The HSUS Safe Stalls Program

Working together to help horses at risk

The Safe Stalls/Emergency Placement Network is a nationwide network of horse industry professionals, horse rescue organizations, individual horse owners and enthusiasts, volunteers, and others offering in-kind, financial, and other resources to horses in need.

Safe Stalls partners may be able to assist immediately following a rescue with needs ranging from transporting rescued horses to temporary shelter to providing food or other interim services needed during the horses' transition from the temporary shelter to a foster or adoptive home.

The goal is to be able to call on caring and capable people in the area of the rescue, and to be able to move horses quickly from danger to safety, then provide necessary care until they can be rehomed. This initiative, spearheaded by The Humane Society of the United States and The Halladay Family Foundation, will enable us to provide help to a greater number of equine victims of cruelty and neglect.

Why is Safe Stalls needed?

Law enforcement often does not have the resources to effectively investigate and prosecute horse abusers. In fact, the tremendous logistical and financial commitment of providing temporary care and housing—and ultimately placing horses in loving homes—can prevent law enforcement from acting, thereby needlessly perpetuating equine suffering.

Safe!

Roy Halladay, star pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, and his wife Brandy are galloping great friends to animals and to The HSUS.

Their companions are rescued dogs, parrots, and a cat, and they fostered a horse saved from neglect in our Texas raid. To raise awareness of the plight of neglected horses, Brandy Halladay took the foster horse to a horse show and posted a sign on the horse's stall saying "Ask me where I came from." The lucky horse has since been adopted.

With a particular fondness for equines, the Halladays network with people interested in helping horses, and they are a driving force behind the Safe Stalls concept.

Read more about the Halladays at thehalladayfamilyfoundation.org/.

When The HSUS is called in to assist with equine neglect and cruelty cases, we are always astounded by the outpouring of support from the horse community. Until now, there has not been a formal network where people can proactively offer support and assistance. With pre-screened partners ready to mobilize, we can provide more horses with the services they need to recover from their trauma and learn how to become good equine companions for loving people.

How will Safe Stalls benefit the horse industry?

Most horses who end up in rescue situations are not old, "broken down" animals. Most are young animals who, for a variety of reasons, have not received the care or training all horses require to thrive. The majority of rescued horses are animals who could easily go on to succeed in second careers and pleasure and even competition mounts. The missing link for many of them is access to the emergency and longer term training, care, and placement that they need.

The Safe Stalls program will create new hope for rescued horses as well as opportunities for horse industry professionals to use their skills to help transition at-risk horses into new lives. By utilizing established trainers, boarding facilities, and other traditional horse venues to provide training and care for these horses, they will benefit horse industry professionals whose livelihoods depend on continuous support from equine related activities and services.

This program will create a pool of horses who will give current and new equestrians access to affordable, highly desirable equine partners. These horses will serve as ambassadors, raising awareness about the plight of needy horses, and helping to dispel the myth that rescued horses are damaged goods.

What happens during and after a rescue?

When The HSUS is called in to assist with a rescue of horses, we send in a team of trained staff and volunteers, generally often working with other local animal groups. We work with law enforcement to collect evidence, document the condition of each individual animal. A veterinarian is always on site to provide critical care to the horse who most need it and help evaluate the needs of each animal. The horses are removed and transported to an emergency shelter, where they receive around the clock care. Including specialized feeding, vaccinations, hoof and dental care and any other treatment needed.

Depending on the number and condition of the horses, the location of the rescue and temporary shelter, access to nearby resources, and the legal status of the horses, they could stay in the emergency location from a matter of weeks to several months. The typical emergency horse shelter is a local fairground, equipped with stalls and the space needed to care for large animals. While the emergency shelter is critical to the initial rehabilitation of the horses, we strive to move the horses to interim care with horse rescues or Safe Stalls partners as soon as possible.

Once in interim care, the goal is to restore them to health, provide the care and training they need to become good equine companions, and to find them foster or adoptive homes.

Can the HSUS assist Safe Stalls financially with the cost of caring for these displaced animals?

The cost of rehabilitating even one horse is tremendous. The HSUS often can offer financial or in–kind assistance for Safe Stalls and horse rescue organizations who are willing to assist with rescued horses. We are happy to discuss available options with you before you commit to assisting with a rescue.

How can I get involved?

The HSUS and The Halladay Family Foundation are actively recruiting people to participate in the Safe Stalls/Emergency Placement Network. Please complete the online Safe Stalls Partner form if you are willing to:

Provide a temporary home for rescued horses (we prefer that someone can provide temporary care for at least two horses from a rescue, but will consider offers of care for one or more)
Donate, or provide at discount, supplies (feed, hay, halters, ropes, equipment)
Assist with transporting horses to or from emergency shelter
Provide low-cost or pro bono training, farrier, dental, grooming services

Your information will be entered into our database and when a need arises, we can contact you with information about the rescue in your area, and ask what you might be able to provide at that time. If you have questions about the Safe Stalls program, please email us.