Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation

Sebas Ranger gets a big smile from Karen Goodberlet after a productive training session. Credit: Robin Doniger

Services: Sanctuary, Rehabilitation, Retraining/Adoption

Location: Palm City, FL

Founded: 2000

Website: eraf.org

Social:

Average Number of Thoroughbreds: 12

The Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation (ERAF) in Palm City, FL, has been an important resource for aftercare on Florida’s Treasure Coast since 2000.

Our mission is simple: We rescue horses facing an uncertain future through no fault of their own. Some have been neglected, abused, or slaughter bound. Many have arrived after careers on the track or in the arena and are ready for their next chapter. Still others can simply no longer be cared for by their owners. Our caring staff and dedicated volunteers work to rehabilitate and retrain our horses so they may be placed in suitable adoptive homes. Our adoptees have excelled in show rings, as pleasure horses, trail horses, and pasture pals.

When these horses arrive at our gates, it is the beginning of a new life for them.

ERAF’s veterinarian oversees all medical care and feeding, and all horses have an individualized training program. When the appropriate person is identified to adopt one of our horses, a complete reference check is conducted, including a property inspection and veterinary reference. During that time, the adopter works with our barn manager and staff to establish a trust relationship with the horse to ensure that the match is good for both the horse and the individual.

The property upon which ERAF conducts its rescue activities includes a 23-stall barn, arena, round pen, hay storage building, 16 pastures and paddocks, and a quarantine area. All pastures have three-sided shelters and a direct water source.

While ERAF is primarily focused on the care, rehabilitation, and adoption of its equine residents, ERAF also endeavors to provide equine education and training to the community to support its mission.

ERAF is dependent upon grants, individual donors and foundations, fundraising events, and bequests to support its services and programs.