🐴 Texas Highway 21 Horse Rescue

501(c)(3) Narrative of Activities

Texas Highway 21 Horse Rescue is a nonprofit organization located in East Texas dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of neglected, abandoned, abused, and at‑risk horses. Our primary purpose is to provide humane care and safe refuge for equines who have been subjected to cruelty, surrendered due to owner hardship, or placed in danger through the slaughter pipeline to Mexico and Canada.

1. Rescue Operations

Our organization responds to reports of equines in distress, including cases of neglect, abandonment, abuse, and unsafe living conditions. We accept horses from law‑enforcement seizures, owner surrenders, and at‑risk situations such as kill pens and auctions known to funnel horses into the slaughter pipeline.

When notified of a horse in need, we assess the situation, coordinate with local authorities when required, and arrange safe transport to our facility.

2. Intake, Evaluation, and Immediate Care

Upon arrival, each horse undergoes a structured intake process that includes:

• A full veterinary examination

• Vaccinations, deworming, and Coggins testing

• Farrier care

• Nutritional assessment and individualized feeding plans

• Behavioral evaluation to determine handling needs and safety considerations

Horses in critical condition receive emergency veterinary treatment and are monitored closely until stable.

3. Rehabilitation and Long‑Term Care

Rehabilitation is tailored to each horse’s physical and emotional needs. Activities include:

• Nutritional rebalancing for malnourished horses

• Wound care and medical treatment

• Dental and farrier maintenance

• Behavioral rehabilitation using gentle, humane training methods

• Socialization with other horses when appropriate

Some horses require months of recovery before they are ready for adoption. Others, due to age, chronic conditions, or temperament, remain with us as permanent sanctuary residents.

4. Adoption and Lifetime Placement

Once a horse is deemed healthy and behaviorally suitable, we begin the adoption process. This includes:

• Screening potential adopters

• Conducting home checks

• Requiring legally binding adoption contracts

• Providing education on proper equine care

We maintain the right to reclaim any horse if its welfare is jeopardized. Our goal is to ensure every adoptable horse is placed in a safe, permanent, and responsible home.

5. Sanctuary Care

Horses who are not adoptable due to age, medical needs, or behavioral limitations remain at our facility as lifelong residents. These horses receive ongoing veterinary care, proper nutrition, and a safe, peaceful environment for the remainder of their lives.

6. Community Education and Outreach

We provide educational resources to the public on topics such as:

• Responsible horse ownership

• The consequences of overbreeding

• Recognizing signs of neglect or abuse

• Humane alternatives to surrendering horses to kill pens or unsafe buyers

We also collaborate with schools, civic groups, and agricultural programs to promote equine welfare awareness.

7. Assistance for Owners in Crisis

To prevent horses from entering dangerous situations, we offer support to owners experiencing financial or personal hardship. Assistance may include:

• Temporary feed support

• Guidance on responsible rehoming

• Referrals to low‑cost veterinary services

• Accepting horses into our program when no safe alternative exists

This proactive approach helps reduce the number of horses entering the slaughter pipeline or falling into neglect.

8. Collaboration With Law Enforcement and Veterinarians

We work closely with county sheriffs, animal control officers, and licensed veterinarians in cases involving cruelty investigations, seizures, and emergency interventions. Our facility serves as a safe holding environment for seized horses until legal proceedings are complete.

9. Use of Funds

All funds received by Texas Highway 21 Horse Rescue are used exclusively to support our charitable mission. Expenditures include:

• Veterinary care

• Feed, hay, and supplements

• Farrier and dental services

• Fencing, shelter, and facility maintenance

• Transportation of rescued horses

• Educational outreach

• Administrative costs necessary to operate the organization

No part of the organization’s net earnings benefits private individuals. All activities directly support equine welfare and public education.