A 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization for the Benefit
of Equines In Need
Grant Recipients and Success Stories
Brennan Equine Welfare Fund awards grants to reputable equine rescue shelters and sanctuaries across the country. Our grants help save and care for their horses, providing funds for hay and feed, veterinary and farrier expenses, and dental care. Our grants also provide funding for emergency expenses and barn repairs. We are honored to help our worthy grant recipients with the necessary funding to help them do what they do best: save horses! Check out our yearly grant recipients and some of our success stories, below.
BEWF
Malcolm (Friends of Ferdinand, Inc.)
Malcolm was taken in by BEWF grantee, Friends of Ferdinand, Inc., after he was found abandoned at an auction house in Indiana in late 2014. He was skinny, scared, and suffering from a broken pelvis. Frightened and unstable, Malcolm had a body score of 2-2.5 (on a scale of 1-9), evidence of a previous broken pelvic wing, an infection in his right fetlock, a respiratory illness, and an inability to right himself without human assistance due to severe muscular atrophy. FFI and their veterinarian doubted Malcolm would bounce back, but through dedication, perseverance, and Malcolm’s strong will to live, he gained his weight back, rebuilt muscle through electro-magnetic stimulation, and regained his strength after graduating to full turnout.
A few months ago, he moved to FFI's training stable to see how his pelvis would hold up. No one knew if he would be able to stay sound and continue to recover, but Malcolm continued to pass every test with flying colors. The handsome gelding with his curious face, always ready to meet new people, was finally ready to start meeting potential adopters. In April, Malcolm went out on a trial adoption. FFI and BEWF are happy to announce that Kate & Penelope, a mother & daughter duo, have made their adoption of Malcolm official. After a year and 6 months, Malcolm has found his people! Brennan Equine Welfare Fund was honored to take part in Malcolm's recovery and rehabilitation through grant funding.
Chino (Days end Farm Horse Rescue)
Chino arrived at Days End Farm Horse Rescue in late 2009...a chestnut paint quarter horse reduced to nothing more than skin stretched over a skeleton. This beautiful gelding arrived 300+ pounds underweight, dehydrated, with severely overgrown teeth, a parasitic infestation, overgrown hoofs, and itchy, painful rain rot all over his body. Chino’s posture said it all: He had a dull, flat expression with no interest in his new surroundings. He stepped off the trailer grinding his teeth, and foaming and salivating at the mouth. An emergency vet visit revealed horribly long, sharp teeth that were immediately filed down, but the inside of his cheeks had been cut and rubbed raw and he was in terrible pain.
Chino was not interested in munching hay or drinking water, and less than 48-hours after arrival, he was rushed to an equine hospital for intensive, 24-hour treatment of a potentially fatal gut impaction. Chino fought to live and after five critical days, he returned to Days End. Eventually, this gorgeous horse blossomed and found his forever home with an amazing woman who had already adopted eight horses from Days End. Brennan Equine Welfare Fund is proud to have given a grant to help Chino regain his health and find a forever, loving home. He went from near-death, to abundant health, and knows the love and affection he always deserved.
Catch This T (Bright Futures Farm)
Catch This T was severely injured when he ran in front of a truck in 1999. He had a 26" gash in his left shoulder, severe damage to both stifles, and underwent several surgeries. After two years of rehabilitation, he was finally sound enough that he could be ridden again and was adopted under contract. T’s new family checked out before he was adopted and he initially did well in his new home, but after six months, the adopter would not return calls or email the required updates and photos. Bev at Bright Futures was very concerned about T, so she rescinded the adoption and drove 14 hours to the adopter’s farm to go get him. What she found was heart wrenching; T had almost been starved to death. It took months of care to return T to good heath, and just as he’d recovered in 2013, he contracted EPM and had a severe setback neurologically. Since then, T has been a permanent resident of Bright Futures Farm. He has returned to a healthy weight and has regular chiropractic and acupuncture sessions, which help his mobility tremendously.
