Courtesy of The Dorset Equine Rescue
Venita, a Dorset Equine Rescue horse who arrived in 2023 through a law enforcement seizure is now fully rehabilitated and was just adopted into a loving forever home.
It’s a pivotal moment in the history of The Dorset Equine Rescue. For nearly 12 years the organization has been saving abused and neglected horses, interrupting the slaughter pipeline, supporting horse owners in crisis and partnering with law enforcement on animal welfare investigations and seizures throughout Vermont and beyond.
After over 400 saved lives, operating on just 5 acres of leased land (and foster placements), it has purchased land to develop a forever farm of its own.
In January, The Dorset Equine Rescue closed on 178 acres of safe, secluded land which will sustain growth, outcomes and legacy for generations to come.
A few factors aligned in a small window of time to make this marvel possible. First, the organization received a substantial gift from a private trust, designated to spearhead this goal. Within a year a chance connection was made for the off-market purchase of this property. Lastly — in response to this wild momentum — a small number of key and long-time supporters came forward with enough added funding to get it to the finish line on time!
Courtesy of The Dorset Equine Rescue
Sundance and Copper, two new rescue horses at the Dorset Equine Rescue who just arrived mid-February.
“Our deepest, heartfelt gratitude goes out to our generous land campaign donors, not just for your fiscal support, but for your unwavering faith in our mission and vision. Your backing in this miracle moment has changed our work forever,” Jen Straub, founder and executive director of The Dorset Equine Rescue Inc. stated in a press release Feb. 25. “We’re still dazzled by this dream come true. At the same time, we’re grounded in the extensive work of planning and development that lies ahead.”
Over the next several months organizers will be fine-tuning a plan for the next big frontier: The Dorset Equine Rescue’s Forever Farm Development. It will unveil the complete plan and launch a capital campaign later this year.
“We are eager, already hard at work planning and we cannot wait to share the whole picture with you,” the Straub continued.
For more info, visit: dorsetequinerescue.org/legacy.
