Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Martin.
Mary grew up around horses in Topsfield, MA. Since April 2010, Mary has been helping horses and owners in crisis, primarily in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. In January, 2012, the private rescue became a volunteer-based 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization and remains dedicated to rescuing horses who are abused, neglected, or at-risk of slaughter. In addition to rescues, NEER North educates the public on responsible horse ownership and networks to help where assistance is needed. NEER North has also established a feed fund to help owners in financial crisis feed their animals while they try to re-home or improve their situations.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Finding a farm to rent and converting it to safely house horses was a challenge. Eventually we were able to purchase our own facility through the generosity of some major donors, Building upkeep and maintenance continue but having a permanent place to call home has been a Godsend. Managing the animals, facility, and volunteers can be challenging but we have a wonderful Board of Directors and Donors who help make it all work.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with New England Equine Rescue – North, Inc – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
NEER North tries to focus on local horses in need, keeping them out of the auction and broker pipeline. Our testimony page on our website makes us very proud of our services. We work with and help like-minded rescues when we can. We have an open book policy when it comes to our finances and strive to spend our donor’s hard earned money primarily on the horse’s needs and care and not on big paychecks or unnecessary expenses. We treat each horse as an individual when evaluating rehabilitation needs.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Our future plans include raising funds to replace Shelter Logic shelters with more secure wooden ones and improving and increasing pasture space, some of our main structures are in need of repair, New Roof, extending electric fence lines, pointing areas of our concrete foundation, etc. Our wish list includes a sand riding area for better footing when working the horses and also easier for lameness exams. We are always seeking sponsors, i.e.: sponsor a horse, sponsor a paddock, recurring monthly donors etc.
Contact Info:
- Address: 52 Ash Street
- Phone: 5082844022
- Email: Mary.Martin@NEERNorth.org
- Instagram: New England Equine Rescue – North, Inc
- Facebook: New England Equine Rescue – North, Inc
- Twitter: New England Equine Rescue – North, Inc
- Yelp: New England Equine Rescue – North, Inc
Image Credit:
All photos (except the pinto horse “Blue” before and after pictures) are by Ginger Lane.
Blue “before” photo by Mary Martin, Blue “After” photo is by Kathy Barylo
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