Standing Ovation by Ovation Riding: Voice For Horses Rescue Network

Every Friday, Horse Nation teams up with Ovation Riding to spotlight an individual or organization doing good work in the horse world. Today, we recognize Voice For Horses Rescue Network.

Dolly aka Cruz, a slaughter save from Tar Heel Feedlot in Madison NC; we networked with Leilani Mae Horse Rescue in Linden, NC to transfer her to them since she was not stable to travel the 9 hour trip to Ohio. Photo by Irene Hobart.

Voice For Horses Rescue Network (VFHRN) is a horse rescue based in Toledo, Ohio. We caught up with Diana Murphy of VFHRN to learn more.

HN: What is VFHRN’s mission statement and charity status?

VFHRN is committed to relieving the causes of abuse and neglect, while providing for the humane treatment of horses, who are sick, injured, abused, auction/slaughter bound or whose owner can no longer care for. We focus on helping any equine in need across the US. VFHRN is committed to eliminating the causes of equine suffering through intervention, education and community awareness while promoting humane ethics.

VFHRN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity.

HN: How did VFHRN get started?

VFHRN was founded by Diana Murphy when she was a Humane Officer for the Toledo Area Humane Society in 1999 due to the fact they had no local equine rescue to assist with horses should the Humane Society need to seize then due to a cruelty case. So the rescue was started to help law enforcement agencies in any state if needed.

HN: Where do your horses come from?

VFHRN is a physical rescue and we do have a few fosters for overflow or in other states if needed should a horse need help. Our horses come from many different situations, an owner passing away, auction, slaughter saves, retired off-track Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, Quarter horses and Arabians in the racing world, owner relinquishment due to whatever reason, law enforcement seizures, camp horses, retired police horses, retired therapy or school horses.

HN: How are you funded?

VFHRN is solely funded by donations and if applicable small grants and fundraisers. We always encourage anyone to donate to help a horse in need at Paypal or via our website.

HN: What’s one thing you wish people knew about the work that you do?

VFHRN wants the caring community to know we help any horse, donkey or mule, from miniature to draft in any state. Rescues in general need support because even if we save a horse from a bad situation, we still need the help while they are in the rescue’s care. We can help as many horses as possible with the donations from the caring public.

Some of our volunteer kids, Mackenzie Kennedy and TJ. Photo by Diana Murphy.

We encourage readers who wish to learn more about VFHRN to visit the organization’s website and Facebook page.

Many thanks thanks to Ovation Riding for their support of both Horse Nation and individuals and organizations that are doing good work in the horse world. If you know someone who deserves a Standing Ovation, we would love to recognize them in a future post. Email the name of the person or organization along with a message about the good work they do to [email protected]. Photos/videos are always welcome, and include a link to their website if applicable.