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Mountain Valley Horse Rescue’s mission is to rehabilitate and rehome equines in need, while working to reduce the cases of unwanted equines through education and outreach. As one of the only horse rescue organizations on the Western Slope, we cover a lot of territory. Though we are making a small dent in the need, we make an everlasting difference for those equines we can help. And with your support, we know we can save many more.
As we celebrate MVHR's 20th Anniversary, 2024 is shaping up to be the best year yet for horses finding loving new homes. So far 28 horses have graduated from their "Journey of Hope" and were adopted by wonderful new owners. Currently over capacity at 31 horses, we need your help to continue to provide the care they need to also find their happy ending.
Who are we?
Mountain Valley Horse Rescue (MVHR) is committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abused, neglected, abandoned, and unwanted equines. As one of the only horse rescue organizations on the Western Slope, we cover a lot of territory. Though we are making a small dent in the need, we make an everlasting difference for those equines we can help. And with your support, we know we can save many more.
MVHR rescued its first horses in 2004, and became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2005. We are celebrating our 20th Anniversary starting with Hay Day 2024 on September 14, 2024 throughout 2025. We will look back on all the Journeys of Hope and the Horses that found save places for the last 20 years!
Why are we here?
Today, there are an estimated 170,000 unwanted horses across the nation, with 6,000 in Colorado alone. Of these, 120,000–130,000 horses are shipped to slaughter in Mexico and Canada every year, where they are processed for human consumption. In addition, each year the BLM rounds up 9,400 wild horses off of public lands, but only 1 in 3 find homes.
We help reduce equine abuse and neglect through education and outreach and through relationships with local law enforcement concerned citizens and private equine owners. When possible, MVHR networks to find equines new private homes. When necessary, equines are taken in and cared for by MVHR with the ultimate goal of returning them to full health and adoption into a loving, forever home.
Each horse that comes to MVHR receives the veterinary, farrier, and other care it needs to return to full health. Furthermore, they are provided with extensive evaluation, training and socialization to help them overcome past mistreatment or neglect, and help them find the ability to re-connect with people. The ultimate goal for every horse at MVHR is adoption into a loving home, but until they find that home they will be lovingly cared for at MVHR.
Why give?
Mountain Valley Horse Rescue operates out of our 114-acre ranch, located between Vail and Steamboat Springs. We are one of the only horse rescues on the Western Slope of Colorado and our services are provided wherever a horse is in need. We rely on volunteers, foster homes, donations, and sponsorships to provide for these horses.
Horse rescues do not receive any federal funding, and it costs approximately $6,000 per year for the basic care of one horse (not including luxuries like winter blankets or training). With every dollar we raise, the lives of horses are saved and their futures secured, because of caring people like you.
This is the Impact YOU made in 2023!
Mountain Valley Horse Rescue (MVHR)'s Mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome abused, neglected, abandoned, and unwanted equines. MVHR also works to reduce cases of equine abuse and neglect through education and outreach. MVHR rescued its first horses in 2004, and became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2005.
Mountain Valley Horse Rescue was started by the rescue of two abandoned horses in November of 2004. A group of Eagle Valley horse enthusiasts recognized the need for a regional rescue organization. To fulfill that need, MVHR was formed in April 2005.
In 2011, we doubled our capacity to accommodate up to ten horses at a time, and entered into a lease of a facility to house the organization.
In the fall of 2016, Mountain Valley Horse Rescue, with the support of the Shaw Family Foundation, took the exciting step forward of purchasing a forever home in McCoy, CO. The 114-acre ranch along the Colorado River has allowed MVHR to help 410 horses just since moving to McCoy. There are currently 31 horses in the MVHR rescue herd with some moving towards adoption right as we near Colorado Gives Day!
We provide programs for children and adults. Our educational programs have grown with mini horse heroes, school break day camps and a homeschool program. In addition, we host company and school service and teambuilding days. So far in 2024 we welcomed over 900 children & adults who came to the ranch to learn about and meet the horses, be outside and give back. That's 900 new equine advocates!
A game changer for MVHR is Robin's Nest, an indoor training facility that become operational in 2023, generously funded by the Rhea Bigelow Charitable Trust. The opportunity to continue training year round will increase adoptions and help more horses make their new Journey of Hope.
Now with a full time trainer on staff, MVHR has already seen the facility make a difference for the horses, as 2024 is becoming a record year for adoptions. So far 28 horses have found their next adventure and graduated from their "Journey of Hope"
Now more than every, our phone rings daily with horses in need and we have a running wait list with over 50 horses. We are in need of funds necessary for the daily care of the horses - food, medicine, vet care and training. We can not do it without help from YOU!
Donate this Colorado Gives Day and help more horses on their "Journey of Hope". Hopeful Hearts Helping Horses.
After purchasing the ranch and building Robin's Nest, MVHR also continues our capital campaign to fundraise to build much-needed facilities on the property, such as additional corrals and fencing, irrigation improvements, additional hay storage and a caretaker residence. Naming opportunities are available!
Organization name
Mountain Valley Horse Rescue
other names
MVHR, Eagle Valley Horse Rescue
2005
Tax id (EIN)
20-3009675
Category
Animal-Related
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
33933 Colorado River RdEagle County, CO, US