MVHR Rescue, Rehabilitation & Rehome
Mountain Valley Horse Rescue (MVHR) equines are in different stages with different needs. With MVHR’s ultimate goal for all of them being adoption, they are considered “available” for adoption to the right home, even as they go through our processes below. Here is an explanation of how MVHR helps equines who come to us. Click here how you can help us help them, even if you are not ready to adopt. If you are ready to adopt, click here to learn more about the process!
Upon intake equines are first evaluated physically by MVHR staff, volunteers, and veterinarian to identify and address any health issues. Almost all are in need of improved nutrition and basic preventative health care to reach a baseline of well being. In some cases, extreme neglect, starvation, illness or injury must first be addressed to attain a minimal level of health even before basic preventative treatments (vaccines, worming, teeth and/or hoof care) can be provided. Especially in these cases, recovery is facilitated by especially close supervision of a veterinarian.
Once an equine is healthy and stable, they are extensively evaluated by MVHR staff, volunteers, and trainers to assess their ground manners and level of training. In many cases, some evaluation of their training status has coincided with their physical recovery. Once training level and health are evaluated, a training or management plan is developed for each horse.
Some are young and healthy, but in need of extensive socializing and training. To facilitate eventual adoption, these equines will be matched with volunteers and/or trainers contracted by MVHR to begin their journey.
Others may be already well trained and have good ground manners, but may have physical or health issues which limit the “usability” likely greatly extending the period of time they will spend at MVHR. If the horse’s personality suits, these handleable but unrideable horses are evaluated for their suitability for participation in MVHR’s Programs. These Programs are ongoing and promote hands on learning opportunities to people of all ages. The ultimate goal for all equines at MVHR remains Adoption, but participation in these programs provides meaningful opportunities for these horses to serve as ambassadors, educators, therapists, friends and companions, until that day comes.
Sometimes, MVHR places horses with Foster homes during their recovery to adoption process, as a way of freeing up space and resources for other horses at the MVHR ranch. These foster homes are critical “family” for the horses on their recovery journey.
MVHR seeks Sponsorships to support equines at each of these phases of their recovery process from intake to adoption. It costs MVHR an average of $6000 to care for an equine annually, with many of those in the recovery process costing much more, due to their extensive veterinary, farrier, and training needs.
ADOPTION
The ultimate goal for every horse at MVHR is Adoption. Click HERE to learn more about our adoption process.
