In our last blog post, we introduced you to the Retired Racehorse Project, and today we would like for you to meet Gerda’s Equine Rescue!

Horse Slaughter Still Exists for American Horses

Gerda’s Equine Rescue (GER) is 501(c)(3) nonprofit horse rescue based in Vermont, committed to saving the lives of horses who are slaughter-bound for human consumption. Even though horse slaughter has been banned in the U.S. since 2007, our beloved companions are not safe from this unthinkable fate. Every year horses are shipped over American borders, to Canada and Mexico, on route to slaughter houses. It was reported that 80,000 horses met this horrific fate in 2017, even though according to the USDA 92.3% of horses sent to slaughter are able to live a productive life.

We are so very thankful for rescues and organizations like GER that work tirelessly to help these horses. Without them, many horses would not have been granted a second chance at life in a new loving home. Since its founding in 2005, GER has been able to rescue, rehab, and rehome over 1,000 horses!

GER’s Mission

We had the pleasure of speaking with Gerda Silver herself, the president and founder of GER, about her rescue and the wonderful work that they do. Here is what she had to say.

“GER is a small rescue that houses 32 horses, if we need an emergency intake we do have wonderful fosters available who will care for the horse until we have room. Sadly there is never enough room for so many who are destined for slaughter and shipped to Mexico or Canada for that purpose.

Our mission is to save as many slaughter-bound horses as possible. Once they come to us we take care of all their needs, both medically and mentally. Eventually, once we know what type of owner they need we put them up for adoption. Last year we placed 91 horses in great homes!

Over the Christmas holidays, we saved an aged gelding Haflinger, who broke my heart because I saw him in a kill pen and that in itself is a scary place for any horse, and even more terrifying when you are a small, old horse. He took a rider and gave his all, a little soldier he was! We raised money for his bail and shipping from our supporters that follow us on Facebook and Twitter. He is now at a home that has a pre-school program including two horses, and the little ones get to groom and ride him. He adores them and is loved by all the little tykes!”

-Gerda Silver, President and Founder

How You Can Help

While Gerda and her team do a wonderful job, they cannot do it alone. Whether you are looking to adopt or want to help out in another way, we hope you will consider Gerda’s Horse Rescue during Adopt a Horse month!

Learn more about this organization at gerdasequinerescue.org. To support GER and two other horse rescues, purchase A to Z Horse Cookies during the month of May! 10% of all proceeds will be split between these non-profit organizations.