Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Inc.

Humane organization dedicated to fostering compassion and responsibility for horses through intervention, education and outreach since 1989, with the help of our donors and 1200 volunteers. Tours 9am - 4pm.

How do you help people in my community?

First and foremost, each year DEFHR provides shelter to over 100 horses that have been impounded by animal control due to cruelty, severe neglect or as a byproduct of domestic violence situations. However, a significant portion of our mission involves humane education. Providing education to young people not only curtails senseless animal suffering but also alerts children to the results of violence and the devastation it causes. Ultimately, in becoming aware of the causes and ramifications of abusive behavior – whether directed towards animals or family members- children may be better able to identify, report or prevent abuse in their own lives and that of their friends.

In 2001 DEFHR has boosted participation in our “Share a Heart” Program, an initiative aimed at providing education and special activities to children of all socio-economic levels. In particular, we hope to better tailor the program towards youth that, themselves, are victims of abuse, abandonment, neglect or violence. Share-a-Heart is comprised of educational classes and activities revolving around humane issues, animal welfare and the links between child abuse, domestic violence and animal cruelty. In 2000, Share-a-Heart was provided to over 625 youth through collaboration with schools, 4-H groups, Girl Scout / Boy Scout Troops, child protective services, YMCAs, local halfway houses and orphanages. Participation has increased almost 25% each year since it’s inception in 1998.

Why do you need my support?

DEFHR is a small but growing organization. Our administrative costs are extremely low. Over 87 Cents of every dollar is directed towards our rescue and rehabilitation efforts. For a breakdown of our operating budget (which includes line item horse care expenditures) please contact our office. Your financial gift or donation of time, no matter how modest, can help provide care and supplies for our shelter.

We hope to continue expanding our programs and services, eventually moving to a larger farm, so that we can accommodate the growing number of horses involved in cruelty investigations. As more Animal Control workers, police and humane societies receive training at our farm, the more comfortable they become in dealing with horses and investigations. This, in turn, leads to a greater number of impoundments and therefore more horses to rehabilitate and place.

We also hope to have a facility with several classrooms to continue expanding our educational programs to both adults and children. Currently, a certain portion of all donations are earmarked towards our “Share A Heart” educational programs. Some seminars taught in this program include: a “First Time Horse Owners Clinic”, “How to start a Horse Rescue Facility”, “Animal Cruelty Investigations”, “Hands-On Training for Professional Animal Workers” and myriad humane education classes for at-risk youth and school-age children.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

Days End proudly announces the completion of its 2000 Year-End Audit by the independent auditing firm of T.R. Klein & Company! No, it doesn’t involve pictures of warm and fuzzy horses, or show the successes of our before and after photos. However, the Board of Directors is quite proud of the figures depicted in the document. Why – because it demonstrates that 87% of the Farm’s total annual expenses in 2000 went directly to the Farm’s programs and services. Simply stated, for every dollar contributed in calendar year 2000, $.87 was applied directly in fulfilling our mission statement – ensuring the quality care and treatment of horses through rehabilitation, humane education and community outreach.

As with any business, non-profit or otherwise, the best litmus test in determining whether the Farm is utilizing contributions wisely and responsibly is our annual audit. Audits are completed by independent accounting firms, and help to assure accountability to the Farm’s contributors. The audit process itself is no small task. Audits are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP standards) and are accompanied by a report of an independent certified public accountant reviewed by the Board. The audit process itself can take months with many on-site visits to the Farm’s office by the accountants and a seemingly endless paper trail provided to the accountants to adequately complete.

The results for Days End’s 2000 audit as conducted by T.R. Klein & Company for calendar year 2000 as expressed in their auditor’s opinion – A CLEAN AUDIT!! This is the best an auditor can give a client. It means the numbers are fairly stated, the disclosures are adequate, and the organization will continue! Audits, I.R.S. Form 990s and our I.R.S. Letter of Determination are available upon request.

Can I Volunteer? How?

Days End is a strongly volunteer supported organization. Much of the hands-on work is performed by volunteers; everything from daily care to feeding to training is within the realm of volunteering, depending on experience. We can also use assistance with our administrative activities like fund raising, public relations, speaking at conventions or manning booths.

Anyone interested in volunteering should begin by attending one of our monthly Volunteer Orientations. Orientations are held the 2nd Saturday of every month from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. at our farm. Directions are available by checking our web site.

There are opportunities available for individuals with the range of horse experience. If you’re new and inexperienced, start slowly at your own pace. DEFHR is a wonderful place to learn about horse health, nutrition and behavior. We usually have a variety of breeds, ages and dispositions of animals and volunteers can observe a broad cross section. Those with a greater familiarity of horses can work on training or handling the horses. We ask that volunteers under 12 be accompanied by an adult. We’re open 7 days a week; Monday through Saturday, 8am until 5pm and Sundays 9am until 5pm. You can volunteer as many or as few days a month as fits into your schedule. Some folks visit every week while others come by once a month. We do ask that people volunteer a minimum of 3 hours per visit, but you’re welcome all day!