"Helping rescued horses find their human soul mates."
Horses with Hope Rescue is dedicated to the compassionate care of equines of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds. Our mission is to rescue and rehabilitate abused, neglected, and abandoned equines and match them with compatible and loving homes based on the individual horse's needs. We believe in using true horsemanship to develop a relationship with each horse, and to help each horse reach its full
potential. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to hear about other horses we may have available for adoption, or if you are interested in learning more about us. Our Adoption Application can be found on our website at:http://horseswithhopeme.org/site/wp-content/uploads/Adoption-Application-2.pdf
Be sure to check out this amazing fundraising event hosted by one of our partner rescues, The MSSPA. We have heard the photography being auctioned off is absolutely stunning, and of course any visit to their River Road Farm is always a treat!
Dory continues to amaze us with her willing attitude and fun loving personality. This sweet Hackney pony mare is with us for training from Bagaduce River Equine Rescue and is still waiting for a home of her own.
In preparation for mounting we teach the horses to move towards the “rider” and stand quietly. Boomer is a fast learner and will be accepting a rider in no time! This adorable pinto pony gelding is with us for training from Bagaduce River Equine Rescue.
Lewis has a herd! Lewis has officially joined one of our gelding herds and couldn’t be happier. This handsome 6 year old grade gelding is with us for training from Gerda’s Equine Rescue.
Seneca has enjoyed two trips off of the farm to Camden Hills State Park over the past couple of weeks. He was a little nervous the first time, but still was attentive and obedient. The second time he led the way and was much more confident. Seneca is with us for training from the MSSPA.
Not every horse that comes through our doors eagerly looks for connection with their handler. It takes months and months of time and patience to build their trust, this is especially true of the Standardbreds we work with. They often come from a life where they had a job and were treated as such, little time was spent building a horse-human connection. Once they finally let their guard down and embrace that connection though, the end result is beautiful. World has slowly blossomed physically and emotionally into an amazing partner over the last 8 months. This beautiful 4 year old Standardbred gelding is with us for training from Futures for Standardbreds.
We are so proud to share an update from one of our alumni. Dziki aka Dee was adopted by a wonderful woman named Kelly and is currently living her best life as her and Kelly grow together. This is her latest update “Hello! Dee and I are so excited and wanted to share our accomplishments! We entered a small online show and we had at least one other person we were up against in each of the 3 categories and we came in first in all three categories! English Equitation W/W, English Pleasure W/W and Liberty!”
Lewis’ first time in the indoor arena and he had to inspect EVERYTHING. We are so proud of this sweet boy for conquering his fears and giving it his best effort all the time. Lewis is with us for training from Gerda’s Equine Rescue.
Today was a tough day…The kind of day where we each just give each other a hug through the tears and offer the support of knowing we each feel the same way. We laid Sempre to rest alongside so many beloved animals that came before her and she will live with them all in our memories. Run free sweet girl, until we meet again❤️😢❤️
Sempre’s Story
Equinox Sempre was born on June 4, 2001. She was a little bay filly with a white star shaped like a spade. Sempre was her mother’s 12th foal, at 20 years of age— her mother would go on to have 2 more foals after her.
She was purchased by a lover of the Morgan breed at two years old. Her history gets a little hazy here— According to the Morgan registry, Sempre did not have any foals of her own, and it’s rather unlikely that she would have had any unregistered foals. This leaves us wondering what she did in the meantime. Maybe she was just a pet. Maybe she was trained to ride and drive. We don’t expect to learn the answers to those questions, and it doesn’t matter now.
By October of 2023, Sempre’s owner was aged, and had lost his wife a few years before. Sempre and her herdmate Prince were then placed with Gerda’s Equine Rescue. We took Sempre in late May of 2024, in part so Lewis (a 5yo recently-cut gelding from Gerda’s) would have company during his quarantine month. We expected to assess Sempre’s continuing needs as an older horse, brush up on ground manners if needed, and place her as a companion where she could live out her days in a quiet field.
Unfortunately, during a routine dental exam while Sempre was sedated, we noticed extreme listing to her left side. We were having to hold her up, because she wasn’t catching herself when she got off balance.
