US Horse Welfare & Rescue
Avon-Canton Rotarian, Susan Mitchell was online one day when she read a story of a 17 year old girl who recognized a horse she had as a child, had been rescued from slaughter. The girl's family had sold the horse when she was 8 years old, thinking it would be in safe hands. Horrified, the girl and her family traveled to the rescue to find out it was truly her horse after the horse had remembered tricks she had it taught it 9 years prior. Susan was both moved and horrified by the story, wondering how a horse that was once so loved and sold with good intentions could end up in a kill lot.
This began her mission to uncover the disturbing truths about how easy it is for a beloved horse to be bought and traded for slaughter. Although illegal in the United States, horses that are sold have the potential to be kill-bought, shipped across the borders to Canada, or Mexico for slaughter. The process is inhumane, cruel, and lacks any kind of regulation.
Susan was ignited to start a rescue of these vulnerable horses and start an advocacy campaign to educate others just how easy their horse can end up in these horrific situations. She says that "people just don't know". Horses that are still healthy, young, and capable of being incredible companions can easily end up at slaughter if sold. Owners may have good intentions, for instance, if an owner can no longer afford or physically care for their horse, they may think they're selling their beloved companion to a safe place, only for the horse to be placed under extreme and stressful conditions and be auctioned for slaughter - unbeknownst to the original owner. She has formed a group with local legislators to draft legislation that will protect horses and their owners from the horrors of slaughter.
In 2016, Susan opened her non-profit rescue farm on Nod Hill in Avon on over 20 acres of land. At the farm, she can hold up to 8 to 9 horses that she has rescued from kill-lots and rehab until they are ready for a truly safe and proper home, while others live successfully at her farm.
At the farm, Susan taps into her background as a nurse and offers equine-assisted therapy for individuals of all ages and abilities. They offer Equine Assisted Wellness programs that incorporate trauma-informed care. The rescue horses have "rescued" many humans in need. Her farm currently operates with approximately 60 volunteers.
US Horse Welfare and Rescue also offers events that allow the public to get to know the horses and learn more about the plight of America's horses.
To learn more about the programs, events, and mission of US Horse Welfare and Rescue, and to view the beautiful horses Susan has rescued, you can visit their website at
https://ushorsewelfare.org
