Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation – In the Spotlight
Animal rescue shelter facilities are organizations, receiving money from charitable donations.
These facilities are committed to finding good homes for homeless dogs, cats, rabbits, etc. in their care.
Many of my animal shelter spotlight posts during 2022 dealt with facilities for smaller companion animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, etc.
I also posted a spotlight on Star Gazing Farm Animal Sanctuary which provides a place of refuge and security to abused, stray, and neglected farm animals.
Save the Chimps Sanctuary, one of the largest chimpanzee sanctuaries in the world, was in the spotlight in November.
This sanctuary houses more than 220 chimpanzees.
Their mission is to provide refuge and outstanding care to chimpanzees in need and offers life-long care for chimpanzees rescued from research laboratories, the pet trade, and the entertainment industry.
Horses are also companion animals so I’m starting 2023 with the spotlight on The Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation, Inc. (ERAF), founded in 2000, located in Palm City, Florida.
This is a wonderful organization.
ERAF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization devoted to the rescue, rehabilitation, retraining and adoption of abused, abandoned, neglected, slaughter-bound horses, mules, and donkeys.
Because of ERAF, these animals will be able to live their lives free of abuse and suffering.
This rescue also takes in former racehorses who have been retired from the sport.
ERAF has rescued more than 450 animals since its establishment.
This rescue farm sits on 8.5 acres of land.
The property includes 24 stalls, nine paddocks, and two quarantine paddocks.
ERAF has a staff of two full-time and six part-time employees.
They depend heavily on their 75-plus volunteers to handle the day-to-day management of the organization.
The volunteers care for the horses, run staff events, and maintain the property.
Volunteer Program
If you are interested in becoming an ERAF volunteer, there is an online interest form that needs to be submitted.
You can find a Volunteer Registration Form on the ERAF website (eraf.org).
Orientation is held the first Saturday of the month.
Tasks involve paddock and barn chores.
Additional opportunities listed on the ERAF website are as follows: facility maintenance, landscaping, event planning, fundraising, grant writing, junior volunteer program, donor outreach, social media and marketing support, foster and adoption programs, and tours.
As you can see, there are many and varied opportunities for volunteers to lend a helping hand and expertise.
Junior volunteers (ages 10 and up) are also welcome!
Junior Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied and supervised by a parent/guardian at all times.
ERAF works closely with Sheriff’s Offices and Animal Care and Control to identify at risk horses and remove them from dangerous situations.
As with all 501(c)(3) organizations, ERAF relies on donations to get the much-needed work done to rehabilitate, to house, and to care for these incredible creatures.
Adopters are also needed to give forever, caring homes to horses under their care.
ERAF’s website states, “Too often horses come to us broken in spirit and without a safe home. Sometimes they come to us heart broken, grieving the loss of their human partner and longtime home. Very often they come to us ill or physically broken. With our hard work, your generosity, and a loving new home, they can once again be healthy horses that are filled with life and promise.”
Horses have a strong connection to America.
They have played a pivotal role in our history, they have been a part of our work and our play, and we cherish them as companion animals.
The horse, both wild and domestic, has played an enormous role in American life, culture, and history.
Americans continue to own, use, ride, and admire horses.
We need to take part in their protection, adoption, or advocacy.
“We’ve always relied on horses; now it’s their turn to count on us.”
ERAF is located at:
6400 SW Martin Highway
Palm City, FL 34990
Phone: 772-220-0150
[email protected]
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