This compounded the sneaking suspicion we had already been having: that Sempre might have some neurological deficits that affected the use of her hindquarters. We never see her lie down and rarely see her roll, and she never has shavings in her tail in the morning— indicating that she doesn’t lie down in her stall when we’re not looking. Sores on Sempre’s knees and the front of her fetlocks also told us that she resisted laying down, probably because she was worried that she wouldn’t be able to get back up. Horses who won’t lay down will fall asleep standing up, then stumble to their knees which creates the sores.
Sempre’s balance and coordination has continued to decline rapidly. Our vet performed a neurological exam and confirmed that she has severe neurological symptoms. The grading scale goes from 1 to 5, 1 being normal and 5 being unable to stand, and Sempre is a 3– and likely would have tested worse if she wasn’t full of adrenaline (she doesn’t like veterinarians!). With such a rapid onset and worsening of these symptoms as well as Sempre’s age and other health concerns, it wouldn’t be fair to put her through diagnostics and treatment.
Together with Gerda of Gerda’s Equine Rescue we have decided that euthanasia is the most humane option for Sempre at this time. This decision never comes lightly, and we always remind ourselves that it is better a week early than a minute too late, especially when it comes to a large animals like a horse and the catastrophic injuries they can endure when they lack the strength to stand and move safely.
In the meantime, we are showing Sempre as much love as we can. No more walking across the farm to the arena barn— she likes her field, her paddock, and her stall at night, and that’s where she can spend the rest of her time. She is going to spend her last few days grazing in the pasture all day, being groomed, and coming in to her deeply bedded stall at night to eat her hay, chopped hay, soaked alfalfa, and grain.
We made a flower crown for her today and took photos of her— we want to remember Sempre as the beautiful 23-year-old Morgan mare that she is. Next week, we will say goodbye. She will fall asleep with her stomach full of grass and a mouthful of soaked alfalfa— her favorite. We will bury her flower crown with her, and she will pass on surrounded by love and sunshine and warm air and green grass.
Sempre: “throughout” or “always” in Italian. We will always remember you, Sempre, and you will always be with us.
Boomer enjoyed being ponied for the first time and Timber was an excellent teacher! Boomer is with us for training from Bagaduce River Equine Rescue.
Update on Remi…Sweet Remi has been taking it easy for the last couple of months and only doing ground work and light under saddle work while being treated for both gastric and pyloric ulcers. This handsome boy experienced starvation before being seized by the state of Maine and ending up with the wonderful folks at the MSSPA. Malnutrition and the stress it causes, definitely could have proliferated this painful condition. Remi is well on his way to feeling better and will be back to full work very soon.
Paris is really hitting her stride and is enjoying both the arena and the trail. This beautiful 17 year old Warmblood/TB cross mare is with us for training from Bagaduce River Equine Rescue and is actively looking for a home of her own, could it be with you?
Lewis was a terrified, untouchable stallion only a couple of years ago. With the hard work and dedication of Gerda’s Equine Rescue he was gelded, halter broke, and started the gentling process. For the first time since his rescue Lewis is approachable enough to be let out into the big pasture and he is absolutely thrilled with his new found freedom. We are so happy for Lewis and proud of the strides he is making towards being ready for a home of his own.
PLEASE SHARE: Paris is ready to go home! Paris is a 15 hand, 17 year old TB/ Warmblood. She would do best with an intermediate rider who likes a forward thinking, sensitive, but sensible ride. She has great ground manners and will tie, cross tie, clip, bathe, trailer load, etc, She is great for the vet and farrier. Paris was likely no stranger to the show ring in her previous life as her movement, head carriage, and training suggest she had a job. At 17 years of age she has recovered from starvation, and a serious injury to her right hind. She has held up to W/T/C work 4-5 days a week and is super fit and getting stronger with every ride. We think Paris would enjoy a life with a purpose and would probably love to continue to do ring work as well as some trail riding, though the arena is her favorite (you cannot say that about too many horses😉) This amazing mare just needs to find her person, could it be you? Paris is with us for training from Bagaduce River Equine Rescue.
Boomer was a star wearing a full western saddle for the first time with a rear cinch and all! After several weeks of preparation he handled his first saddling like a pro. Boomer is with us for training from Bagaduce River Equine Rescue.
It was a big day for Lewis, as he came into our old barn for the first time and got a thorough dental exam and a routine float. Lewis continues to amaze us with his willingness to try, even when he may be nervous about something. This handsome boy is with us for training from Gerda’s Equine Rescue.
