The Dorset Equine Rescue (DER) is very excited to announce the launch of its new program, the Vermont Hay Bank. After working on this project behind the scenes for almost a year, the program will open on Oct. 5. The Vermont Hay Bank is designed to function as a temporary safety net for Vermont horse owners who are facing financial hardship and cannot afford adequate feed for their horses. Applicants will submit a Vermont Hay Bank application online through the Dorset Equine Rescue’s website and if approved, will receive hay vouchers to help them through their time of need. If further assistance is needed, DER will assist Vermont Hay Bank applicants in making thoughtful horse care plans for the future.
A hungry horse nibbles hay from a flatbread before its unloaded.
The Vermont Hay Bank is the brainchild of Jen Straub (DER founder) and Lilli Biedermann (DER supporter), who have noticed the need for support in Vermont and were moved to do something about it. As Straub said, “The point is to keep horses in good homes. Sometimes we all need a little help; that’s why we created the Vermont Hay Bank. We want to help horse owners keep their beloved horses whenever we can. It is a lot more efficient and often less stressful to keep horses, especially older ones, in their homes when possible. We can afford to help more horses this way. By expanding Dorset Equine Rescue’s services, we can help horses before they end up neglected at auction, which puts them at high risk of shipping to slaughter.”
DER is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and was founded in 2012. Its mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home abused, neglected and slaughter-bound horses. Since its founding, DER has helped well over 200 horses out of various unfortunate situations. Most have found wonderful new homes through its adoption program and some are still waiting to find their special person.
For more information, visit dorsetequinerescue.org
