fig   Magazine Aiken,  South Carolina

Community   

Share

Since its founding in 2006,  Aiken Equine Rescue has become one of the largest equine rescue farms  in the southeastern United States. Not only are they dedicated to giving  neglected horses and retired Off-The-Track Thoroughbreds a second  chance at life, but they also serve as a venue for community gathering,  offer interactive human-horse program opportunities, and positively  impact the community in Aiken and beyond.  

When a horse in need arrives at the rescue, they are provided  shelter, food, water, training, and all medical, dental, and farrier  care needs. The goal is to find a loving home for rehabilitated horses  so they can live comfortable and happy lives. Volunteers at the rescue  put their hearts into helping the animals that come into their care.  “Some of the best moments are when the love connection happens, and one  our rescues becomes someone’s heart horse,” said Pam Patron, Aiken  Equine Rescue’s Volunteer Marketing Coordinator. “We say good-bye with a  tug at our hearts, but we know they will grow into their new life,  relaxed, open minded, trusting, and happy. Knowing we had a hand in  transitioning the horses into their next chapter is the most rewarding.”

The rescue also serves as a place to facilitate the transition of  retired racehorses from off the track to their next career. “When a  retired Thoroughbred arrives hot off the track, we pull their racing  plates, quarantine them to ensure they are eating, healthy and to allow  them to decompress,” said Pam. “Seeing these magnificent athletes move  boldly and watching how alert they are to everything around them is an  emotional experience. They are taking the first step towards a new  life.”

As a non-profit organization, the rescue relies entirely on private  donations and fundraising efforts in order to provide opportunities of  healing through equine education and interaction, and to provide safe  and restorative homes to horses. On average, the team houses and cares  for 60 horses a year, and in just that one year of operation, Aiken  Equine Rescue will utilize 2,700 bales of hay, 3,120 bags of feed, and  over 2,500 gallons of fuel. 

While the rescue is  focused on providing the best care possible to their four-legged  tenants, they are also in a phase of rebuilding. Their main barn was  lost in a devastating fire in April of 2021, with a property loss total  of $450,000. The fire engulfed medical supplies, records, tack, feed,  and the home office for the volunteers. Amidst the damage, the team has  stayed positive and remains dedicated to their mission.

Aiken Equine Rescue, a recipient of the 2022 Platinum Guidestar  Rating and accredited by the TAA (Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance),  offers several ways for community members to get involved and donate to  their cause. When you give to Aiken Equine Rescue, you have a part in  creating a happy ending for displaced and neglected equines. You’re able  to help transition off-the-track Thoroughbreds who are no longer able  to race, horses whose owners have passed away or are unable to care for  them, and animals that have suffered from neglect. But horses are not  the only ones who will benefit from your assistance. As  they say at the rescue, it is about “People Helping Horses, Horses  Helping People”. The organization has a multitude of programs that work  with people such as veterans, women affected by physical and sexual  trauma, and at-risk youth. They have found a unique way to give back to  the community by sharing the healing power that horses offer. As an  Aiken Equine Rescue donor, you have the opportunity to make a difference  in the lives of both people and horses who are hurting.

To learn more about how you can give back to horses in need and support the rescue’s rebuilding efforts visit aikenequinerescue.org.

chessonmerritt    Chesson Merritt 

Chesson is a Columbia  native that loves to share her passion about all things local through  her writing and photography. She enjoys exploring the South, one craft  brewery at a time, with her husband and daughter and running local 5k  races. You can spot her behind the lens of a camera, cheering on  Clemson, or biking around Kiawah Island. At ByFarr, she creates social  media content and works with clients to tell their stories.