Page 46 - 2021 TAA Magazine

SANCTUARY

Equine Rescue of Aiken REHABILITATION
RETRAINING/ADOPTION
EQUINE-ASSISTED PROGRAM

TESTIMONIAL:
“Accreditation by a
national
organization such as
the TAA shows the
community that we
operate with the best
interest of our horses
and reassures them
that their donations
are going to a
responsible
organization. The
assistance allows
us to continue our

EQUINE RESCUE OF AIKEN mission of
Flashmans Papers, Four Cross Roads, Tie and Tails, and Lumbee Bayou collectively earned
more than $333,000 on the racetrack before being accepted by Equine Rescue of Aiken. repurposing and
re-homing off-the-

Located in the heart of South Carolina’s famed Rescue of Aiken is a contributing member to its track Thoroughbreds.”
horse county, Equine Rescue of Aiken is a pasto- community, hosting several educational work-
ral sanctuary for retired Thoroughbreds and shops, youth group volunteer days, and school
unwanted or neglected horses. Established in 2006, visits throughout the year. It is open to the public FOUNDED: 2006
the mostly volunteer-run operation has adopted for tours six days a week, and the organization
nearly 1,300 horses, many of them at risk before emphasizes education about horse care and the ADDRESS:
arriving at the rescue and in need of a new home. equine industry. 532 Glenwood Drive

Equine Rescue of Aiken works with racetracks Uniquely, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit supports the Aiken, SC 29803
to identify and acquire horses that are no longer local county Pre-Trial Intervention Program, in

competitive, or have sustained career-ending which first-time offenders may fulfill required PHONE: (803) 643-1850

injuries, to repurpose them for second careers in community service hours by working at the facil-
forever homes. ity. The rescue also partners with multiple orga- MAIN CONTACT:
The organization is the largest horse rescue nizations by hosting equine-assisted programs Jim Rhodes
center in the southeastern United States. Its 90 whose focus is using the therapeutic value of
acres include rehab and quarantine paddocks, horses to help people with post-traumatic stress WEB ADDRESS:

stalls, and large rolling pastures for the horses to and build confidence in its participants. aikenequinerescue.org
roam. At any given time, the organization is home Equine Rescue has been recognized by the
to 60 to 70 horses of all breeds and backgrounds TAA, also is a grant recipient of the Thorough- SOCIAL:
– from ex-racehorses, former polo ponies, and bred Charities of America, a Platinum Rated AikenEquineRescue
retired draft plow horses. Guidestar organization, and a Safe Stall facility @AikenEquineResc
About 20 to 30 horses are available for adoption for the Humane Society of the United States. The @aikenequinerescue
at any given time. Several horses are permanent three staff members and countless volunteers

residents, living out their days roaming the fields continue to strive to be a top-notch facility and AVERAGE NUMBER OF
and being spoiled by volunteers and visitors. give the horses the best care possible until they THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR:
In addition to adoption and rehab, Equine find their forever homes.

30

PAGE 44 DAILY RACING FORM