Buddy, a gorgeous Unregistered Thoroughbred, was born around 2009. He was rescued in 2012 when police intercepted a truck shipping him and other horses to Canada for slaughter. Thankfully, we were able to take Buddy, and he now spends his days with other Thoroughbreds in a section we call “A Few Good Men.”

Buddy is proudly sponsored by supporters from West Haven, Connecticut; Charlestown, Massachusetts; Brooklyn, New York and Ithaca, New York.

More Sponsors Welcome!

Photo credit: Karen Wagner

Connor, a mixed-breed and the son of PMU (Pregnant Mares’ Urine) Mare Annie, was born in the spring of 2004. This strapping chestnut and his mother had been adopted out, but both came back to us in 2008. Connor is one of our kindest horses at the sanctuary. He enjoys spending his days with fellow PMU offspring Jeffrey Mac in the pasture we call “Wise Guys.”

Connor is proudly sponsored by supporters from Williamstown, Massachusetts; Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; Montclair, New Jersey; East Nassau, New York; Queensbury, New York and Thousand Island Park, New York.

More Sponsors Welcome!

Photo credit: Kara Heniges

Darlene Love is a Registered Standardbred Mare who once raced under the name “Lil Miss Attitude.” She was named in honor of the great Darlene Love, the iconic singer and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Her memorable and joyous performance was the highlight of the Equine Advocates 23rd Annual Gala on September 28, 2024.

“Darlene” was born in upstate New York on May 10, 2002. She was part of an emergency rescue operation on November 15, 2024, to save her from being dumped at a low-end slaughter auction by an Amish farmer. The farmer used her as a buggy horse and broodmare until she became too old and arthritic to be of use to him anymore. Lynn Cross of Little Brook Farm alerted us to the situation and asked if we could come to her rescue and admit her into the sanctuary. Both our organizations worked with others to expedite Darlene’s rescue. We immediately arranged to have her admitted to Cornell University Hospital for Animals that same day to undergo an extensive health exam and diagnostics. She remained at the hospital for nine days and arrived at the sanctuary on November 24, 2024.

During her stay at Cornell, Darlene was diagnosed with asthma, a severe Vitamin E deficiency, and lameness in her left forelimb. She was also extremely underweight. It was determined that part of the reason for that was due to the extremely poor condition of her teeth, due to years of neglect. They were floated (filed) at the hospital to remove the painful, sharp points and hooks in her mouth, after which time she was better able to chew. She also began to gain weight. The other good news was that her examining veterinarian felt she was pasture sound and could be safely turned out with other horses.

It is a sad fact that every year, Standardbreds no longer able to race are cruelly and thoughtlessly sold to Amish and Mennonite farmers to be used as buggy horses. Many of them end up being sold for slaughter when they outlive their usefulness. While many organizations and individuals work hard to save as many Standardbreds as possible, we feel the industry itself needs to do much more to prevent these horses from ending up with farmers and others who do this to their horses. Over the years, we at Equine Advocates have rescued numerous Amish buggy horses, workhorses, and work mules, most of whom had been slaughter-bound and/or badly neglected and abused.

As for Darlene, we were so happy to help with the rescue operation that made it possible for her to escape the horrific fate for which she was destined. She is a lovely and sweet-tempered mare who will live out the rest of her life permanently retired here and receiving the love and care she always deserved.

Darlene is proudly sponsored by supporters from Averill Park, New York and New York, New York.

More Sponsors Welcome!

Photo credit: Michele Jacobs

Elinore, a Percheron/Morgan Cross born around 1994, was an Amish workhorse when she was rescued by Equine Advocates. She was adopted out for several years but came back to us in December of 2009. Fun fact – Elinore was named to honor the memory of a great friend of Equine Advocates, Elinore B. Gordon.

Elinore is proudly sponsored by supporters from Dunwoody, Georgia; Cold Spring, New York; New York, New York; Old Chatham, New York and Troy, New York.

More Sponsors Welcome!

Photo credit: Melissa Murray