What does “reputable” mean to you?

Posted by Ali on September 9, 2010

What does the word reputable mean to you? What is a reputable rescue in your eyes? You, the fans, observers, bystanders, you are the reason why rescues can function between donations, contributing to fundraisers, cross posting on social media sites like facebook and twitter, so in your eyes, what do you like to see in a horse rescue or sanctuary?

I am asking this for a reason, of course! We hope to open a horse rescue one day focused on saving appaloosas. We are working on getting a website up for it now, and it will be a branch off of Filly Tracks called Happyloosas. We don’t have a website for it up yet, but do have a Happyloosa facebook page and twitter account for you to see what we have in the works!

Of course, we want this rescue to be successful in rescuing horses, rehoming/adopting horses, and have a supportive fan base. To get there we need your help! We are years away from starting this rescue, but feel learning along the way is very important! So tell help us by answering one, some, or all of these questions!

What is a reputable rescue in your eyes?

What does a rescue need to showcase on their website?

Should a rescue charge adoption fees for horses that are adopted out?

If people who run the rescue have no other source of income, how much money, if any should they get?

These are just some of the questions that come to mind… I’m sure we will have more, and post more in the future to get your feedback! Thank you very much!

Ali

Photo Credits…

Thumbnail credit goes to Wendy Piersall, and credit for the blog photo goes to Johnny Jupiter Photo – both from flickr!

4 Responses to "What does “reputable” mean to you?"

1. boopi says:

   September 10, 2010 at 8:50 pm

   To me a “reputable” rescue doesn’t mind showing their records when asked.They work with the auction house or owner surrender horses, not a kill buyer. They make the amount of the horse affordable and not mark up a huge profit on free horses. They don’t have secret pick up spots nor would they mind you going to their rescue any day or time of day. They do everything in their power to help the horse get into a good home. Actually make calls to references, vets,farriers, and make an initial home visit.
   Many rescues out there are just plain people that put that title in front of their name but have no 501 or 503c status. Without those you really aren’t a rescue.
2. Frog Pond Farm Draft Rescue says:

   September 10, 2010 at 9:35 pm

   I have to respectfully disagree. We have been a State of Ohio registered non profit for almost 9 years. We just recently applied for our 501 status but truthfully I dont consider that as making us more “legit”. As a non 501 I feel like I work off my reputation that I worked my butt off to build. I dont want people donating to me because they can get a write off..I want them to donate because they believe in what we are doing and they TRUST we are doing the right thing. I have no problem posting all our funds as we fundraise, posting the verification of payments with our paypal debit card for horses bought thru auction, showing regular updates and requiring and posting follow ups on all our horses. So to say non 501s arent as worthy is not right. There are many who work just as hard, if not harder, to do the right thing. Look at the number of 501s that have been complete frauds…then make your determination.

   Thanks for the blog Ali…good one!

   Lisa Gordon
   Frog Pond Farm
   Draft Horse Rescue
   Cambridge, OH 43725
3. Cindy says:

   September 10, 2010 at 9:42 pm

   That’s a great question! I too have a “calling” to open a rescue/therapeutic ranch that will take in the unwanted horse and with the help of kids in need, rehab the horse & show the kids that loving & caring for the horse will also bring love into their lives. That way there are differences made in 2 lives!
   Ok, off my plans )
   A reputable rescue first has their 503c status and with it a board of directors that will guide, but not run or profit from it
   It will have an “open book” policy for all running expenses and donations received
   It will have private fund raisers and community support to bring in the funds needed. It must network with the local authorities and SPCA or Humane Society to actively rescue horses that are mistreated or no longer wanted.
   I am not a fan of getting horses from kill brokers – it just continues to fuel their profits and the cycle. So many are in need through the animal control officers or the animal shelters!
   The rescue will EDUCATE the public on the responsibility of horse ownership! And let the general public be aware that the rescue is there to help take in a horse if the owner can no longer take care of it.
   My list goes on & on. It will be at least another 5 to 7 years before I will be able to devote 100% of my time to this adventure, but it will happen and I too will be learning everything that I can before it becomes truly real.
   There is a really good book – How to Start and Run a Rescue by Jennifer Williams
   Get it when you can, read & study it. Also L.O.P.E. here in Texas is one of the best run TB rescues I’ve ever seen.
   Crystal Peaks in Oregon is the exact model that I am looking at. They do a fantastic job with the horse and the children. It is inspiring to say the least.
4. Ali says:

   September 10, 2010 at 9:48 pm

   Thanks everyone for the feedback! Cindy – we have the same ideas! My rescue will also be devoted to helping children/teens gain more confidence in themselves… Here’s an outlook on what I would like to do…
   http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=146325695390619&topic=139

   I LOVE Lynn and LOPE! I had the opportunity to interview her – she’s my inspiration! First person that made me think I could do this… But alas, I’m 5-7 years away from this as well.. So figure I should use this time to learn all I can! Also prob. going to apply for non-profit status next year under “Happyloosas” – very excited!

   Thanks again everyone for the comments!

   Ali