How do you start a horse rescue?

Question

Where you are allowed to have tax deductions (to keep the rescue running my idea was possibly time to time have people donate a horse to be resold to an approved home, to make a profit to care for the horses.

How many horses would have to be took in a year? Is there a minimum number?

Thanks

(I'm in IL)

Answer 1

Well the first snag is that you would not really be running a rescue but rather a rehab facility. The second problem is that it can be very dangerous to rely on re-selling one horse to help others because the horse market is so unpredictable. The first thing you have to do is make a good plan on an organizational structure. The second is to go to a lawyer and set the organization up as a 501c3. Then you have to try and find money to start up with (try grant writing) and find a facility to take the horses in. After all that you can get the horse but don't forget all the hours it takes to re-train and the cost of advertising before you sell. It is a lot of work but if you can do it please do! Those horses need love also. If this all sounds very scary to you call up another rescue organization in your area and talk to them and see if they have any local tips for you.

Answer 2

There's no minimum number.  You do have to establish yourself as a non-profit agency -- the 501(c)3 status.  Lots of paperwork.  Be careful with the terminology -- you'll not be "selling" the horses but rather will be "adopting" them... for a fee.  

(1) talk to friends, family, local businesspeople, see if you have the support of your community;

(2) plan the structure of your organization -- incorporate, hold initial meeting, have fundraisers/membership drive;

(3) open a checking account to deposit funds; begin keeping records immediately; can use Quickbooks or something similar, or make up your own with Excel; begin keeping written documentation of all activity;

(4) be sure you have the facilities to keep the horses; you will rescue many that aren't immediately adoptable;

(5) advertise.... remember that you'll receive a LOT more calls from peole needing your help than those wanting to adopt

This is NOT a complete list, just something to get you headed in the right direction.

I'll be happy to help you in more detail if you wish, just e-mail me.  Oh, and join local rescue groups, so you have the help of other local rescuers.