World is looking great and is happy to be in full work! This handsome Standardbred gelding is with us for training from Futures for Standardbreds.
Feeling town pride at the Hope Days parade today!
Boomer continues to impress as we move closer to putting a saddle on. Last week we worked with a rope around his girth and belly. We have now added the surcingle and saddle pad and he handled it like a champ. Boomer is with us for training from Bagaduce River Equine Rescue.
Found this little guy in a not so safe spot today at the farm, he was quite happy when we released him back into the pond. Might’ve thought twice about picking him up if he was a little bigger though😳
How is Dory still here? This amazing little Hackney pony mare is still waiting for her perfect home. She is smart, friendly, and willing. She is great for the vet, farrier, and dentist. She trailer loads, clips, and bathes. She makes a great companion and is okay being left alone while her friends are off working. Please help us find Dory a home by sharing this post❤️
Paris got to hit the trail with a friend last week and did a great job with the terrain, responding to forward cues, and steering outside of a fenced in area. Paris is with us for training from Bagaduce River Equine Rescue.
Before we introduce any sort of surcingle or girth, we often do rope work with a horse to get them used to the sensation of moving with something around their rib cage. Boomer handled this step like a champ and settled into it very quickly. Boomer is with us for training from the Bagaduce River Equine Rescue.
When your humans won’t let you stop for a snack, sometimes you have to take matters into your own hooves…Just ask Shadow😂🤣😂
There are no shortcuts or magic solutions to dealing with trust issues in any animal…The only way to overcome these obstacles is through time, patience, and consistency. Sweet Penelope has never had her feet done fully without full sedation, nor has she ever learned what to do with pressure on her halter. She was likely barely handled before being rescued, except to have unpleasant things done to her. So with humans, her trust bank is pretty empty. It is our job to start to lay a foundation of trust and positive experiences, to prove to Penelope maybe humans aren’t so bad after all. It will be a long slow process, but we are certainly rooting for her. Penelope is with us for training from Gerda’s Equine Rescue.
Seneca enjoyed his first hack around the farm with Adare last week! So far Seneca seems to be a good boy under saddle and although he is still very green, tries hard to please. This 12 year old Appendix Quarter Horse gelding is with us for training from the MSSPA.
Sempre is officially done with quarantine and will be moving to our mare barn tomorrow! Today was spent getting loved by one of our younger farm residents and it was no surprise that Sempre thoroughly enjoyed getting groomed by a little girl. We think that this mare will enjoy her golden years the most if there are youngsters around to love and spoil her. Sempre is with us for training from Gerda’s Equine Rescue.
Those fireworks kept KT up way too late last night! Lucky for him he has someone to tuck him in early tonight❤️ KT is with us for training from The Dorset Equine Rescue.
Happy Fourth of July!
ME
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Horses with Hope posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Horses with Hope:
In preparation for mounting we teach the horses to move towards the “rider” and stand quietly. Boomer is a fast learner and will be accepting a rider in no time! This adorable pinto pony gelding is with us for training from Bagaduce River Equine Rescue.
Lewis has a herd! Lewis has officially joined one of our gelding herds and couldn’t be happier. This handsome 6 year old grade gelding is with us for training from Gerda’s Equine Rescue.
Not every horse that comes through our doors eagerly looks for connection with their handler. It takes months and months of time and patience to build their trust, this is especially true of the Standardbreds we work with. They often come from a life where they had a job and were treated as such, little time was spent building a horse-human connection. Once they finally let their guard down and embrace that connection though, the end result is beautiful. World has slowly blossomed physically and emotionally into an amazing partner over the last 8 months. This beautiful 4 year old Standardbred gelding is with us for training from Futures for Standardbreds.
Lewis’ first time in the indoor arena and he had to inspect EVERYTHING. We are so proud of this sweet boy for conquering his fears and giving it his best effort all the time. Lewis is with us for training from Gerda’s Equine Rescue.
Lewis was a terrified, untouchable stallion only a couple of years ago. With the hard work and dedication of Gerda’s Equine Rescue he was gelded, halter broke, and started the gentling process. For the first time since his rescue Lewis is approachable enough to be let out into the big pasture and he is absolutely thrilled with his new found freedom. We are so happy for Lewis and proud of the strides he is making towards being ready for a home of his own.
