Equine Safe Haven established November 2022
Financials for 501(c)3 charity non profits are publicly disclosed
We are a charitable organization dedicated to serving our community. Our mission is to provide education in carriage driving & horsemanship to those that are economically and physically disadvantaged. We do this by using equines (horses, mules & donkeys) that have been saved-from-slaughter. We promote social welfare through a variety of programs and initiatives. With the help of our dedicated volunteers and generous donors, we are able to make a positive impact in the lives of many.
Below are the financials filed with the IRS and the State of New Mexico Attorney General as required by law.
Our Impact
Our Programs
Equine Safe Haven was established in November 2022.
In 2021 Ken and Katrina, moved permanently to Deming, New Mexico. The wanted to be able to carriage drive more, and their newly purchased ranch was perfect for it. They also had a lot of visitors that were interested in carriage driving and horses. When they started looking at buying carriage horses, they saw that there were many fully trained Equines to be found at Bowie Texas Sale Barn, waiting to go to Mexico for slaughter, selling for very minimal. These horses, mules and donkeys were great for beginners to learn horsemanship, and the discipline of driving. Most were registered horses with the United States Trotting Association; X Harness racers that went to work for the Amish after their racing careers were over. After a decade or more working with the Amish, and now older (over 17 years old), or of no use any longer, they would be shipped around the country to auctions and eventually, if not purchased, sold to a "kill buyer" to wait in a holding pen (referred to as “kill pen”) in Bowie Texas, only days or hours away from slaughter in Mexico. Ken and Katrina purchased their first two driving horses that year (2021).
As they had more visitors, and curious folks, they saw the need for a community outreach program in Southwest NM. They established Equine Safe Haven in November of 2022. This new nonprofit, 501c3, charity outreach, would teach horsemanship, and the driving of carts and buggy’s to those that couldn't afford it. There is absolutely no cost to those in the programs. Equine Safe Haven also participates in educational events and provides historical education of the area for visitors all around the world. Their focus would be on those that are economically or physically disadvantaged,(including Veterans) and to tell visitors about their unique program in the Southwest!
They purchased more of these fully trained, "throw-away" horses in 2022 & 2023 utilizing & showcasing the ability of these amazing equines, for everyone that came to visit the Ranch!
The program has been very successful in 2023. In only 14 months of operating the non-profit, reached over 2500 people, had over 850 visitors to the Ranch, (450 of which are RV overnight guests) and currently has over 10 disadvantaged individuals that are regular participants in the program. ESH maintains 9 horses for nonprofit use from funds received.
In 2023 Equine Safe Haven received $27,210.00 of donor contributions, which made it possible to purchase those 9 horses from the slaughter lists, feed, equipment, as well as an amazing wheelchair accessible carriage for use to those in wheelchairs. This carriage enables those individuals in wheelchairs, to learn to drive or just ride along if they wish. It has a fold-down ramp, which allows wheelchairs and motorize scooters, access.
To date, Equine Safe Haven has saved over 40 Equines from slaughter, and has taken in over 20 at the ranch to rehome or sanctuary, and currently maintains 9 in the dedicated Veterans, disadvantaged (economically and/or physically) program.
This year, 2024, ESH would like to continue to maintain the 9 horses in the program, as well as outreach to gain more regular students and to have more visitors. These students participate around the Southwest (New Mexico, Arizona & Texas) in various driving events. Examples are: Deming Duck Parade, Glenwood 4th of July Parade, Southern NM rodeo parade, Arizona's Festival of Driving, Veterans Day at SaddleHawk Ranch, and Deming Holiday in the Park to name a few. Their goal is to be able to send 2 to 3 students to competitions around the area. These competitions would be fully covered by donations.
Equine Safe Haven, needs funds to maintain the 9 horses (hay, supplements, farrier care, dental car, vaccinations) on a regular basis. ESH also is in need of carriage equipment in good working order, as there isn't enough harness or carriages for all horses, and students need to wait turns, as do the horses, so we cannot schedule as many participants as we could if they had what was needed.
Equine Safe Haven has partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project, and with New Mexico True to encourage more visitors at the Ranch, and tourism to the area. They are hopeful for participation into the Paralyzed Veterans Programs this year. ESH is unique to Southwestern New Mexico, and surrounding areas. The program not only teaches horsemanship and carriage driving, but through engagement on a regular basis, teaches all ages life skills, leadership and self worth.
The testimonials received on a regular basis, encourage the 10 board members, that their engagement and the mission of the nonprofit is making a difference in every person it touches.
Thank you for reading about the charity Equine Safe Haven, and we hope that you consider donating to our cause!