Equine Advocates Rescue & Sanctuary is a national nonprofit rescue, educational, and advocacy organization founded in 1996 by Susan Wagner, the result of a life-altering experience when she rescued her first horse from slaughter, a Thoroughbred/QH Cross named, “Gandalf”, three years earlier.
Structured initially as a rescue operation, the organization expanded in 2004 and moved its base of operations to Chatham, NY and established a 140-acre sanctuary, where horses of all breeds and backgrounds – including off-the-track Thoroughbreds – currently reside. At the end of 2023, the organization acquired an additional 33 acres of adjoining farmland, increasing the size of the sanctuary to 173 acres. Development of the new property has started as have efforts to raise the necessary funding for plans to construct a Rehabilitation Center which will include ten stalls, a small veterinary clinic, recovery facilities and indoor turnout. A separate barn to house a program for veterans and retired military working horses on the new property is also in the works. Currently, 84 horses, donkeys, ponies, and mules reside at the sanctuary near Chatham, which Wagner describes as “an equine village where they live out their lives in a natural environment, allowing them to socialize with one another.” Many residents have old injuries and special needs.
Equine Advocates Education Program is held in the Humane Education Center on the sanctuary grounds. Built in 2006, school classes, seminars and special events are conducted where students and visitors can learn about equine issues and responsible horse guardianship.
Equine Advocates has received the highest 4 Star Rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (GuideStar). In addition to being accredited by TAA, Equine Advocates is also accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) and the American Sanctuary Association (ASA).
“We combine our rescue efforts with advocacy in order to effect change, educate people, and promote humane treatment of horses,” Wagner said. “In addition to providing sanctuary and a loving home for our rescued horses, we focus on teaching people how to become better, more responsible horse guardians.”
