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TRANSPARENCY
At this time, there are no mandatory regulations for a 501c3 horse rescue or sanctuary in Virginia. So how do you know if your rescue is reputable?
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Transparency is an industry standard that is the perhaps the most critical characteristic to look for in an organization you are wanting to become involved with.
Below are all the existing third-party Accreditations and Affiliations that an equine rescue or sanctuary can pursue to demonstrate their viability, transparency and their status within the welfare community.
The Big Three
These are the most universally recognized as well as the most robust Accreditations.
*Organizations in bold indicate that they are Equine Welfare Partners or Advisors in the VA Partnership for Horses.
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance
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Accredits Thoroughbred aftercare organizations
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Has an onsite inspection component
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Requires renewal every two years
VA Groups that are TAA-Accredited:
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Brook Hill Retirement for Horses
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Hope for Horses
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Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue
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James River Horse Foundation
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VA Thoroughbred Project
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
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Accredits both wild and domestic animal sanctuaries worldwide
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Has an onsite inspection component
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Requires renewal every three years
VA Groups that are GFAS-Accredited:
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Brook Hill Retirement for Horses
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Diamonds in the Rough Rescue
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Elegius Mini Equine Sanctuary
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Equine Rescue League
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Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue
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Nalani Horse Rescue
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Serenity Farm Equine Sanctuary
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TRF - Eastham Farm Sanctuary
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White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue
EQUUS Foundation
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Accredits a variety equine welfare organizations
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Has a detailed online review process
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Requires renewal every year
VA Groups that are EQUUS-Accredited:
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Bridle Paths
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Brook Hill Retirement for Horses
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Good Hope Equestrian
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Loudon Therapeutic Riding Foundation
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Sprout Therapeutic Riding
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VA Thoroughbred Project
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White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue
Other Equine Welfare Affiliations
Home for Horses Coalition
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Self-enrolled membership
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Collaborative community
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Advocacy prioritized
Partners/Advisors Enrolled
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Brook Hill Retirement for Horses
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Diamonds in the Rough Rescue
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Dominion Equine Welfare
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Equine Connection Center
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Equine Welfare Society
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Freedom & Whiskey Rescue
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Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue
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Saving Grace Rescue
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Serenity Farm Equine Sanctuary
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VA Equine Welfare Society
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VA Partnership for Horses
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White Bird Appaloosa Rescue
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Wings of Hope Ranch
Right Horse Partner
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Bespoke application process
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Industry focused
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Adoption prioritized
Partners/Advisors Enrolled
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Hope for Horses
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Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue
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VA Partnership for Horses
Thoroughbred Charities of America
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Provides grants for TB aftercare
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Applications reviewed annually
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TB aftercare prioritized
Partner/Advisor Recipients
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Brook Hill Retirement for Horses
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Hope for Horses
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Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue
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VA Thoroughbred Project
United Horse Coalition
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Welfare branch of the American Horse Council
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Self-enrolled membership
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Resource-sharing prioritized
Partners/Advisors Enrolled
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Brook Hill Retirement for Horses
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Diamonds in the Rough Rescue
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Dominion Equine Welfare
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Equine Welfare Society
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Feel Better Farm
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Freedom & Whiskey Rescue
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Hope for Horses
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Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue
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Middleburg Humane Foundation
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Rapidan Equine Sanctuary
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Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue
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Saving Grace Rescue
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Serenity Farm Equine Sanctuary
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Shenandoah Valley Equine Rescue Network
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VA Equine Welfare Society
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VA Partnership for Horses
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VA Thoroughbred Project
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White Bird Appaloosa Rescue
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Wings of Hope Ranch
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