Frequently Asked Questions

Gerda's Equine Rescue is a Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Townshend that has rescued over 2,000 horses, minis, and long-ears since 2005. The organization runs on adoptions, fosters, volunteers, donations, and sponsorships — no government funding is assumed. Every dollar supports pulling horses from auction before they reach the slaughter pipeline.

Healthy American horses are legally transported to Mexico and Canada for slaughter for human consumption — a process involving long-haul transport under conditions documented as abusive and terrifying. Horses at livestock auction are the most at-risk, which is why Gerda's works primarily at auction to intercept animals before they board transport.

Adoption means the horse becomes yours permanently; fostering means you provide care and a home temporarily while the horse remains under GER's placement. Both paths are listed on the website — the Adopt page shows who is currently available with name, breed, sex, and age, and is the best starting point for either interest.

The Adopt page lists every available horse by name, breed, sex, and age. The roster changes as animals are rescued and placed, so checking the page directly gives you the most current picture. Contact GER at (802) 380-0706 if you have questions about a specific animal.

Requirements vary by animal — a draft-cross with training history has different placement needs than a young mini or a long-ear. Reaching out directly lets GER match your situation to the right animal. Starting with the Adopt page to see who is available helps frame that conversation.

Volunteers, donors, and sponsors are all active parts of the GER community. Sponsoring an individual horse covers ongoing care costs; donations support rescues at auction; volunteers help at the Townshend barn. Weekend visits and farm stays are also available for people who want a hands-on connection without a long-term commitment.

GER welcomes visitors to the southern Vermont hill property and offers guest accommodation for weekend stays. Visiting is one of the best ways to understand the rescue's work firsthand — and to meet animals who may be waiting for adoption or foster placement.

GER focuses on animals in imminent danger — those likely to be purchased by kill buyers and loaded onto slaughter-bound transport. Rescue capacity at any given auction affects how many can be pulled. The organization's 2,000-plus saves since 2005 reflect consistent auction presence rather than occasional intervention.

GER is a registered 501(c)(3) organization based in Vermont, meaning donations are tax-deductible and the organization files public financial disclosures. You can verify 501(c)(3) status through the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search using the legal name Gerda's Equine Rescue.

The barn and operations are based in Townshend, but the rescue community extends across southern Vermont — including Brattleboro, Bellows Falls, Chester, and Springfield — as well as into neighboring New Hampshire near Keene. Adopters and fosters from these areas are part of the active GER network.

GER rescues horses, miniature horses, and long-ears — the term used for donkeys and mules. All three share vulnerability in the auction-to-slaughter pipeline. Each animal listed on the Adopt page includes species, breed, sex, and age so prospective adopters know exactly who they're considering.

Founder Gerda began with small animal rescue before relocating to Vermont and discovering the scale of horse slaughter facing American equines. That firsthand learning led to the launch of GER in 2005. The mission has stayed consistent: pull horses from the auction slaughter pipeline, rehabilitate them, and place them in safe, loved homes.