T has fought and won every battle that has come his way. He's a trooper, a fighter, and a survivor–are all of the things Bev loves most about Thoroughbreds. The treatments T receives are funded, in part, by BEWF, and we are very proud to be part of T’s continued healing and happiness at Bright Futures Farm.
Barn Loft Floor (Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines)
The 60-stall Main Barn on Ryerss Farm property was over 30-years old and was showing its age. Ryerss Farm desperately needed to replace the wooden floor in the second floor barn loft, which covered the entire stall area below. This floor had become very weak and rotted due to leaks in the old roof, and there was a chance that it would break through if weight was put on it, causing injury to both people and horses!
Through fundraising efforts of our many volunteers, as well as a wonderful grant from Brennan Equine Welfare Fund, Ryerss Farm was able to complete this project by installing a beautiful new floor in the second floor barn loft. Now the main floor of the barn will be safer, warmer and drier, benefiting horses, volunteers, staff, and visitors.
Grant Recipients
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
Brennan Equine Welfare Fund's 2022 Grant Recipients:
SUCCESS STORY: Glen Ellen Vocational Academy (GEVA) and "Govie"
Brennan Equine Welfare is also pleased to partner with multiple-grantee Glen Ellen Vocational Academy (GEVA), a Thoroughbred-focused rehabilitation and retirement facility founded by former Racetrack Steward, Pam Berg, who also serves as President. Now in their 27th year and Accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), GEVA’s mission is to provide horses with an alternative to needless euthanasia, inhumane slaughter, abuse, or neglect. GEVA is also Accredited by the Global Foundation for Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS).
Nestled near the vineyards in Northern California, approximately 30 Thoroughbreds call GEVA their forever home. While a second career after their racing career is over is the preferred trajectory for Thoroughbreds, sometimes previous injuries prohibit this. GEVA provides retirement for such horses. A 2022 grant from BEWF has provided funding for daily operating costs including feed, veterinary and farrier expenses.
Among the horses benefiting are Governor Elect, also known as “Govie”, at left, now 31 years old. Bred in California, Govie ran 55 races, giving him the title of War Horse. When Govie arrived at GEVA in 1999, it was noticed that he had an ankle that was without cartilage, but, over time, his ankle has fused, and he has lived a very active and comfortable life while retired at GEVA. Pam Berg states, “GEVA is so very grateful for all the years of support we’ve received from BEWF for the horses.” Brennan Equine Welfare is pleased to partner with GEVA, and gives thanks to all donors who made this, and all 2022 grants, possible.
Fourteen exceptional equine rescue/rehabilitation/retirement/retraining and
placement facilities across the USA have been awarded grants in 2022.
Thoroughbred-focused grant recipients include:
Bright Future’s Farm, Cochranton, PA
Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, Glen Ellen, CA
ReRun, Inc., East Greenbush, NY
The Exceller Fund, Lexington, KY
Non-breed-specific grant recipients include:
Brook Hill Retirement Center, Forest, VA
Duchess Sanctuary, Oakland, OR
Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation, Palm City, FL
Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, Ravenna, OH
Illinois Equine Humane Center, Maple Park, IL
Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, Windham, ME
Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, Salem, CT
Brennan Equine Welfare Fund's 2021 Grant Recipients:
SUCCESS STORY: Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement Inc's "No Hoof; No Horse Fund"
Brennan Equine Welfare is also pleased to partner with Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement Inc., who was awarded a grant for Farrier care. Mitchell Farm is a safe and comfortable retirement alternative for aged and infirm horses to live out their lives and also offers educational opportunities on equine welfare and management. Being doubly accredited by both the Global Foundation for Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) and Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), all equines are assured top care. Founder/Executive Director Dee Doolittle states, “Our great thanks to the Brennan Equine Welfare Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation for a grant, funding in part, the Mitchell Farm 2021 ‘No Hoof; No Horse Fund’! The hoof is the all-important foundation that the horse stands on. Hooves absorb the concussive impact with every step of their 1000 plus lb. frame. Taking good care of the hooves goes a long way to good health and quality of life. Farrier visits are essential for comfort and quality of life for the aged horses retired to Mitchell Farm. Each horse is seen by our farrier every six weeks for a simple trim or shoes if required for comfort or pasture soundness.”
