MHWF is top notch, hands down! I have supported this organization for many, many years and continue to constantly be impressed with this program and everyone involved. I was fortunate to be able to adopt a horse from them last year.MHWF is dedicated to the welfare of the horses and everything they do is in the best interest of the horses. They educate, rescue, rehab, evaluate, fundraise, and do everything they can to ensure the horses are cared for. The blood, sweat, and tears involved are obvious and admirable. I have looked into many animal "rescue" organizations, which I feel is the responsible thing to do if you are going to support any cause they claim to champion. The policies in place at MHWF are fair, the program is clearly effective, and they are very transparent and honest people. The dedication of everyone involved at MHWF is amazing. The amount of knowledge it takes to do what they do is overwhelming, but they do it with grace and they do it so well! Saving a horse's life is more than just giving it a pan of grain. It is evaluating the physical needs, medical needs, and mental needs of every animal that walks through the gate. It is making decisions on the horse's behalf that sometimes aren't easy to make. It is giving that horse a safe program to be a part of for the rest of it's life so that it never has to worry about ending up homeless or neglected. It is evaluating people to entrust with the horse's care. It is early mornings and late nights of endless and sometimes thankless work. It is tirelessly promoting the cause and giving a piece of yourself every single day. Thank you MHWF for being an example of what a tremendous impact an organization can have!
Scott and Karen, the principals behind this nonprofit, have been helping horses for more than 20 years. It has been my privilege to know them more than 15 years, since first adopting with them. Their knowledge and commitment are second to none, no matter whether they are refeeding a starved horse or making the right match with a new adopter... In every respect a top notch group.
I have adopted horses through Midwest Horse Rescue. This is a top quality horse rescue who really care about the animals. They are very thorough in screening the people who will adopt the horses and do their best to match the proper horse to each adopter. The horses are well cared for and provided proper food, vet care and farrier services. They have been doing this for many years and have a strong history of favorable results. I would very highly recommend this facility for anyone who is looking to adopt a horse. Scott and Karen are truly the best.
MHWF is a horse safe haven. They take in horses in need and find them appropriate homes. They make sure that the horse and the adopter are good matches and follow up on the horse for 5 years to make sure they remain a good match and all is well. They will take back horses in unsuitable situations. Dealing with difficult people to release horses into their care is also something they do well and is a difficult task to say the least.
This is Kidd, the pony. We adopted him this year. He needed a steady consistent rider to get over some of his issues. What a fun and cute pony and great match he has been for us.
I also volunteer for them several times a year. They treat volunteers very well and it's always a fun and rewarding day for me.
They are definitely the best at what they do in the Midwest and their longevity proves it.
MHWF is the most caring and compassionate horse rescue I have had the pleasure of coming into contact with. I mean, seriously, all you have to do is look at the before and after pictures to see the miracles they work to help horses live their best life. Even the rare ones that cannot be saved upon arrival are treated with the utmost respect, integrity and humanity. But the pictures cannot show the tireless amount of hours their team spends, caring for, training and working with these horses to gain their trust - morning, noon and night, winter, spring, summer, and fall. They are angels at MHWF and I cannot praise them enough for the huge hearts they have!
I have the honor of being Midwest Horse Rescues very first applicant when they began their organization.
I have adopted several horses and can’t say enough good things about the people and volunteers who make it possible for so many horses to find loving homes. The care and love these rescued and surrendered horses receive is phenomenal.
Thanks he world is a better place thanks to Midwest Horse Rescue.
MHWF Inc is the absolute best horse rescue in the MidWest in my opinion. They sincerely care about the horses they are able to rescue. They keep legal ownership for 5 years after an adoption and make sure with med records & hoof trim/ tooth floating records through that 5 years that adopters are responsible owners. When My health failed I never could have let my precious belong horse go anywhere else but MHWF without it completely breaking my heart and me in general. I am so grateful to them & I KNOW my horse was placed in a wonderful forever home.
This is a top-notch organization! The horses are first of mind from the 100% volunteer run program.
