-barn-bash/1222485005771140/