My Nonprofit Reviews

West Virginia Horse Network is a volunteer-run organization providing services for horses in need of rescue throughout the State of West Virginia. The organization also teams up with other rescues when needs arise to assist larger rescue efforts. My miniature horse lost his companion and I had been following this rescue group for a few years. I reached out via their Facebook page after seeing several ponies and miniature horses they had available. I explained what type of companion horse I was interested in to match my mini. After completing an adoption application and having my references interviewed, as well as myself, via phone by a volunteer, I was approved as an adopter. They made suggestions of which horses they felt would make good matches and invited me to visit the horses in person. I was able to take my young nieces with me to see how the recommended horses interacted with them. I ended up chosing Amara a miniature mare. They completed additional vetting and included her x-rays and vet records with her adoption packet so I could share with my vet to continue the care she needed. They have very thorough follow up requirements after you bring the horse home so they can monitor that the horse remains safe and well-cared for. Also if anything ever happens that the horse needs returned, they accept them back which ensures the horse can always have a safe place. Another thing this rescue does is that they provide education and assistance to horse owners struggling to provide care or who get in a tough situation to help them manage to keep their horse(s), if possible. The also have youth programs to teach children the basics of equine care, handling and riding. They also organize local horses shows for the children, as well as adults, in which to participate; creating a full-circle learning experience. At one point I had an issue with a neighbor's rogue untamed stallion getting loose and busting fences getting into our fields. I reached out to ask the rescue for advice and assistance on the State/County laws regarding this issue. The president of the rescue called my county's Sheriff's dept to provide education on handling loose feral horses. Education is often over looked but seems to be at the forefront of this rescue; no matter the topic, to help ensure the horses involved will benefit. For West Virginia Horse Network being a volunteer-run rescue in the small, mainly rural state of West Virginia, this group accomplishes such a variety of things to provide care and support for horses as well as education for the people involved with them.