My Nonprofit Reviews

Mylestone Equine Rescue, director Susankelly Thompson, and her deeply caring board do more to help at-risk equines than most people could imagine. From helping local horses that have been abandoned, abused, surrendered, or otherwise put at risk, to helping other rescues in NJ during crises, to helping Fleet of Angels provide critical emergency services and supplies to equines put at risk by natural disasters all over the country, Mylestone's impact is phenomenal! Susankelly has the heart of a lion, and puts an incredible amount of time, energy, and spirit into simply doing good -- wherever and whenever she is needed. Honesty, integrity, diligence, and intelligence are easily found as key ingredients of each of Mylestone's outreach programs. If you are considering making a contribution to a fantastic equine-focused program, I highly recommend that you put Mylestone Equine Rescue at the top of your list.
- Elaine Nash

Photo: Two happy horses at Mylestone Equine Rescue

The new Adopted Horse Incentive Program that Horse Sense has created is such a good idea, and has been long awaited by those in the cause of promoting equine adoption ! People who adopt horses typically find themselves on the outside of the circle when it comes to participating in horse shows and various horse sports because their horse- even if of quality breeding, doesn't have the registration documents attached to it that are required for breed show competitions. By creating a program that is designed specifically for adopted horses, that circle opens up, creating an exciting opportunity for adopters of equines. Not only will adopters be able to compete and accumulate points toward awards for their participation and successes, the network of horse adopters that's also created will provide a whole new social arena for adopters to enjoy. Horse Sense director Liz Radley is a lovely and caring person who wants adopters to enjoy the entire spectrum of horse 'ownership', and is forging a pathway for that to finally be possible! This is a win-win plan run by a winner. For adopters of equines, it just doesn't get any better than that!

Barbara Rasmussen, Gila Herd Foundation of Arizona's director, was a great help during Fleet of Angels' now-famous Hallelujah Horses mission, which saved the lives of 907 mustangs seized by SD officials- who almost immediately put the horses at great risk of being slaughtered. The HH mission is considered the largest rescue of horses in history. Not only did Barbara spend months away from home to help photograph and document the situation at the failed sanctuary, she reviewed almost 1000 adoption applications submitted to FOA and provided meaningful emotional support to the rest of the Fleet of Angels team for over a year and a half. Additionally, in her efforts to create a safe haven for several of the Hallelujah Horses from the treasured Gila herd, Barbara formed this foundation, which took the horses she adopted back to their native state of AZ so they could gain back their health before rejoining their herd at their new sanctuary in CA.

The Gila Foundation has also assisted with fundraising, awareness building, and organizing efforts for several other groups of mustangs who were at risk and needed safe placement.

Fleet of Angels loves Barbara Rasmussen and supports efforts of the Gila Foundation of Arizona.

This Old Horse is an absolutely fantastic equine sanctuary, retirement home, and play place for equines that need some extra TLC. And what a lot of TLC these folks have to give! Their specialty is giving a home to equines that even other 'rescues' won't take- horses like the very old, blind, aged beyond being 'useful' according to most people, elderly stallions, untouchable minis, and on and on. Whatever the issue is- no matter how utterly impossible a challenge an equine's situation is, This Old Horse can sort it out, make it work to the benefit of the horse, and turn the whole issue into the happiest affair you can imagine. Nancy Turner and her compatriots are a barrel of fun, terribly creative, and they simply refuse the notion that there is anything on Earth that is impossible when it comes to helping horses that just don't fit in anywhere else. If anyone deserves a heap o' donations, it's this wonderful organization.

When I was running The Hallelujah Horses mission- a massive effort to find homes for 907 wild, neglected, starving horses from a failing sanctuary, my organization was able to find homes for all the horses in groups of two or more; all EXCEPT a group of 20 elderly wild stallions, about seven of whom were blind, several had one eye, and others had severely failing vision. We were determined to find the 'Hallelujah Stallions' a home, but who in the world would be willing to take on a single group of 20 WILD STALLIONS?! This Old Horse would. That's who. They found a wonderful couple who was willing to donate a big chunk of their land for a special sanctuary to be built on, TOH had a safe, strong fence built, shelters erected, and as soon as it was all ready, off the stallions went to their new home! Those guys are as happy as clams, they are treated like royalty, and are thriving with their buddies. They also adopted several other groups of Hallelujah horses that had special needs and are giving them the best life they could ever dream of. THAT is what kind of organization This Old Horse is! They are simply the best of the best at what they do!

Photos: Some of the Hallelujah Horses enjoying life at This Old Horse's Hallelujah Stallions Sanctuary in MN.