Fourteen exceptional equine rescue/rehabilitation/retirement/retraining and
placement facilities across the USA have been awarded grants in 2021.
Thoroughbred-focused grant recipients include:
Bright Future’s Farm, Cochranton, PA
Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, Glen Ellen, CA
ReRun, Inc., East Greenbush, NY
The Exceller Fund, Lexington, KY
Non-breed-specific grant recipients include:
Brook Hill Retirement Center, Forest, VA
Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship, Cincinnati, OH
Duchess Sanctuary, Oakland, OR
Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation, Palm City, FL
Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, Ravenna, OH
Illinois Equine Humane Center, Maple Park, IL
Kentucky Equine Humane Center, Nicholasville, KY
New England Equine Rescue, West Newbury, MA
A pledge of funding has also been made to Thoroughbred-focused
Our Mims Retirement Haven
Download BEWF's 2021 Press Release:
Brennan Equine Welfare Fund's 2020 Grant Recipients:
SUCCESS STORY of The Exceller Fund and Four Retired Thoroughbred Broodmares:
Regal Charm, Flawless One, Marge's Bid, and Linda's Paradiso (At Left)
Awarded a grant in 2020 was The Exceller Fund (TEF), a Thoroughbred-focused organization that was established in 1997. Accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), their mission is to provide a future for Thoroughbreds once their racing careers have ended. A 2020 grant from Brennan Equine Welfare Fund has provided funding for four retired broodmares under TEF's Golden Years Program: Regal Charm, Flawless One, Marge's Bid, and Linda's Paradiso (at left). Linda's Paradiso, after her racing career with multiple owners and trainers ended, and her career as a broodmare also ended, was facing the very real possibility of heading to a livestock auction where her fate could not be guaranteed. However, a sticker found on her registration papers, placed there by a previous trainer, indicated that if the mare ever needed a soft place to land, that he would be there to help her find a home. Because of this accountability, Linda's Paradiso will live out the rest of her life with her other retired broodmare herd-mates. Despite being in their 20's, these broodmares all remain in good health, but do require supplemental feeding, supplements, and specialized veterinary and farrier care. Brennan Equine Welfare is pleased to partner with The Exceller Fund, and gives thanks to all donors who made this, and all 2020 grants, possible.
Twelve exceptional equine rescue/rehabilitation/retirement/retraining and
placement facilities across the USA have been awarded grants in 2020.
Thoroughbred-focused grant recipients include:
Bright Future’s Farm, Cochranton, PA
The Exceller Fund, Lexington, KY
Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, Glen Ellen, CA
ReRun, Inc., East Greenbush, NY
Non-breed-specific grant recipients include:
Brook Hill Retirement Center, Forest, VA
Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship, Cincinnati, OH
Duchess Sanctuary, Oakland, OR
Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation, Palm City, FL
Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, Ravenna, OH
Illinois Equine Humane Center, Maple Park, IL
Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, Nicholasville, KY
Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, Salem, CT
Brennan Equine Welfare Fund's 2019 Grant Recipients:
SUCCESS STORY: Days End Farm Horse Rescue and “Dobbin's Dapper Drummer”
Awarded a grant in 2019 was Days End Farm Horse Rescue (DEFHR). In 2018, a horse named Dobbin's Dapper Drummer was seized along with four other horses in West Virginia after they were found neglected and malnourished. DEFHR transported these five to their facility in Maryland where they received immediate critical and rehabilitative care. During his recovery it became clear that Dobbin was a calm, personable gelding who enjoyed being with people. He was evaluated and trained, and was adopted in April to be a therapy horse for Trails of Purpose, a unique Certified Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Center that helps veterans overcome trauma through the partnership of horses and humans. We at BEWF are so honored to assist in rehabilitative care for horses like Dobbin at DEFHR, but also know that through our work, other organizations collaborate to not only give such horses a new start, but also are keen to utilize their ability to heal humans, just as humans had to heal Dobbin.