PLEASE SHARE: Paris is ready to go home! Paris is a 15 hand, 17 year old TB/ Warmblood. She would do best with an intermediate rider who likes a forward thinking, sensitive, but sensible ride. She has great ground manners and will tie, cross tie, clip, bathe, trailer load, etc, She is great for the vet and farrier. Paris was likely no stranger to the show ring in her previous life as her movement, head carriage, and training suggest she had a job. At 17 years of age she has recovered from starvation, and a serious injury to her right hind. She has held up to W/T/C work 4-5 days a week and is super fit and getting stronger with every ride. We think Paris would enjoy a life with a purpose and would probably love to continue to do ring work as well as some trail riding, though the arena is her favorite (you cannot say that about too many horses😉) This amazing mare just needs to find her person, could it be you? Paris is with us for training from Bagaduce River Equine Rescue.
How is Dory still here? This amazing little Hackney pony mare is still waiting for her perfect home. She is smart, friendly, and willing. She is great for the vet, farrier, and dentist. She trailer loads, clips, and bathes. She makes a great companion and is okay being left alone while her friends are off working. Please help us find Dory a home by sharing this post❤️
Before we introduce any sort of surcingle or girth, we often do rope work with a horse to get them used to the sensation of moving with something around their rib cage. Boomer handled this step like a champ and settled into it very quickly. Boomer is with us for training from the Bagaduce River Equine Rescue.
When your humans won’t let you stop for a snack, sometimes you have to take matters into your own hooves…Just ask Shadow😂🤣😂
There are no shortcuts or magic solutions to dealing with trust issues in any animal…The only way to overcome these obstacles is through time, patience, and consistency. Sweet Penelope has never had her feet done fully without full sedation, nor has she ever learned what to do with pressure on her halter. She was likely barely handled before being rescued, except to have unpleasant things done to her. So with humans, her trust bank is pretty empty. It is our job to start to lay a foundation of trust and positive experiences, to prove to Penelope maybe humans aren’t so bad after all. It will be a long slow process, but we are certainly rooting for her. Penelope is with us for training from Gerda’s Equine Rescue.
Those fireworks kept KT up way too late last night! Lucky for him he has someone to tuck him in early tonight❤️ KT is with us for training from The Dorset Equine Rescue.
In our latest “Baby Steps” video you can see Grace working on moving her hind end in both directions, as well as responding to forward and backward pressure from in front. It is important when moving her hind end that she steps under with her “inside” hind leg, which means she is bringing it forward and towards her center of gravity. You can see that she still needs a little help getting in a position to allow this to happen. Grace is with us for training from NEER North and will be looking for a home with draft horse and training experience to keep her heading in the right direction as she continues to grow and mature.
Paris is looking great and is getting to the point where we are going to start working outside of the arena. She is looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday at the Open House!
Our Annual Open House is less than a week away, and everyone is resting up for the big day! We hope you can join us on Sunday June 30th from 11-2:00 at 38 Grassow Loop in Hope, ME.
While Grace found an effective (and hilarious) way to stay cool the last couple of days, we hope everyone else was able to find some reprieve from the heat!
World continues to gain strength and confidence under saddle with each ride. This handsome Standardbred gelding was struggling with ulcers as well as chronic Lyme disease, and since being treated for both has shown tremendous improvement in all areas. From his way of going to his willingness to try new things, we cannot get over how much he has grown. World is with us for training from Futures for Standardbreds.
KT is one of the sweetest boys we have ever met, however he struggles with confidence. We use obstacles as a way to build a horse’s confidence in themselves and their handler. KT is with us for training from The Dorset Equine Rescue.
Running into the weekend like…. Hope you all have a good one!
The next step in Grace’s education was teaching her to yield her forehand away from pressure. This is very hard for her as she is a big girl and naturally very heavy on her forehand. We had to teach her to shift her weight back so that she could then freely step over with her shoulder in either direction. Grace is with us for training from NEER North.
Some days you just get the zooms and cannot help yourself…With Shadow, it’s most days😂 Shadow is a yearling mini gelding that is with us for training from Gerda’s Equine Rescue.
Want your business to be the top-listed Pet Store/pet Service?
