How Do You Know You Can Trust a Horse Rescue with Your Money?

Horse rescues operate in a unique space within the equine world. Unlike boarding facilities or training barns that focus on profit, legitimate rescues prioritize animal welfare above all else. They take in horses that have been abandoned, abused, or are simply unwanted, providing them with medical care, rehabilitation, and ultimately finding them loving homes.

But here’s where it gets tricky – the term “rescue” isn’t legally protected. Anyone can slap that label on their operation, regardless of their actual intentions or capabilities. This is why your detective work becomes so crucial.

There has been a lot of discussion about the practices of horse rescues when it comes to operating and fundraising. We know that when you find a horse rescue online like us, the fact that rescue has the 501)c)3 designation from the IRS is really not enough to know if they are worthy of your support. We have to earn your support – not through inciting posts of imminent disaster, but through regular conversations about the work of the rescue sharing stories about each horse or donkey or mule and its journey. 

So, as you decide if a horse rescue like us is worthy of your support,  here are  3 ways to research the horse rescue before supporting them.
Keep in mind, there are a lot of worthy rescues out there. So this is not just about us 🙂 
 
1. Transparency.
There is no more important trait in non-profit management, than transparency.
Is this rescue and its representatives practicing transparency in their practices? Do they provide updates on the horses you supported? Do they answer your call or email? Are they open about their learnings? (After all, not every decision we make works out.) 
The bottom line is review their posts, videos or “lives”. What do they focus on? Is it your money or the stories of the horses? Do they work to educate people about horses and their care? In other words, what is their focus?
 
2. Have they been “Vetted””
Look for who they are affiliated with or accredited by.
One way to know if a horse rescue is worthy is by seeing who they associate with and who associates with them. Are they member of reputable organizations or coalitions that “vette” rescues before working with them? We can speak from experience that it is very difficult to gain these partnerships or accreditations. 

While there are several, here are 3 that we are partnered with.  

All 3 of these organizations do a deep dive examination of the practices of the horse rescue before allowing them into their network. The applications to partner are intense and comprehensive and often include onsite examinations of the horse rescue’s practices. And you can rest assured that if these organizations approve that you are working with a trusted rescue. 

3. Check Their Credentials 
This is NOT a requirement of a non-profit. But those who go this extra mile are trying to show you they understand your caution when supporting a charity online.
Every 501(c)3 non-profit has to file tax returns and reports to maintain its status. In addition, there are independent organizations like, Charity Navigator or Candid that audit the information on a charity and provide you with a level of comfort when supporting.There are different levels of transparency, but Platinum is the best. Look for this seal on their website.

Remember that legitimate rescues welcome scrutiny because they’re proud of their work and want supporters who are as committed to animal welfare as they are. Don’t be afraid to dig deep, ask tough questions, and take your time making a decision. The horses depending on these organizations deserve supporters who care enough to ensure their donations actually help.

Your due diligence isn’t just protecting your donation – it’s protecting the animals who need genuine rescue operations to survive and thrive. When you find the right rescue to support, you’re not just giving money; you’re becoming part of a community dedicated to giving horses second chances at life.