Twelve exceptional equine rescue/rehabilitation/retirement/retraining and
placement facilities across the USA have been awarded grants in 2019.
Thoroughbred-focused grant recipients include:
Bright Future’s Farm, Cochranton, PA
Equine Encore Foundation, Tucson, AZ
The Exceller Fund, Lexington, KY
Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, Glen Ellen, CA
ReRun, Inc., East Greenbush, NY
Non-breed-specific grant recipients include:
Brook Hill Retirement Center, Forest, VA
Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship, Cincinnati, OH
Days End Farm, Woodbine, MD
Duchess Sanctuary, Oakland, OR
Illinois Equine Humane Center, Maple Park, IL
Kentucky Equine Humane Center, Nicholasville, KY
Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, Salem, CT
Brennan Equine Welfare Fund's 2018 Grant Recipients:
SUCCESS STORY: Glen Ellen Vocational Academy and “Govie”
Also awarded was Glen Ellen Vocational Academy (GEVA). Among the horses assisted by this grant is Governor Elect, a 27-year old Thoroughbred Gelding. Racing from 1994-1999, he won close to $200k, starting out high-earning races (winning a total of 19), then dropping to lower-earning races as he aged and was eventually run only in claiming races, where the horse could be bought and switched to another trainer. “Govie” could not sustain athletic-type form after his total of 55 lifetime races and had to be retired due to a career-ending injury. A previous trainer intervened when it was learned that he was to be retired and contacted GEVA who agreed to take him. He arrived with an injured fetlock (ankle) that caused him so much pain, he had a cantankerous personality. Under the expert care of GEVA, attention to his rehabilitation was taken and with no training or racing anymore, his fetlock began to heal. And with that came a different horse…one that was more comfortable, allowing his real personality to show; a more gentle soul. He’d had a rough 5 years of sprinting and now it was time to retire and just be a horse, still loving to run, but when and how he wanted. He shares a paddock with long-time friend Rio, a Quarter Horse/Paint cross, also a rescue. Govie is very talkative, especially if he thinks there might be some food to be had. At dinner time, he frolics and cavorts like a young horse. Govie’s favorite things are food, carrots/treats and more food, especially his mashes and alfalfa. He definitely leaves no doubt when expressing himself!
Fourteen exceptional equine rescue/rehabilitation/retirement/retraining and
placement facilities across the USA have been awarded grants in 2018.
Thoroughbred-focused grant recipients include:
Bright Future’s Farm, Cochranton, PA
Equine Encore Foundation, Tucson, AZ
Friends of Ferdinand, Indianapolis, IN
ReRun, Inc., East Greenbush, NY
The Exceller Fund, Lexington, KY
Non-breed-specific grant recipients include:
Brook Hill Retirement Center, Forest, VA
Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship, Cincinnati, OH
Days End Farm, Woodbine, MD
Duchess Sanctuary, Oakland, OR
Glen Ellen Vocational Academy (GEVA), Glen Ellen, CA
Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, Ravenna, OH
Illinois Equine Humane Center, Maple Park, IL
Kentucky Equine Humane Center, Nicholasville, KY
Speak Up For Horses, Falmouth, KY
Download BEWF's 2018 Press Release:
Brennan Equine Welfare Fund's 2017 Grant Recipients:
SUCCESS STORY: Rerun, Inc. and Lead Singer
Multiple-grantee, ReRun Inc., was granted funding to provide assistance with equine rehabilitation and adoption at their New York facility. One graduate of their program was "Lead Singer," a striking gray Thoroughbred gelding who ran 23 times with winnings of over $150,000. Singer was so highly regarded by his owner that when it was time for him to retire from racing, he was tried as a lead pony, accompanying racehorses to the track and to the starting gate. Because of arthritic changes, he was unable to withstand the rigors of that job, which entailed actual daily ride distances of five miles. Realizing rehabilitation and re-training for a second career was in Singer's best interest, he was entrusted to ReRun. Using funding from a 2016 BEWF grant, he was treated for ulcers and placed on a high protein, high fat diet to facilitate increased muscle mass and weight gain. Special farrier work and shoes complemented his new future. Various therapeutic therapies helped counteract general wear and tear from his racing days. After making an appearance at the Hampton Classic as a breed ambassador, he was adopted by a prior ReRun adopter who understood Singer's needs and limitations which include no jumping. We are thrilled to announce that Lead Singer has made a very successful transition into his new life and career as a trail horse with a lifetime supply of his favorite treat, sweet potatoes! This year's grant will help other retired Thoroughbreds at ReRun that are transitioning to their second career after their race days.
