The Dorset Equine Rescue Inc.

08/20/2025

Beautiful Ivessa is on her way back to the Dorset Equine Rescue after receiving wonderful care at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Saratoga, NY. Earlier today, her podiatrist, Dr. Ben Flakoll, gently packed her hoof with iodine-soaked gauze, replaced the hoof plate, and applied a sturdy wrap to keep her hoof protected and supported. We are so grateful to Dr. Flakoll and the entire team at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital for the excellent care and compassion they’ve given Ivessa.

If you’re new to her story, Ivessa is a stunning Friesian mare and one of 39 horses that The Dorset Equine Rescue helped Vermont law enforcement seize from a southern Vermont Friesian breeding farm in June 2025 during an ongoing animal welfare investigation.

When we first found her, she could not bear weight on her front left leg. She stood in a stall with a concrete floor, in her own waste, without bedding or rubber mats. Standing on that hard surface 24/7 with such a severe injury was excruciating for her.

What began as an abscess, had been left untreated for so long that it developed into a dangerous bone infection. She was rushed straight to the hospital, and radiographic findings were consistent with septic osteitis — a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. Surgery was required to remove a large amount of necrotic bone and multiple rounds of antibiotics and medical maggots to carefully eat away the remaining infected tissue.

Through it all, Ivessa has shown extraordinary strength and an unwavering will to survive. Her journey is far from over, but every small step forward is a powerful testament to her fighting spirit—and to the kindness of those who believe every horse deserves a second chance.

Please find a video link in the comments to check out her treatment using medical maggots.

08/19/2025

Tiffany has been an essential part of The Dorset Equine Rescue for 11 years! She joined us in 2014 as our trainer and, for the past several years, has worn two hats as both trainer and barn manager. To say she is amazing is truly an understatement. 💙🐴

Together we’ve been through so much—countless laughs, plenty of tears, the heartbreak that comes with rescue, wild Vermont weather, and even the challenges of Covid. Through it all, Tiffany has stayed strong and committed.

She’s also been right there for every victory: watching our horses heal, celebrating their transformations, reaching milestones, and growing as an organization. Her dedication, passion, and friendship mean the world to all of us.

DER has such a bright future ahead, and we can’t wait to see what the next 10 years bring. Thank you, Tiffany—we are beyond grateful for you!

Shown here with the very handsome Ulysses.

08/19/2025

I can’t believe it’s already been 4 years since their rescue!

08/18/2025

These two hard-working barn cats, Buster and Moose, decided to take a little break today… keeping me company (and making the office much cozier) while they nap. We sure couldn’t run the rescue without our furry ‘assistants’ 🐾❤️

08/16/2025

A huge thank you to everyone who purchased items from our Amazon Wish List! Each package that arrives feels like a big hug of support — we’re so grateful for you. 💗

08/16/2025

⭐️Prince is available for adoption!⭐️
Prince is a 7 year old Paso Fino gelding and is proving to be a reliable, non-spooky trail horse, but his previous training emphasized forward movement, so he’s energetic and loves to stay on the move!

Prince will require an advanced rider who can keep him calm, focused, and in consistent work. While he’s still working on gaining a little bit more weight and building muscle, we’ve been enjoying our time on the trails, gradually increasing the distance with each ride. He shows great potential for endurance or competitive trail riding.

Prince is sensitive and needs to feel secure with his handler on the ground. He will respond much better to a handler that has a quiet and firm confidence about them. Because of his smaller stature (13.3 hands and petite build), Prince would be best suited for a petite, advanced rider who can match his energy and style. He’s shaping up to be a fantastic partner for the right person! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more. Our adoption requirements and application can be found on our website. 

08/15/2025

🐴 It’s $5 Friday — Help Us Fill the Barns!

We spend approximately $20,000 every year on hay alone — and right now is the time we’re filling our barns and storage areas to prepare for the long Vermont winter ahead.

Quality hay isn’t just food — it’s warmth, comfort, and health for our rescue horses. On frigid winter days, hay does double duty: it fills their bellies and helps keep them warm by releasing heat as it’s digested.

