Our original mission was to save horses in imminent danger of death by slaughter, neglect or abuse. 

We could be found on any given Monday morning at the horse auction outbidding kill buyers (meat men) to save horses from slaughter and offer them refuge in the storm with full rehabilitation. This costly and lengthy process includes nutritious food, medical care, quarantine, training through trust, and in some cases providing a pain-free humane end of life.

Over the years we've come to recognize the urgency in getting to these horses BEFORE they end up at the very terrifying and disease ridden auction or become so depleted that they are now a ward of animal control and a owner who simply had no help to call on is now seen as a criminal. Many once decent horse people know that letting a beloved horse of less market value out of their hands often ends with the kill pen. Therefore they hang on far past what is best for the horse or themselves. Nobody wants to live with euthanizing a horse simply because they can no longer physically or financially care for it.

NOTE: The average euthanasia and removal is about $1000!  Unlike the small animal world, there is no drop off shelter for horses or places to be humanely euthanized for free. 

Often owners just have no choice but to send them to the auction or the scam dealers who will promise a "good home" but will go straight to the auction. Our journey of evolution increasingly centers on lending a helping hand to owners in their times of need—whether it be financial aid for emergency veterinary care, temporary assistance with feed or hay, facilitating rehoming, physically taking in a horse, or guiding an owner through the poignant end-of-life process.

Through this noble endeavor, we have unveiled the profound truth that individuals from a myriad of backgrounds and abilities find solace in the enchanting bond with a horse. These magnificent creatures, often deemed worthless, can bestow incredible value upon at-risk teens, seniors, veterans, and those grappling with PTSD and other mental health challenges, as well as the neurodiverse community.

To meet the surging need for both horses and humans, we must expand our services, our reach, and the offerings we provide.

SHEW’s vision is to create an all-inclusive organization where horses can find new beginnings, and where horse owners have an excellent resource to call upon. People from every walk of life, background, age, circumstance, and ability can participate through a variety of programs and opportunities offering enrichment to both horses and humans.

We hope you will consider supporting our Capital Project with a leadership gift of $5,000 or more. Your investment will make a real difference and will encourage further financial support.

SHEW'S new home will stay local and continue to serve the Howard/Carroll community and Maryland.

It will include:

• a Property of 25+ acres
• a 40+-stall barn with two tack rooms, feed and hay storage
• a multipurpose center with accessible bathrooms and classrooms for our educational programs including enrichment experiences for veterans, seniors, and neuro- diverse youth
• an equine medical/rehab suite available for local horse owners as well as SHEW rescues, to inlcude an Anderson Sling for the most critical Equine Patients
• an enclosed indoor arena for year round riding, training, and group activities - without being weather dependen
• final merge with Safe Haven Equine Learning Center which provides riding lessons and a well-regarded horsemanship program for enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels using a herd of rescue alumni

The property search for SHEW's new home is well underway. We are estimating a purchase/restoration price between $1,200,000 - $1,500,000. Additional ~ $500,000 in capital expenses for large equipment to maintain a larger property and any upgrades needed for stabling, fencing, riding arenas, etc.