Fourteen exceptional equine rescue/rehabilitation/retirement/retraining and
placement facilities across the USA have been awarded grants in 2017.
Thoroughbred-focused grant recipients include:
Bright Future’s Farm, Cochranton, PA
CANTER Colorado
CANTER Kentucky
Equine Encore Foundation, Tucson, AZ
The Exceller Fund, Lexington, KY
Friends of Ferdinand, Indianapolis, IN
Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, Sonoma Valley, CA
ReRun, Inc., East Greenbush, NY
Non-breed-specific grant recipients include:
Brook Hill Retirement Center, Forest, VA
Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship
Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center, Longmont, CO
Duchess Sanctuary, Oakland, OR
Days End Farm, Woodbine, MD
Kentucky Equine Humane Center, Nicholasville, KY
Download BEWF's 2017 Press Release:
Brennan Equine Welfare Fund's 2016 Grant Recipients:
SUCCESS STORY: Duchess Sanctuary, Oakland, OR
Duchess Sanctuary was awarded a grant to assist with the care of two horses, “Birdie” and “Dorita”, two mares who were seized by authorities due to neglect. They arrived at Duchess Sanctuary severely emaciated, with overgrown hooves and a painful skin condition called rain rot which produced oozing sores. Duchess Sanctuary began a re-feeding program for the mares, had them wormed, vaccinated, their teeth floated, their feet trimmed and gave them therapeutic baths to treat the rain rot. They have been rehabilitated back to healthy weights and are turned out with a herd of other horses, although they stick close to each other. Here's an update from Jennifer Kunz, Director of Operations at Duchess Sanctuary:
"What a difference a year can make! It's been just over a year since mares Birdie and Dorita arrived at the sanctuary. Rescued with our local Animal Control, they were in deplorable condition. Both covered in rain rot, full of parasites, and desperately lacking any evidence of real food or care for months. Birdie in particular was seriously underweight, and her bony frame was even further compromised by oozing, painful sores from the rain rot. She had sore feet and had recently blown an abscess in one hoof, and was miserable in body and spirit. One year later, and their transformations have been extraordinary. Thanks to good feed, veterinary, farrier, and chiropractic care, parasite control, and a huge effort by the whole team of staff and volunteers, both mares are thriving. Many weeks of rehab returned them to good health. As the days passed, we watched the stress and worry melt away from their expressions as they came to understand they'd never go hungry or be neglected again. Dorita made friends in our "Misfit" herd this fall and spends her days eating and relaxing in a small winter pasture designated for that herd. After the summer and part of the fall on pasture, Birdie has moved into the barn for the winter, she loves her roomy, dry stall with all of the alfalfa mush she can eat. She also loves playing in the round pen, and thoroughly enjoyed rolling in the snow a few days ago." (See the video of Birdie in the snow, below.)
Thirteen exceptional equine rescue/rehabilitation/retirement/retraining and
placement facilities across the USA have been awarded grants in 2016.
