Giving Back – Golden West Rescue
Q&A with Golden West Rescue
What is Golden West Rescue and what is your mission? Golden West Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit equine rescue dedicated to saving, rehabilitating and rehoming horses, donkeys and mules in need. Our mission is to: rescue equine from abuse, neglect, and abandonment; rehabilitate with compassionate care and expert support; rehome to safe, loving and permanent placement; educate and help the community with equine welfare and responsible ownership; and help new owners succeed with their adopted equine.
How do horses typically come into your care? Our current residents come from many areas. We have orphaned horses, wild caught, owner surrenders, animals who lost their owners, slaughter bound horses, emaciation cases and criminal cases. All walks of life and many situations.
How long do horses typically remain in your care? This varies depending on the animal. Some are ready to be adopted in as little as 5 months, while others need to live with us for the remainder of their lives. We give them as much time as they need before going to a new home. Each horse we intake, we have to be open to the possibility that they won’t be candidates for adoption.
What is the most rewarding part of equine rescue? The rewards of rescue for me are so abundant. It is so rewarding to watch the animals gain confidence and trust in humans again. I love to look back and see where they started vs. how far they have come. I also truly enjoy when we find an animal the perfect new forever home. Seeing how happy they are and their new owners are with them is so rewarding.
How do you determine when a horse is ready for adoption? Many factors go into this. Behavior, training, overall health and ability to be ridden or not are what our potential adopters are looking for. We want to find the perfect fit for the ones able to be adopted. We are looking for forever homes for them.
What are some of the biggest challenges Golden West Rescue faces? Funding. The animals require a lot of expensive rehabilitation, farrier work, training, feed, vet care and so much more.
Are there ways people can help even if they don’t have experience with horses? So many ways! We rely heavily on donations, sponsorships of items or services, volunteer support, and sharing our cause on social media to keep our rescue going. No amount is too small. It all adds up to help the animals. •
www.goldenwestrescue.com
