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What We Do
Listed below are the programs and activities FRER has developed and participates in to fullfill our mission:
 Rescue Program:
The direct rescue of abused, neglected, or abandoned horses forms the foundation of Front Range Equine Rescue's (FRER) work. Please visit our Rescued Horses page to view case histories of some of the many horses FRER has rescued.
Once in FRER's care, all horses receive an initial veterinary exam to determine their
medical needs. FRER uses alternative therapies as well as conventional vet care
for the horses that have injuries which were incorrectly treated or
not treated at all at the time of injury. Chiropractic, acupuncture,
infrared light therapy, massage therapy, magnetic therapy, and herbal
remedies are some of the alternative therapies used at FRER. Farrier care consists of methods which provide trimming
and/or shoeing closest to how a horse naturally uses and wears its
hooves.
FRER is also available
for use as an impound facility based on space availability. FRER has worked with local animal control officers which was especially
important during the animal evacuations during the Hayman Fire in 2002.
Adoption Program:
The majority of horses rescued by FRER become available for adoption to permanent, loving, and suitable
homes. Adoption criteria, rules and application forms are found on our "Adopt a Horse" page. Our horses available for adoption range from companion horses to horses suitable for different levels of riding activity. We do our best to make matches that are great for both horse and human. Most of our rescued horse have experienced abuse or neglect - some very severe.
Once rescued horses are rehabilitated and awaiting an
adoptive home, foster homes are sometimes used to care for the horses. For more information about foster homes go to our "Adopt a Horse" page.
Horse-Related Education Program:
The goal of FRER's education program is to prevent horse abuse and neglect
by teaching horse enthusiasts about proper horse care and owner
responsibility. Since 1997, FRER has
conducted clinics and seminars on a variety of horse care topics.
These events have included information on equine nutrition, basic first
aid, alternative therapies, natural horsemanship techniques, round pen basics, despooking,
advances in farrier care, trailer loading, fire evacuation procedures, leadership and respect, safety around
horses, communication with horses, trail riding, and building confidence with your horse. FRER's educational brochure series includes pamphlets on how to
purchase a horse, the Premarin industry, alternative therapies, finding
a suitable trainer, choosing a rescue organization, equine nutrition, and fire evacuation
for horses.
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Jenkins Elementary 5th grade class
Information Day |
Please visit our Events and Clinics page for a schedule of upcoming educational programs.
Emergency and Disaster Support:
In 2002, Colorado experienced its worst drought and residents were warned about high fire danger. A forest fire within a
few miles of FRER's facility resulted in FRER's
fire-evacuation-for-horses program. Community meetings on how to
develop an evacuation plan for horses (and other animals) were
conducted. FRER also developed an informational brochure on fire
evacuation tips for horse owners.
When Colorado's largest fire to date, the Hayman Fire,
erupted, FRER mobilized a team of volunteers and
assisted animal control units in Park and Teller Counties with
evacuation of horses and other livestock. Hundreds of animals were
safely transported to evacuation sites and FRER was instrumental
in providing feed and other supplies for these animals. Eventually,
FRER became directly responsible for the care of
over 130 animals which had to be re-evacuated to El Paso County as the
Hayman Fire spread.
Please visit our Emergency and Disaster Support page for information on fire prevention, emergency and disaster preparedness planning and resources.
Stop-the-Backyard-Breeder Program:
In 2002, FRER implemented this
innovative and unique program to target the irresponsible breeding of
horses. While FRER can provide direct rescue of mistreated
horses, the problem cannot be solved without addressing the issue of
horse overpopulation. Similar to spay/neuter programs of animal welfare
organizations, Stop-the-Backyard-Breeder program offers a partial reimbursement
for gelding stud colts and/or stallions. A copy of the vet bill showing
the surgery is needed. This program is funded solely by foundation
grants; therefore, funding is not always available on a consistent
basis. Contact FRER for information on how to receive a partial reimbursement.
Trails End Program:
In 2007 special funding was received to initiate the Trails End Program which provides a 50% reimbursement for the expense of humanely euthanizing very old, sick or crippled horses as a means to prevent their disposal at auction and slaughter. The reimbursement also includes 50% for hauling fee, if applicable. We believe no horse should ever end up at slaughter, but those horses whose quality of life is so poor stand more of a chance being further injured, trampled or killed during transport. To apply, send copy of vet receipt (and hauling invoice) to Front Range Equine Rescue, PO Box 307, Larkspur, CO 80118. Please note this program also applies to owners who need financial assistance with euthanizing their horses for other reasons (i.e., colic, other debilitating illness) that would otherwise be unable to do so.
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