Thoroughbred-focused grant recipients include:
Bright Future’s Farm, Cochranton, PA
The Exceller Fund, Lexington, KY
Equine Encore Foundation, Tucson, AZ
Friends of Ferdinand, Indianapolis, IN
Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, Sonoma Valley, CA
ReRun Inc., East Greenbush, NY
CANTER Kentucky
Non-breed-specific grant recipients include:
Kentucky Equine Humane Center, Nicholasville, KY
Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Woodbine, MD
Brook Hill Retirement Center, Forest, VA
Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center, Longmont, CO
Peaceful Acres Horses, Pattersonville, NY
Download BEWF's 2016 Press Release:
Brennan Equine Welfare Fund's 2015 Grant Recipients:
SUCCESS STORY: Friends of Ferdinand, Indianapolis, IN
Friends of Ferdinand’s (FFI) grant benefited Malcolm, a young Thoroughbred gelding who, despite a myriad of injuries and ailments, is blossoming under their care. FFI took him in after he was discovered abandoned at an auction house in Indiana in late 2014. Frightened and unstable, Malcolm had a body score of 2-2.5 (on a scale of 1-9), evidence of a previous broken pelvic wing, an infection in his right fetlock, a respiratory illness, and an inability to right himself without human assistance due to severe muscular atrophy. FFI and their veterinarian doubted Malcolm would bounce back, but through dedication, perseverance and Malcolm’s will, Malcolm has now gained over 450 pounds, re-built muscle through electro-magnetic stimulation, and has graduated to full pasture turnout where he has learned his limitations but, nonetheless, is fully intent on pestering his pasture-mate. Marla was Malcolm's foster mom during his rehabilitation and she said, "Malcolm was a great joy to have on our farm. For a horse with a broken pelvis, foot infection, lung problems, and being nothing but skin over bones, his rehabilitation was nothing short of amazing. He looks wonderful now and I am so glad he was adopted! He would do this running thing once a day (see the video from May 2015 here). I guess you can take the horse out of the race, but you can't take the race out of the horse."
Fifteen exceptional equine rescue/rehabilitation/retirement/retraining and
placement facilities across the USA have been awarded grants in 2015.
Thoroughbred-focused grant recipients include:
Bright Future’s Farm, Cochranton, PA
The Exceller Fund, Lexington, KY
Equine Encore Foundation, Tucson, AZ
Friends of Ferdinand, Indianapolis, IN
Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, Sonoma Valley, CA
Thoroughbred Athletes, Guthrie, OK
CANTER Kentucky
Non-breed-specific grant recipients include:
Kentucky Equine Humane Center, Nicholasville, KY
Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, Inc., Salem, KY
Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Woodbine, MD
Speak Up For Horses, Falmouth, KY
Heaven Can Wait Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, San Miguel, CA
Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship, Cincinnati, OH
Duchess Sanctuary, Oakland, OR
Longhopes Donkey Shelter, Bennett, CO
Download BEWF's 2015 Press Release:
Brennan Equine Welfare Fund's 2014 Grant Recipients:
SUCCESS STORY: Kentucky Equine Humane Center (KyEHC), Nicholasville, KY
Picture a large field in Kentucky, with an abandoned and neglected herd of 40+ Thoroughbred horses. Emaciated and weak, one mare and her newly born filly foal barely existed. Once authorities stepped in and contacts to rescue professionals were made, BEWF Grantee Kentucky Equine Humane Center (KyEHC) took the mare and foal, along with 4 other horses in the same herd. BEWF Founder, Linda Pavey, visited KyEHC shortly after their arrival, armed with bags of grain and fly masks to donate to the new arrivals. On intake, the mare, named by the center as Veronica, was a Body Condition Score (BCS) of 1 (on a scale of 1-9). Her days' old foal was also in a compromised situation as Veronica was not producing enough milk and was also not able to pass along beneficial antibodies. Supplemental intravenous plasma had to be administered to the foal to compensate. A special re-feeding program for Veronica was implemented to allow her internal organs and digestive system to acclimate to nutrition once again. We are happy that after one month at KyEHC, both mare are foal have increased energy, are on a regular feeding schedule, and continue to gain weight and muscle. A Facebook contest was held to help name Veronica's (registered name, Jazz Combo) little filly foal. The winning name was chosen: "Rhythm and Grace". As you can tell by the current photo, this little one certainly has both! (Photo of the jumping Rhythm and Grace courtesy of V. Madelung.)
