Horse Rescue Australia Inc.

About the shelter

Founded close to 40 years ago by Sally Davies, Horse Rescue Australia Inc. (HRA) was established in 1986 when she had taken in SJ and Gumdrop, two malnourished and injured horses that were cruelly handled. To bring people’s attention to the sad plight of these two horses, Sally co-produced a newspaper which featured the animals’ rehabilitation process. Due to this, many people offered their help, as well as share reports of horses that were suffering in similar conditions.

HRA is a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity that cares for horses that have been abandoned, abused, neglected or surrendered. At present, the rescue organisation can be found in the semi-rural suburb of North Richmond in New South Wales, about 70 kilometres from the city of Sydney. Since the rescue group began, it has overseen the welfare of more than 100 horses, with a considerable number of them finding permanent, caring second homes.

The rescue group’s work is handled by a volunteer caretaker and a small committee. It runs not only on generous public donations, but also the time and efforts volunteered by its supporters. HRA has a policy of only taking in horses for care, treatment, rehabilitation, and rehoming that have been voluntarily surrendered by its former owners, or handed over for care from the RSPCA, local councils, or Animal Welfare Leagues. All horses that come into the care of HRA legally belong to the organisation. They believe that in supporting new horse owners, not allowing HRA horses to be re-sold, and accepting horses back when owners can no longer care for them, they ensure that these horses will never be in unfortunate situations ever again.

Each horse that comes into HRA’s care is fully assessed and its medical and behavioural needs are met. Horses that are available for adoption are vaccinated, wormed, and checked for feet and dental needs. Horses are matched to potential adopters, and HRA ensures that specific requirements are met before the animals are adopted out. It is a requirement of the rescue that all potential adopters are experienced in horse handling and have the facilities to care for a horse. Transportation of the adopted horse to the potential adopter’s property is at the expense of the potential adopter although HRA can assist with the arrangements.

Mission

• Horse Rescue Australia Inc. aims to give equine friends a fresh start.
• HRA rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes abandoned, abused, and neglected horses.
• They look to increase public awareness on responsible horse ownership and horse welfare, as well as raise funds to further the aims of their organisation.

How you can help

Compared to our smaller animal friends, horses in need can spend longer times in rehabilitation, often needing costly special feeding (in the case of malnourishment), ongoing veterinary and medical care, and other related work such as dentistry and farrier services. Help the HRA and their charges by checking out their Donate and Other Ways to Help pages for more information. They are always in need of supporters who can donate, become a member, or sponsor their horses.

Unfortunately, due to a lack of availability of committee members and a lack of facilities, HRA is unable to take in regular volunteers. However, they hold regular volunteer days for members of the public on the rescue’s property. New volunteers are asked to fill in their Volunteer Registration Form.

HRA also hosts a variety of events all year round such as the 2nd Hand Horse and Riding Gear Sales and Open Days. What are you waiting for? Giddy up and gallop on over to their website and Facebook page for more information!