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ACCREDITATIONS  & AFFILIATIONS

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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Finding the right rescue organization for you is one of the reasons VA Partnership for Horses was formed. Below are all the existing 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 difficult to attain Accreditations.

*Organizations in bold indicate that they are Equine Welfare Partners or Advisors in the VA Partnership for Horses.

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Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

  • Accredits Thoroughbred aftercare organizations

  • Has an onsite inspection component

  • Requires renewal every two years​

VA Groups that are TAA-Accredited:

  • Brook Hill Retirement for Horses

  • Hope for Horses

  • Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue

  • James River Horse Foundation

  • VA Thoroughbred Project

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Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

  • Accredits both wild and domestic animal sanctuaries worldwide

  • Has an onsite inspection component

  • Requires renewal every three years​

VA Groups that are GFAS-Accredited:

  • Brook Hill Retirement for Horses

  • Diamonds in the Rough Rescue

  • Elegius Mini Equine Sanctuary

  • Equine Rescue League

  • Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue

  • Nalani Horse Rescue

  • Serenity Farm Equine Sanctuary

  • TRF - Eastham Farm Sanctuary

  • White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue

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EQUUS Foundation

  • Accredits a variety equine welfare organizations

  • Has a detailed online review process

  • Requires renewal every year

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VA Groups that are EQUUS-Accredited:

  • Bridle Paths

  • Brook Hill Retirement for Horses

  • Loudon Therapeutic Riding Foundation

  • Sprout Therapeutic Riding

  • VA Thoroughbred Project

  • White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue

Other Equine Welfare Affiliations

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Home for Horses Coalition

  • Self-enrolled membership

  • Collaborative community

  • Advocacy prioritized

Partners/Advisors Enrolled

  • Brook Hill Retirement for Horses

  • Diamonds in the Rough Rescue

  • Dominion Equine Welfare

  • Equine Connection Center

  • Equine Welfare Society

  • Freedom & Whiskey Rescue

  • Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue

  • Saving Grace Rescue

  • Serenity Farm Equine Sanctuary

  • VA Equine Welfare Society

  • White Bird Appaloosa Rescue

  • Wings of Hope Ranch

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Right Horse Partner

  • Bespoke application process​

  • Industry focused

  • Adoption prioritized

Partners/Advisors Enrolled

  • Hope for Horses

  • Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue

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Thoroughbred Charities of America

  • Provides grants for TB aftercare

  • Applications reviewed annually

  • TB aftercare prioritized

Partner/Advisor Recipients

  • Brook Hill Retirement for Horses

  • Hope for Horses

  • Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue

  • VA Thoroughbred Project

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United Horse Coalition

  • Welfare branch of the American Horse Council

  • Self-enrolled membership

  • Resource-sharing prioritized

Partners/Advisors Enrolled

  • Brook Hill Retirement for Horses

  • Diamonds in the Rough Rescue

  • Dominion Equine Welfare

  • Equine Welfare Society

  • Feel Better Farm

  • Freedom & Whiskey Rescue

  • Hope for Horses

  • Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue

  • Middleburg Humane Foundation

  • Rapidan Equine Sanctuary

  • Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue

  • Saving Grace Rescue

  • Serenity Farm Equine Sanctuary

  • Shenandoah Valley Equine Rescue Network

  • VA Equine Welfare Society

  • VA Thoroughbred Project

  • White Bird Appaloosa Rescue

  • Wings of Hope Ranch

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