Fifteen exceptional equine rescue/rehabilitation/retirement/retraining and
placement facilities across the USA have been awarded grants in 2014. One
pledge was also made.
Thoroughbred-focused grant recipients include:
The Exceller Fund, Lexington, KY
Equine Encore Foundation, Tucson, AZ
Friends of Ferdinand, Indianapolis, IN
Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, Sonoma Valley, CA
ReRun Inc., East Greenbush, NY
CANTER Kentucky,
Non-breed-specific grant recipients include:
Bright Future’s Farm, Cochranton, PA
Kentucky Equine Humane Center, Nicholasville, KY
Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Woodbine, MD
Brook Hill Retirement Center, Forest, VA
Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center, Longmont, CO
Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, Inc., Salem, KY
Standardbred Retirement Foundation, Millstone, NJ
Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC), Longmont, CO
Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship (CTRH), Milford, OH
Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines in Pottstown, PA was issued a pledge for a future project.
Download BEWF's 2014 Press Release:
Brennan Equine Welfare Fund's 2013 Grant Recipients:
SUCCESS STORY: Bright Futures Farm, Cochranton, PA
You surely remember the great Triple Crown Winner, Secretariat, perhaps one of the greatest and best-loved of all the Thoroughbred race horses. Well, let me introduce you to Fast Market (a.k.a. “Markie”), who is the last known son of Secretariat to have raced. Now 28 years old, Markie is sponsored in his retirement through a grant by Brennan Equine Welfare Fund at Bright Futures Farm in Cochranton, Pennsylvania. During his racing career, Markie won over a quarter million dollars in his career in Canada and the U.S., and his most notable victory was a win in the Grade II Puss-N-Boots Stakes in Canada. The New York Post magazine did a four-page feature story on Markie in December of 1996, the day of his last race. Markie was also a “guest” at the local premiere of “Secretariat: The Movie”. His resemblance to Secretariat is amazing. His favorite thing to do is hang out with his buddy, Arturo. He also likes to entertain himself by pulling the tails of the other horses in the pasture. Sponsorship allows Markie to be supported with hay, grain, farrier, and medical needs. Through your kind donation, Markie and horses like him are able to be cared for with expert care for the horses’ lifetime through grant funding from Brennan Equine Welfare Fund.
Fourteen exceptional equine rescue/rehabilitation/retirement/retraining and
placement facilities across the USA have been awarded grants in 2013.
Grant recipients include:
The Exceller Fund, Lexington, KY
Rainhill Equine Facility, Bowling Green, KY
Ryerss’ Home For Aged Equines, Pottstown, PA
Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Woodbine, MD
Speak Up For Horses, Falmouth, KY
The Standardbred Retirement Foundation, Millstone, NJ
Download BEWF's 2013 Press Release:
Brennan Equine Welfare Fund's 2012 Grant Recipients:
SUCCESS STORY: Mitchell Farm, Salem, CT
Mitchell Farm is a multiple BEWF grantee. They provide a safe and comfortable retirement for aged and infirm horses to live out their lives and they offer educational opportunities on senior horse care and management. Mitchell Farm currently cares for 24 retired horses (with over 70 horses on the waiting list) and assures that each retiree is indeed “retired” and never to be ridden or worked again. All horses have a stall to return to in the evening or during bad weather, but they spend as much time as possible grazing in pastures in the beautiful Salem Valley. Mitchell Farm is fully accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and represents the kind of well-run, outstanding organizations that are awarded BEWF grants.