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We have adopted five horses from Midwest Horse Welfare Foundation and I couldn't be more honored and grateful to have these boys as part of our family. I am equally honored and grateful to be part of the MHWF family! Karen and Scott are amazing and selfless in all they do for the horses and us humans alike! Such a high-caliber organization
I would recommend Midwest Horse Welfare Foundation to anyone looking to adopt a horse, or to surrender one. They go through very thorough process, are very honest and provide great 'safety net' for horses AND people adopting them. I adopted a mare from MHWF, after doing research on several rescues, and would not hesitate adopting from them again
This organization has worked wonders with horses that have been neglected, abused or have health issues. These beautiful animals are nursed back to health and trust in humans is re-established. These horses are given a second chance at life with a loving family.
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This organization does a fantastic job caring for and rehabilitating neglected and abused horses. The condition of some of the beautiful animals they take in is just appalling, but with the love and care they get, in a relatively short period of time you would not know it is the same horse. When the horses are back in good physical condition, new homes are found for them with families who will give the love and care they deserve.
This is an extraordinarily run rescue. Time and again they rehabilitate horses who seem to be at their last hope, and they do so as all volunteers. Their adoption process is careful and caring, and all who come into their sphere-horses and humans-are better off for it.
This is an amazing organization who goes the extra mile for every single horse that comes into their care. I've followed MHWF for about 15 years now and their transparency, honesty, integrity and rescue ethics are second to none. I personally know a few people who have adopted from them as well as one person who surrendered her horse and all have had such a great experience all the way around. They really care about every single horse that comes into their care!
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I have volunteered to Midwest Horse Welfare Foundation for a few years and this is a magnificent organization, very well run. They set the bar high for what rescues and adoption programs should be. The horses receive the best of care and there are visitors to the farm continually and many volunteers on-sight. Each horse in their care has it's own personal thread on their discussion forum with updates and new photos besides it's profile on the adoption page. You will find so many success stories of adoption horses on the discussion forum as well. It is a great place not only for new people to see what the organization is about, but the donors of horses they have taken in can watch their donated horse in it's new adoptive home when the adopter posts their updates. Many equine professionals have adopted from this organization, including veterinarians and this organization comes highly recommended. They are experts in rehabilitating the neglected horses that come into their care and I urge you to go visit the discussion forum and look around for some of these very heartwarming stories.
One of the best rescues I've found and dealt with. A definite shining star in the state of Wisconsin! True blue honesty and transparency sets this rescue apart. They never use the click bait or the drama filled pleas for support. They do things right and put the horse as first priority, ensuring the best of care for every single horse. They are great at rehabbing even the most difficult of cases. While they take in a lot of tough rescue cases, I love that they are also catching so many horses before they wind up in a bad situation.
I have been ever so lucky to be able to adopt 3 WONDERFUL horses from the Midwest Horse Foundation. I would not obtain any future horse from anyone other than this foundation.
They are are wonderful organization to work with. They know their horses and will give you an honest opinion and evaluation of your future riding/companion horse. They are excellent in making sure that the horse/pony you are interested in fits you and the horse's needs.
I highly recommend Midwest Horse Foundation.
This is one of the legitimate horse rescues, run by knowledgeable people who truly care about horses. They are honest, and adopting an equine from them is straightforward and safe. You will also have ongoing support if and when (more likely when) you need it, not only from Karen and Scott themselves, but from the many people that frequent their rescue's online forum. I have adopted from them, as have a few of my friends, and I can't say anything negative about MHWF. I've also met a lot of great people through this organization.
If you are looking to adopt a hooved critter, than look no further than MHWF. However, this is not your ordinary fill out the paperwork and your off kinda foundation. This is more than that. This is where you gain friendships and Karen, Scott, and Their Furbabies become part of your family. Along with all of the love and support you gain from fellow adopters.
My husband and I have adopted with MHWF a couple of times and they have been their for us, every step of the way. From the initial inquiry of a hooved baby to the hooved babies last breath on earth. Karen and Scott are living the hooved babies journey right along with you. They are never afraid to lend a hand and have given everything they have to take in as many hooved babies as they can. Giving each and everyone of the babies a fighting chance. I cannot express in a few words as to how MHWF has helped my family grow and taught us the true values of love, happiness, trial and triumph, as well as the true meaning of friendship.
