The snap, crackle, pop of acorns under foot in the paddocks means that Autumn has again arrived at NEER North. We’re in the midst of our busiest year ever. Since January, we’ve taken in 38 horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules, and found permanent homes for 25 of them. We’ve received more than 87 surrender requests since April—a heartbreaking number that far outstrips our capacity to help, but demonstrates the scope of the problem in our local area and the vital nature of our mission. When we can’t accept surrenders, we do our best to help by offering networking advice and feed assistance if needed.
I’m excited to announce that NEER North has received top-tier reviews and accreditations for professional management, transparency, and adherence to high standards of equine care from three national nonprofit rating organizations: GuideStar, GreatNonprofits, and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. Our entire community can take pride in these impressive honors, since they are the result of your hard work, caring hearts, and commitment to excellence. See below for more details.
Our work of rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding permanent homes for at-risk equines relies on the efforts of a large group of committed volunteers, donors, and community partners. Whether by mucking, fixing paddock fences, fundraising, organizing events, sponsoring a horse, or finding a place in your own barn for a NEER North rescue, you are doing your part to give deserving equines a chance for a better life. Thank you!
We’ll be out in the community a lot in the next few months, so come see us. Times and places are in the Calendar section below. Be sure to mark your own calendars for our 10th Annual Benefit auction on November 23 at the Hellenic Center in Ipswich. This event is NEER North’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and proceeds directly support our day-to-day operations. Please plan to attend and bid generously!
Mary Martin Founder and President New England Equine Rescue, North
Featured Horse:
Frankie
Mini-horse, Pinto, recently gelded
Frankie is extra small and extra cute! Just 5-years-old and full of potential, he needs a knowledgeable handler to help him become a good citizen. Right now, Frankie would not be a good match for kids, as he can still be a little fresh and stud-like. But for the right person, he would be a rewarding project. Leads, loads, ok for vet and farrier. Up-to-date with Coggins and shots. Not good with others yet, but he should be able to have pasture friends as his T-levels drop. You can check out Frankie at https://neernorth.org/ma-horses/frankie/.
NEER North Honored for Best Practices
NEER North won a Triple Crown of distinctions in recent weeks, earning accreditation from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, a Platinum designation from GuideStar, and a five-star rating from GreatNonprofits.
The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries accredited NEER North in August, saying we met its “rigorous and peer-reviewed equine-care standards” involving finances, staffing, safety, sustainability, ethical principles, and outreach. “[NEER North] employs commendable best practices when undertaking care, rehabilitation, and training for the equines, enabling the animals to be placed in permanent, adoptable homes,” Valerie Taylor, director of GFAS’s equine program, said in announcing the recognition. She also cited our “dedicated base of board members and key volunteers.” GFAS visited our facility as part of its accreditation process.
GuideStar’s Platinum rating is awarded to just 12 percent of the 73,000 U.S. non-profits whose financials, staffing, and operations the organization tracks.It recognizes the high level of transparency NEER North provides for GuideStar’s website, including details about our goals and strategies for meeting them. GuideStar is the world’s largest source of information about nonprofit organizations.
Our five-star designation from GreatNonprofits is based on the 86 testimonials—all of them positive—our supporters posted on the rating agency’s website. Just 13 other non-profits in Massachusetts have the top-rated designation from GreatNonprofits. We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to help us win this recognition.
Kindred Spirits
Our new “Kindred Spirit” program encourages animal-loving individuals, families, friends, school/church groups, or office colleagues to make a difference in the life of a “special needs” NEER North rescue.
Through a one-time donation or long-term sponsorship, you can help us support a deserving rescue who needs an extra measure of care and rehabilitation. Donors receive updates, photos, and opportunities for occasional visits. Right now, we’re seeking sponsors for Diamond, Smirk, Prissy, Mabel, Sherry, and our barn fan-favorite Tom Cat. For more information, please go to:https://neernorth.org/kindred-spirits/.
Auction Help Wanted!!
The November 23 auction date is fast approaching, and we need your help. Please watch our website and Facebook page for donation and /or sponsorship information, and don’t be shy about asking your hair salon, favorite restaurant, artist friends, bakery, etc., if they’d like to contribute. Donations may be tax deductible and donors are always mentioned on bid sheets, so it’s a win-win for contributing businesses and at-risk horses alike. The money we raise at our annual auction provides the greatest portion of funds we use directly for food, shelter, veterinary and farrier care, and facility upkeep. Please get involved now and plan to be there for a fun night!
We Couldn't Do "IT" Without You
We say that a lot around NEER North, but what does “it” actually mean?
In addition to the vital daily support provided by dedicated volunteers at our Ash Street barn, we also rely on the specialized efforts of others in our extended community who expand our ability to help equines in need.
We also appreciate our amazingly skilled freelance trainers, for their consistent, patient work with our more misunderstood rescues to get them ready for their forever homes.
And finally, we’d like to thank Terry and David, NEER North partners at a private special-needs barn in Ipswich, for doting on our neediest rescues.
Calendar
October 4-14 We will be at the Topsfield Fair doing live demonstrations with our rescues and educational outreach about the important work of equine rescue. Check the Fair schedule for demonstration times and come visit us at the Barnyard under the big white tent.
November 7 – 10 We will be at Equine Affaire in West Springfield, MA, with a few horses available for adoption in Barn C with the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.
November 23 is our10th Annual Benefit Auction, held this year at the Hellenic Center in Ipswich. Popular auction items from years past include a team-signed sports memorabilia, tickets to sports and entertainment events, artwork, jewelry, gift baskets, restaurant certificates, and so much more! Start or finish your Christmas shopping with us!
POP-UP ART
From providing music at our events to donating their work for our annual auction, local artists and musicians support NEER North’s mission and make the world a little brighter in a variety of ways.
Sometimes our artist friends contribute surprises that make us smile. We’d like to give a shout-out to the mystery artist who’s been leaving small horse portraits on stones around the property in places where volunteers can enjoy them every day. What a sweet idea!
And we now know whom to thank for the amazing carved bench that just appeared one day outside the sheep pen. The craftsperson is Tommy Clough, a NEER North friend from New Hampshire. What a beautiful work of art and welcome resting place after chores are done. Thank you very much, Tommy!
Tom Cat Parting Words:
Obviously, I’m back to being my magnificent self again after the injuries I sustained during an unfortunate misadventure last spring. Enough said about that and the humiliating stint in a lampshade collar that followed.
I’m now enjoying my new role as Tack Store Supervisor, where, if you’re lucky, you might get to meet me during our regular store hours: Friday 10-1, Saturdays 11-3, and Sunday 12-3. When I say “regular hours”, that means the store’s hours, not mine. I’m often called away on important business involving mice, bird, chipmunk, or nap-time emergencies. - TC
Definition of grooming: the process by which the dirt on the horse is transferred to the groomer.