While hay might not sound like the most exciting cause, to a horse it’s pure joy. Every $5 donation truly adds up, and your gift today will directly help us keep our horses fed, happy, and healthy all winter long.

Ways to Give:
•Click here: http://paypal.me/dorsetequinerescue
•Or by clicking the Facebook fundraiser below
•Or by mail:
The Dorset Equine Rescue
P.O. Box 92
East Dorset, VT 05253

From the bottom of our hearts (and our horses’ happy tummies) — thank you for your kindness and support! 💕

08/15/2025

Madison is an 11-year-old Paint/Quarter Horse mare with a gentle spirit and a heart of gold. Standing at approximately 14.3 hands, she’s as kind and easygoing as they come. Madison is exceptionally well-mannered on the ground—she’s a pleasure to groom, easy to handle, and stands quietly for the vet and farrier.

With her striking, unique markings, Madison adds beauty and calm to any pasture. Due to conformational limitations, she is not suited for riding, but her sweet nature and ability to get along well with both horses and humans make her a wonderful pasture companion. Madison would be a lovely addition to a herd or a peaceful farm home looking for a gentle soul.

If Madison sounds like the rught fit for you and you are interested in adopting Madison, please don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more about her. Please visit our website to learn more about our adoption process and to find our adoption application. dorsetequinerescue.org

08/14/2025

Have you been following our organization for a while and love what we do? Or have you had a personal experience with DER that you would like to share? If so, please consider writing a Facebook review by clicking the “recommended” link at the top of our page.

Thank you! 💗

Shown is our horse care assistant, Bre applying medicated cream to Stewart a couple of weeks ago to treat his fungus infections. Stewart is still in the rehabilitation process and making great progress on his healing journey.

08/12/2025

If you missed our update on the Friesian case in a previous post, here is the link to the article from the Brattleboro Reformer:

Brattleboro Reformer article:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1ECaiCQr7p/?mibextid=wwXIfr

BRATTLEBORO — Windham Superior Court Judge John Treadwell has ruled that 19 of the 20 pedigreed Friesian horses owned by Robert Labrie that were seized last September by the state

08/11/2025

The Friesian update we’ve all been waiting for!

We are beyond grateful — and deeply relieved — to share that 19 of the 20 Friesian horses involved in last September’s seizure have now officially been forfeited by Judge John Treadwell. This means they are safe, legally free, and can move forward toward brighter futures.

While we celebrate this victory — part of the 74 lives saved in this case — our hearts are heavy for Angelina, the one innocent life who will have to be returned to the Friesians of Majesty breeding farm. Angelina was taken during the seizure to nurse her very sick filly. She was in good health at the time, which the court determined meant her forfeiture could not be approved. This is heartbreaking and concerning, especially given that this is the same environment where four seizures have already taken place due to extreme neglect.

Despite this sadness, we take comfort in knowing that the others from the September 2024 seizure are now safe. They can continue to heal, begin training, and move toward loving forever homes.

Our heartfelt thanks go to NHSPCA, MSSPA, Gentle Giants, and Tomten Farm & Sanctuary for answering our call and welcoming some of these horses into their care after the seizure(s). Rescuing 74 horses is no small task, and we couldn’t have done it without them — or without our volunteers, staff, friends, and supporters. We are also deeply grateful to Detective Sergeant David Taddei for his tireless work on this ongoing case, as well as to the Vermont Game Wardens, Vermont State Police, and State’s Attorney Steve Brown for taking animal welfare seriously and for their persistence in what may be Vermont’s longest and largest equine welfare investigation.

Please remember — if you see something, say something. The lives of animals depend on it.

To read more, check out the Brattleboro Reformer story in the comments below. Please spread the news!

08/10/2025

Symkje is a beautiful four-year-old Friesian mare who came to us through a seizure last September. While her future remains uncertain due to the complex legal process, she is thriving in her training—building muscle, gaining confidence, and making wonderful progress.