Thank you MHWF for all you have done and continue to do.
Hugs n Love ~ The Unser's
Having horses was a long time dream of ours. After fencing open acreage and building a horse barn, we researched several equine rescue and adoption programs. We were very impressed with what we learned about MWHF and visited their exceptional facility in Wisconsin before eventually applying to adopt horses through their program. As an adopter of 3 horses from MWHF, the concern and professionalism shown by MWHF to these needy animals is undeniable. It is very apparent in their excellent facility, their dedicated personnel and their comprehensive program requirements that demonstrate their commitment to the wellbeing and protection of all the animals they serve.
I cannot say enough good things about this organization. MHWF is such a great group of individuals that do what is in the best interest of horse and adopter. I adopted my horse from them over 6 years ago and they fielded every annoying terrified phone call I sent their way (first time horse owner here). They lend their expertise and support with each adoption and come up with unique fundraisers to benefit their rescue. The horses they get are all test ridden or worked through whatever issues the might come in with so their future homes are set up for success. Should a home not work out, they take back their horses in a heartbeat.
This organization is a great rescue. They don't pull from auction houses and feed into the slaughter pipeline. They rescue the horses that need it in their very community or if people want to donate their horse to have them find a great home. No thousands of dollars adoption fees like you see with some "rescue" organizations either. These people are in it for the horses and everything they do reflect that.
I have been working with this adoption program since its inception. Scott and Karen do a terrific job of getting to know the horses they take in and matching them with the right adopter. In addition, they get involved with rescuing horses in such a way that they can actually handle the situation, not taking on more than the facility can support. The stories of horses that have been rehabilitated here are nothing short of amazing.
I have had friends donate their horses and those horses found wonderful homes through this program. Knowing that the welfare of those horses is followed for five years gives a donor great peace of mind.
The care in follow up, the access they continue to provide to adopters for advice and input is wonderful as well.
I have adopted and facilitated the adoption of a number of horses and in one case where the adoption didn't work out, they were right there to take the horse back in even helping to find transportation. Its all about the horses and matches for Karen and Scott. I can't think of a better way to use the dollars I want to spend improving the lives of horses. The three in the picture all came from here! So did Fuzzy!
I have adopted several horses from this organization over 10 years ago and it has been a pleasure to remain involved and see how many horses since that they have helped over the years. They do an excellent job matching the right horse with the right adopter. I have seen first-hand the time and effort they put in on the special needs cases. They have given hope to many horses that others have given up on.
This organization is run solely on donations and fundraisers by unpaid volunteer staff . Their services include not only adoption of donated horses but also assistance with neglect and abuse cases . They have taken in horses in such poor shape that even the vet didn't think they would survive ( see Faith's story ). They have a separate peaceful pasture for old neglected horses to spend the rest of their days with kindness , good nutrition , fresh water - all the things these horses were missing over the years prior to coming to MHWF . It is amazing to see how they have totally turned around so many horses quality of life .
Very well trusted rescue organization. We have watched so many horses rehabbed and found good homes. Many loyal volunteers to help with whatever needs to be done.
I was told about MHWF about 3 years ago. Not only have I adopted my mare, but I also have donated another mare, and I spend most of my free time volunteering and fundraising for them. If you have questions all you need to do is ask not only the individuals that run the program but other adopters will try to help. MHWF isn't just an organization to me, It has be come my extended family. They do wonderful things and take great care of the equines in the program. They care deeply about the horses, adopters, donors, and volunteers and that's what makes this organization possible.
I have been involved with this organization in many facets. I am an adopter, donor, & volunteer. I first was an adopter in 2011. They were very open and honest about the mare that I was interested in, her strong will and quirks. She wasn't exactly what I had told them I was looking for and they made sure I understood that before adopting her. It has turned out wonderfully and was very grateful they were honest with me, instead of just trying to push the horse out the door. I love the horse I adopted and because of that, have volunteered for them on a regular basis even though I live 2 hours away. Through helping with fundraisers and volunteering on the farm, I have gotten to know the directors very well.
