Kelly Saunders

Bagaduce River Equine Rescue is a 501(c)3 that began in 2018. We rescue unwanted, at risk, abused and or neglected equines. Early on we rescued from kill pens in Texas and PA however, the last few years we have stayed full (with a waiting list) from horses in need right here in Maine. We are funded completely by donations and foundations. You can view our financials on GuideStar. Our goal is to rehabilitate, retrain and rehome when possible. For those animals that rehoming is not an option, we offer sanctuary to them and give them the very best life we can. At the present time we have the ability to house and care for up to 12 equines. Our goal is to expand and create a legacy that will continue our mission of rescuing unwanted horses and donkeys from a fate worse than death.

BRER will be 6 years old this year. It is time we grow and expand our reach. While the Brooksville location will remain our main site, our space is limited with 10-12 animals being our optimal capacity. We have plans of housing our sanctuary horses at our current site while providing an intake, evaluation, rehabilitation site where more space is available for those horses that can be re-homed. Sanctuary horses will remain at our facility for the remainder of their life. Most of these horses are older, unsound and have physical disabilities requiring extra time, money and attention. While we believe these horses have a tremendous amount to offer a new home, it may not be in their best interest to uproot their lives yet again and force them to leave what may be the first home they have ever felt safe in. These horses have experienced starvation, abuse, neglect and maltreatment beyond what rehabilitation can help. With a separate facility to receive new intakes, we could then keep our sanctuary horses safe and secure while continuing to help new horses in need. A second location would include a barn, pasture and onsite caretaker space.