08/30/2026
Eleven horses are now safely in our care. Just over a week ago, The Dorset Equine Rescue assisted law enforcement with the removal of 18 horses from two properties in New York. Eleven of those horses are now together at DER, settling into their new surroundings and receiving the care they need.
Because this remains an active law-enforcement investigation, there are many details we cannot share publicly. Our role is simply to provide the horses entrusted to us with safety, medical attention, and compassionate care while the legal process continues.
Seven of the horses in our care are feral, and meeting their daily needs requires patience, specialized experience, and a thoughtful approach. Our team has many years of experience working with unhandled horses and is fully prepared to give them the individualized care they need.
One especially dear member of this group is a completely blind stallion who is also deaf in one ear. He is incredibly sweet and gentle. Once he is fully settled, we hope to carefully introduce him to a companion.
Their arrival at DER is only the beginning of the work ahead.
Each horse is being individually evaluated and provided with appropriate veterinary, dental, and farrier care, vaccinations, medications, food, bedding, shelter, and daily care. The unhandled horses will also require many hours of patient, specialized work.
Taking responsibility for 11 additional horses at once is an enormous financial undertaking. We have raised only about half of the funding needed to support their care and rehabilitation, which means we still have a long way to go.
If you have already contributed, please know how deeply grateful we are. If you have not yet had the opportunity to give—or if you are able to make an additional gift—please consider donating today.
Every contribution, whether it provides hay, helps cover a veterinary visit, or supports the many months of care ahead, will make a meaningful difference.
Please donate here:
https://dorsetequinerescue.networkforgood.com/projects/304777-help-18-rescued-horses-begin-their-journey-to-safety
If you prefer to donate by check, contributions may be mailed to:
The Dorset Equine Rescue
P.O. Box 92
East Dorset, VT 05253
Today, these horses are safe and settling in. We are committed to treating each one with patience and kindness, and we look forward to sharing their progress with you in the weeks and months ahead.