They are EXTREMELY knowledgable, give the horses all the care they need, and are selective and honest when approving homes for their horses. I have since adopted a 2nd horse who had some soundness issues that they were completely forthcoming about, and because of their amazing adoption policy, donated one of my personal horses in order to guarantee his protection as well after changes to my financial situation. When the time comes again that I will be able to afford another horse, the horse will come from MHWF.
Any time I have questions, even unrelated to my adoptions horses, they take the time to offer their guidance and experience. They never make me feel ashamed, embarrassed, or ignorant when I ask questions. I have worked with the organization now for 3 years and I have only ever seen them do what is in the best interest of the horses. MHWF has given so much more to me than I will ever be able to repay. So I will continue to support them in any way that I can to express my appreciation for everything they have done for me. They do things they don't have to, and are happy to do it.
I am very proud to be a long-time supporter of Midwest Horse Welfare Foundation and am also very proud of the fact that they received their Verified Status with the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). GFAS is the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries. To be awarded Verified status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and they must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. This organization is very well run, the horses get the best of care and it is a pleasure to be on the end of adopting a horse or donating a horse. You can't go wrong putting your support with this organization in any capacity!
MHWF provides the best pos. care for the horses under their supervision. They also are quite picky (to the best of their ability) in matching horses with the correct people. Some horses represent more of a challenge then others and they simply try to make a match that is best for person and horse. MHWF always gives a very honest assessment of each horse and keeps that info up to date on a daily basis should anything change (training, personality, experience, health, etc.) Horses are expensive to care for (vet fees, hoof care, meds, hay, grain and facilities to name just a few) I am surprised that MHWF can provide such great care to so many horses on such limited donations and fund raising.
MHWF have to turn down many applications (which have to be completed in writing) as some people just don't have the training or facilities necessary for horses (of any disposition) They simply will not adopt a horse to "horse ignorant" people which sometimes makes those people angry. Just because this is an adoption service does not mean they will simply let a horse out of their care to such people, if only people that sold horses for profit were so honest!
This is an excellent organization doing things the right way. I have both adopted a horse from them and also donated a horse to them (the horse donated that just wasn't the right fit for my family). I rest assured that while in their care my horse was getting the best and they go to great lengths to work with people to find the right match for them. It has been wonderful to keep in touch with the family that adopted my horse and see how great she is doing. I've been to the farm quite regularly and the horses there are all so happy and well cared for. They do have strict policies in place and that is what makes the organization one that you can trust on all levels. Wonderful facility and organization!
Several months ago I donated my Arabian gelding to this organization. Not only did they find a great new home for him, but they spent a lot of time with me on the phone and again in person during the entire process. This is a well run organization and I feel great knowing that my horse is in a safe home with someone who can care for him. Th peace of mind I get in knowing that is priceless to me.
I adopted a horse from this adoption program a couple of years ago and hope to be able to adopt again some day when I have room. I have been to the farm on many occasions and it is such a great place to spend time. The horses are all so well cared for and very happy and it is such a pleasure to spend time with the herd. The adoption process is great, they worked with me to find the right horse and the best part is now after adopting I have the most wonderful support group in the world with all of their volunteers and also on their discussion forum on the website! The whole adoption process has been just magnificent and I would recommend it to anyone.
This is a wonderful organization. I have watched this organization grow and blossom over the past 9 years or so. It is obvious that the horses and their care always come first. They work very hard to make the correct matches between horses and adopters. I do visit the farm on a regular basis and the horses are all very happy and content, and of course very well cared for. All of the people who run this organization are volunteers, 100% volunteers, there are absolutely no paid employees at all. It is clear that they love what they do and really do care deeply for horses.
I have followed the Midwest Horse Welfare Foundation on the internet for years, donating money when I can. I couldn't wait to go see their farm and see the horses. Their website always used to state when they were closed for the weekend. So I tried to make an appointment one day (in advance) to go see the farm, sent several emails and called several times but no one returned any of my correspondence. So I was in the area and stopped at the farm without an appointment and the owner called me the next day and really chewed me out. It was in very poor taste. I no longer check their website and will never donate any money to them again. I hope they treat their horse better than they treat people.
