LogoDays End Farm Horse Rescue, Inc.

Founded 1989

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Guidelines for Establishing a Horse Rescue Facility

Dear Horse Friend,

Thank you for your interest in starting a non-profit horse rescue. As I am sure you are aware it is a very expensive undertaking. When we began our operation in November of 1989. We began the with our own funds but discovered quickly that we could only afford to rescue a few horses at a time; however, with the help of many others, we could increase the number of horses rescued.

We started looking into becoming a non-profit so we could request donations from the public to help fund the rescue of horses. We received our 501c3 status in December 1991, and since that time our budget has gone from $50,000 to over $1,000,000 a year. Today we shelter up to 75 horses at any one time.

During this time of growth, we discovered that while we can make a significant dent in the problem in Maryland and surrounding areas, other rescues are needed  to help the many horses that we cannot reach across the nation.

With this thought in mind, I wrote a manual entitled "Guidelines for establishing a Horse Rescue Facility." In writing this manual, I hoped to spare others the mistakes I made when I first started, and to share knowledge I learned along the way. This manual is available to anyone interested is starting a horse rescue for a small donation of $100. If you are interested, please make your check out to:

DEFHR
P.O. Box 309
Lisbon, MD 21765

Or make your donation by Visa, MasterCard or Discover by calling the farm at 301-854-5037.

Thank you for your interest and I wish you great success in your endeavor.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Schwartz-Howe, Executive Director
Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Inc.

P.S. Here are the table of contents and list of appendixes from the book. The Rescue Kit also includes copies of many of our promotional ideas for events, direct mail, press releases, thank you letters and much more so you can use them as samples or for brainstorming ideas of your own.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Foreword: History of Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Inc.
Goals of Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Inc.
Chapter I: Determine Needs
Chapter II: Enlist Supporters
Chapter III: Determine Purpose / Set Goals and Objectives
Chapter IV: Becoming a Nonprofit
Chapter V: Accountability and Ethics
Chapter VI: Fundraising
Chapter VII: Horse Care and Shelter Guidelines

Appendices (Samples)

Chapter 1
1-1: Humane Organization Survey

Chapter 2
2-1: Certificate of Appreciation
2-2: Volunteer Event Flyer
2-3: Volunteer Sign In
2-4: Daily Chore List
2-5: Volunteer Expectations
2-6: Job Descriptions
2-7: Organizational Chart
2-8: Farm Rules
2-9: Waiver
2-10: Volunteer Application

Chapter 3
3-1: Sample Horse Record - Entrance Exam
3-2: Policies and Procedures for Seized Horses
3-3: Animal Release Form
3-4: Shelter Manual
3-5: Condition Scoring Chart
3-6: Complaint Report
3-7: Investigation Form - Field

Identification Report
3-8: Adoption Application
3-9: Adoption Agreement
3-10: Farm Inspection Report
3-11: Adoption Tracking Log
3-12: Annual Follow Up Inspection Report
3-13: Boarding Contract
3-14: Letter to Stable Owner(s)
3-15: Program Brochures (in pocket)
3-16: Monthly Sponsorship Certificate

Chapter 4
4-1: Bylaws 4-2: Articles of Incorporation
4-3: Temporary Letter of Determination
4-4: Permanent Letter of Determination
4-5: Secretary of State Certificate

Chapter 5
5-1: Chart of Accounts
5-2: Profit and Loss
5-3: Budget
5-4: Balance Sheets
5-5: Donation Form

Chapter 6
6-1: Tri-fold (in pocket)
6-2: Newsletters (in pocket)
6-3: Direct Mail
6-4: Press Release
6-5: Public Service Announcement
6-6: Event Flyer
6-7: Booth Contact Form

Chapter 7
7-1: Horse / Pony Care Checklist

Brochures

American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) brochures, including:
Colic
Dental Care
Emergency Care
Equine Infectious Anemia
Euthanasia
Expectant Mare
Foaling Mare and Newborn
Immunizations
Lameness Exams
Parasite Control
Purchase Exams