HORSE PROTECTION SOCIETY OF NORTH CAROLINA
Invite reviews
Invite friends and colleagues to share their experiences with this nonprofit
April 1, 2011
The Horse Protection Society of NC is a godsend to the horses of North Carolina. My son and I have been members and volunteers for 3 years. It has changed our lives.
I can attest that it is truly inspirational to be involved with this organization and to watch the horses recover and live without the fear of hunger, neglect and abuse. I am proud to be a member of HPS.
The horses are well cared for and each volunteer/donor is appreciated. Every decision made is considered and executed with the horses best interests at heart.
HPS has grown to become the dream sanctuary that is today because of the determination, dedication and care of Executive Director Joanie Benson and President Deborah Baker. HPS is flourishing with the help of donors and the loyal, caring philanthropy of the hard working volunteers.
Rescuing horses from near death and rehabilitating them is not an easy task. A team of devoted people are required and without them it would not be possible to have this magnificent place for the horses to recover.
Hps, beyond doubt, is the epitome of what a non-profit rescue should be. Every penny earned is used solely for the advantage of the horses. The people involved deeply care and the animals benefit from the loving care they receive; the people benefit from education they receive and the satisfaction gained from KNOWING that you have accomplished something miraculous in saving lives.
I implore anyone who reads this post to look deep into your heart and become involved to help us save the horses.
Every aspect of my life has changed due to the influence of this amazing place!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
every aspect of my life has changed due to the influence of this amazing place!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More people should get involved with the wonderful, amazing, astonishing sanctuary!
April 1, 2011
I have helped at HPS since about two years as a volunteer and I continue to be amazed at the dedication and sacrifice and love Joannie Benson and Deborah Baker show for the horses and their well being. Unless you have worked at HPS for at least a couple of times, you cannot even imagine the amount of time, strength, dedication, and knowledge of horses it takes to keep everything going. The demands and needs and worries are literally 27/7. Very few people would be able an/or willing to take over all these many responsibilities. All my respect to you, Joannie and Deborah.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I too love the horses and follow their well being every day of the week. By regularly working there, I can observe the long term care of the horses, the dedication it takes to care for them, and the individual improvements each horse makes.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I cannot think of any changes that those running HPS should make. They are giving one hundred percent of their time, strength, and treasure. Any changes that could be made, like a riding hall to build up the horses' strength, would require more donations and more volunteers.
April 1, 2011
I have volunteered at HPS for almost 3 years and find it to be a wonderful place to work to help the horses who have been rescued to enjoy a full and loving life. The volunteers are a great group of people and it is run by 2 people who have the horses' best interests always uppermost in their minds and hearts.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing some of the horses adopted to caring families and all of the horses protected as long as they are at the sanctuary
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
work to find more regular volunteers
April 1, 2011
I have been blessed to volunteer at HPS for 8 months now. I am amazed at how much work it takes to care for 45 horses and how much time each horse gets. Each one is treated every day for medical conditions based on the horses needs. Joanie's knowledge is so valuable and her dedication remarkable! I have learned so much about the proper care and respect for horses. As someone who has loved horses for 35 years I am so grateful to be a part of HPS. These beautiful creatures have all come from terrible conditions and here they can heal, learn to trust and become the noble animals God created them to be. None of this would be possible without volunteers of time and money. It takes many hands and hearts to help these horses but what an amazing place this is!!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
pride of caring for these wonderful animals.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
they are doing a great job and it is not an easy task to care for so many animals.
March 31, 2011
In response to slanderous allegations made by marenmind on Oct 5, 2010 that the horses at HPS do not receive proper care, that the people who run are "terrible, hateful, people" and do not appreciate donors and volunteers.
HPS cares for approximately 45 horses each month. These horses are fed twice a day and every horse is check from checked and treated for any medical problem from the tiniest scratch to the most serious disease. This care is documented daily by the volunteers and with 30-40 people helping to care for these horses on a monthly basis. All horses receive yearly dental care, are up to date on vaccinations, receive hoof care every 6-7 week, unless foundered and then receive hoof care every 3-4 weeks and annual digital radiographs,and are wormed every 6-7 weeks. Additionally, we request volunteers to each take a horse and give it personal attention each week.
Most horses need about a year to completely recover from starvation and begin to ride again. All horses are treated by a chiropractor before being saddled and are brought back slowly and carefully. This may mean that the horse is only walked without a rider the first day, then sat on the second time, then ridden at a walk for about 5 minutes the third time. Strict attention is paid to ensure that the horse is not over exerted and injured as it returns to a saddle career.
Barns are cleaned a minimum of 4 times a week. I clean them at least once a week myself and have been doing so for the past 7 years.
Volunteers are our most important asset. Most come to the sanctuary with absolutely no horse experience but are welcomed to come share the experience of rehabilitating these magnificent creatures. The only stipulations are that volunteers/members pitch in and carry their share of the load, follow policy, and treat others at the sanctuary with respect.
I convey my personal appreciation to volunteers for almost every task they perform on a daily basis. As does our Executive Director, who also buys a Christmas gift for every volunteer/feeder from her own pocket. Every donor receives a personally written thank you note for every single donation they make.
For many years, Joan Benson did much of the physical labor, at the sanctuary herself despite already being in her 60's. In 2005, a change was made to allow her to properly fulfill her role as a true Executive Director and since then the sanctuary has flourished with the addition of a covered hay feeder, improved fencing, 2 large barns and 4 smaller ones totalling 50 stalls. We are happy to say that this was accomplished without the sanctuary incurring any debt. We are now on our way to adding a covered riding arena and would like to obtain special medical equipment such as a sling.
I understand that this organization is not for everyone. We cannot let you or your children ride the horses because there is too great a liability issue. The work is difficult and we are often short-handed so we need everyone to pitch in. There are many rules but they are to keep the volunteers safe, the euipment operating, and the horses healthy.
Sometimes people cannot understand those few simple facts and they leave in anger. I do not understand why people such as marenmind then try to harm the horses and the organization they once professed to love.
I'm proud to represent this organization and will not hide behind a fictitious name as marenmind has done.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Horses come to the sanctuary starved and injured. Most are rehabilitated and placed in quality homes. I've always been impressed by the high standard of its care and its commitment to finding the best homes for the horses.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
be able to hire a few part-time employees to help care for the horses during the weekday mornings because it is so hard to find people with availability during this time.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
October 5, 2010
STAY AS FAR AWAY FROM THIS PLACE AS YOU CAN! The cause of rescueing horses and helping rehabiliate is wonderful but the 2 people that run the place are terrible, hateful people. They see volunteers and contributors as indispensiable and do not care about anyone but themselves. The horses stand in waste and do not receive the proper care. Very Very Sad and disapointing!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
a negative manner. The horses are great but it lacks professionalism and busniess sense. It is a total disapointment.
More feedback...
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Previous |
Next
Filter by reviewer role:
Support This Nonprofit
Help this nonprofit get more reviews
5 tips for getting reviews