[shell]

I am kind of thinking about starting a mini rescue. I have 2 already that were not really rescued, but needed a new home. Well, Rocky needed rescuing but I had to buy him from a dealer. Anyway, I was wondering what it takes to get started and if there is even a need at all? I have 22 acres and 28 years with horses, so I am ready there. Seems like there are a lot of people who rescue animals and also like there are a lot of non-profit places also. Just wondering. Maybe planning.

Where do you start?

[pocahontas]

Hi Shell,

My thinking is to go and visit some rescues in your area.
I think they would have the best first hand advice.
I have been talking to some wonderful people in the last few days trying to get those mares/foals out of Nevada. Also, had a mini crash course on rescuing.

I went to a workshop a year ago at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Oregon.
They rescue and also have abused and neglected children work with the horses.
During the workshop they addressed many aspects of running a rescue
from insurance, grant writing for donations, cost, etc.

I believe there is a need.
If it is in your heart and soul to do so, then follow your dreams.

[Equine_Harmony]

I totally agree with Pocahontas...

Good luck and God Speed>>>>>>>>>>>>.

Tammy

[shell]

I think to start I will foster some. See how that goes first. How does that sound?

[Quick2Skip01]

I think fostering would be a great idea to get you started and then working your way farther into it.

[pocahontas]

Originally Posted by shell

I think to start I will foster some. See how that goes first. How does that sound?

Sounds good.
I think you will learn alot that way.
Good Luck, and let us know how it goes.

[wildspirit]

I agree you should start fostering first, that way you are working first hand with neglected and abused equines. and the rescue house you are fostering for.

It will be a great exsperiance and I think you will leard a bunch from it. Good luck and keep us posted.

Bre

[clydesdalechris]

Hi. I am totally new at this blogging, but not at rescue. I just posted a blog (?) about started a rescue in response to another question. I am not sure where you live, but I normally don't deal with minis. Last fall right before my husband died we did rescue a beautiful little mini named Coco. Well, he actually lived part time in our house and made me a little softer to minis. (I do draft horse rescue). In February we brought four minis home from an auction. They were all wild and very neglected. These were four of about 100 that were run through the course of two particular auctions we went through. Two of the smallest, Cody and Dunkin, were so thin that when I ran my hands over thier wooly foal coats, all that was beneath was bone. If it were not for their winter foal coats, you would have seen nothing but skeleton. Elly was not much better. Oreo had such bad hair problems that his fur litterally peeled off in sheets to expose bare skin. (Don't worry - all better now.)
I'll try to attach the pictures from a week or two post auction (when we could catch them).
So there is a definite NEED for these guys to be rescued. (And if you want I can tell you the adult part of why some of these guys have bad futures.)
And #2 - though you may already know this - be aware that minis have almost COMPLETELY different needs than regular horses. Though I have worked with horses for 30+ years, I read and researched on minis after we got these guys and there is a lot of difference that can mean their total welfare!
Good luck!

[moondust]

That sounds like a cool idea! Sorry. I can't help with any ideas!

[shell]

Not to worry. This is an old thread and we have since moved. I cannot start anything where we are currently living.