Thirteen exceptional equine rescue/rehabilitation/retirement/retraining and
placement facilities across the USA have been awarded grants in 2012:
The Exceller Fund, Lexington, KY
Bright Future’s Farm, Cochranton, PA
Brook Hill Retirement Center, Forest, VA
Circle P Sanctuary, Inc., Marengo, OH
Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center, Longmont, CO
Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Woodbine, MD
Equine Encore Foundation, Tucson, AZ
Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, Inc., Salem, KY
Rainhill Equine Facility, Bowling Green, KY
ReRun Inc., East Greenbush, NY
Speak Up for Horses Inc., Falmouth, KY
Standardbred Retirement Foundation Inc., Millstone, NJ
Brennan Equine Welfare Fund's 2011 Grant Recipients:
SUCCESS STORY: Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center, Longmont, CO
We were so happy to receive this letter from Sandy at the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center and thought we'd share it for 2011's success story:
"I wanted to take a moment to share with you a little bit about my dear friend Shane. Shane is a beautiful 31-year old black Quarter Horse. He has been working at the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC) for 4 years as a therapeutic horse for riders with special needs. He also worked as a camp horse for our Integrated Special Needs Summer Camp. At CTRC our horses are, clearly, the heart of our therapeutic program. They do not only provide the therapeutic movement that is critical to our riders' clinical progress, they provide the unconditional acceptance and bond with our riders that often becomes the motivating catalyst for every area of our riders' lives. Shane is no different. Over his four years of service Shane continually helped young riders with a vast array of special needs reach beyond the constraints of their special needs. He was exceptional - dependable, accepting, patient, calm - in his role as a therapy horse and he was well loved. Everyone whose life has been touched by this wonderful horse - be it riders, volunteers or staff - has been moved by his beauty, hard work, unconditional acceptance and unlimited heart. In the Fall of 2010 it was determined that Shane needed to be retired. His heart was still very willing, but his age was catching up to him. It was a sad day at CTRC when Shane gave his last therapy ride. However, that day opened a new, and well deserved, chapter for Shane. That day marked Shane's retirement and his official move into CTRC's Retired Horse Sanctuary Program (RHS). And simply put, Shane has been living the "life of Reilly" in RHS. He enjoys hours of leisure in lush turnout with his wonderful friends - the other retired horses - with whom he is he is quite playful - tug of war with a feed pan is one of his favorite games. He receives the optimum of care including massages by the students of a local equine massage school and special treats and love from his Barn Buddy - that's me! I had the honor of being Shane's Barn Buddy volunteer during his days of providing these noble therapy services and I am fortunate to continue being his Barn Buddy in his well-deserved retirement. Shane has a very gentle and loving spirit, he is quiet in nature. We cherish our time together; he even enjoys his grooming time as much as I do. His favorite part is having his eyes and forehead gently cleaned and as I finish grooming I give him a special hug and as my reward he lowers his head over my shoulder to give me a special hug. He is very happy being part of the CTRC herd and he knows he is cherished. All of us at CTRC give our deepest THANKS to you and the Brennan Equine Welfare Fund for your support and for helping to ensure that Shane and his well deserving band of silly, wonderful retired therapy horses are able to live out their lives in a safe, comfortable and familiar environment, surrounded by individuals who are dedicated to their care and well being."
Thirteen exceptional equine rescue/rehabilitation/retirement/retraining and
placement facilities across the USA have been awarded grants in 2011.
Thoroughbred-focused grant recipients include:
Final Furlong, Inc., Ocala, FL
Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center, Longmont, CO
Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Inc., Woodbine, MD
Friends of Ferdinand Indiana, Inc., Indianapolis, IN
Golden Carrot, Anza, CA
Heaven Can Wait, San Miguel, CA
Racer Placers. Inc., Jefferson, WI
Rainhill Equine Facility, Bowling Green, KY
ReRun, Inc., East Greenbush, NY
Speak Up for Horses, Inc., Falmouth, KY
Brennan Equine Welfare Fund is a fund-raising, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Grants from Brennan Equine Welfare Fund are used to serve equine rescue shelters across the country which provide dignity to final years of aged, injured, abused, starved and slaughter-bound horses, as well as those used in medical experimentation.
A 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization for the Benefit of Equines In Need
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