Equine Rescue of Aiken

Services
Sanctuary, Rehabilitation, Retraining/Adoption, Equine-Assisted
Location
Aiken, South Carolina
Founded
2006
Average Number of Thoroughbreds
30

Located in the heart of South Carolina’s famed horse country, Equine Rescue of Aiken is committed to helping retired racehorses find their second career. Additionally, they save neglected, high-risk and desperate horses from tragic circumstances to offer a hopeful future. Established in 2006, the mostly volunteer-run operation has adopted over 1,800 horses.

The organization is one of the largest horse rescue centers in the southeastern United States. Its 80 acres include rehab and quarantine paddocks and large rolling pastures. The new medical barn and office will be completed in early 2026 and will be dedicated to rehabilitating horses needing a higher level of care for healing.

At any given time, the organization is home to 45 to 55 horses of all breeds and backgrounds – from retired racehorses to former polo ponies. The organization has an abundance of volunteers united by their desire to care for the horses and their passion to do meaningful work. As a 501(c)3, the Rescue is donation driven with every dollar playing a crucial role in providing care.

As part of its social mission, Equine Rescue of Aiken programs offer an opportunity to connect with the heart of a horse, promoting educational, enriching, and emotional connections that only horses can provide. Our newest program, Grief to Grace with Horses, led by a certified Life Coach, offers participants the space to explore grief through the quiet strength of our OTTBs. The Rescue’s Thoroughbreds also participate with our veteran and active military programs which are open to anyone suffering from trauma. Focused on education, the Rescue’s PonyPals program introduces children to the magic of horses and connects our community by showcasing responsible horse care. Active educational workshops, community volunteer days, and school visits throughout the year, delight and offer an engaging venue with human-horse interactions. The Rescue is open to the public for tours, and the organization emphasizes education about horse care and the equine industry.

In addition to being accredited by TAA, Equine Rescue of Aiken hold a 2025 Platinum GuideStar rating, and participates in the Safe Stall program for the Humane Society of the United States.

The organization strives to give exceptional care to the horses, physically and mentally, and is committed to finding them forever homes. Their motto, “People helping horses, horses helping people,” is reflected in every aspect of the operation, highlighting their commitment to both equine welfare and community involvement. By maintaining these high standards, the Rescue not only provides a safe haven for horses in need but also creates a supportive environment for their successful adoptions.

Equine Rescue of Aiken - Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

fig Magazine Aiken, South Carolina

September 20, 2022

Social Mission: Aiken Equine Rescue

Community

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.