FAQ

Hi there, we’re so glad you found us!

We’ve grown up a lot since our start as a “1 horse at a time rescue,” and even though we’ve gotten much bigger than we ever imagined (thanks to your support!), our top staff are still only a few individuals, all of whom work and/or go to school full time.

Sometimes it’s hard for us to keep up with all the questions we receive every day, but we never want to disappoint you or leave you needing more information. One of our missions is to educate! So, if we’ve directed you here, it’s because we feel your question has been sufficiently answered below. If you read through our FAQ and don’t feel that way (or have a question to add to our list), feel free to send us a message again!

 

How can I help…
Q: What is the rescue in need of?
A: Thank you so much for thinking of the horses! You can check out our needs list here.Monetary donations are also a necessity, and one of the most beneficial things you can do is sign up for a monthly donation. This gives the rescue money we can count on every month, allows us to have emergency savings for unexpected intakes and vet bills, and makes it possible to proactively budget for both current and incoming equine needs.
Q: I want to donate money.
A: Thank you! The truth is, we can’t stay open without funding. We need you. Even a single dollar can worm a horse for 6 weeks. You can donate here.
Q: I want to donate items.
A: Thank you so much. Please send us a message so that we can set up a time!
Q: I want to sponsor!
A: We can’t thank you enough! Find out all about sponsoring here.
Q: We would like to become a foster for you, what do we need to do?
A: We are not taking foster applications at this time. If you are truly  invested in becoming a foster for us, please feel free to send us a message.
Location, hours, etc…
Q: Where are you located?
A: We are located at 467 Marcrom Rd, Morrison, TN 37357 You can find more of our contact info here.
Q: When are you open?
A: Check out volunteer info here.

Occasionally, we will close due to extreme weather or top staff availability, but we always post on our Facebook page to let you know!
Q: Why aren’t you open more often?
A: We work and need time to ourselves. We always appreciate the help we get when we are open, but we also need family time and the chance to decompress. Howey Horse Haven is not a publicity barn. We are a home for many and sometimes the horses need that home to belong to them.

So, while there is always someone qualified at the rescue, they often need to get chores done on their own schedule.
Q: How will I know if your availability changed?
A: The best place to get updates on what we do and if we’re closed is our Facebook page. If bad weather is rolling in, and you haven’t heard whether or not we’re going to close for it, feel free to message us.
Visiting…
Q: Can I bring my dog/pet with me when I visit?
A: Please do not bring any animals/dogs with you. As much as we love all animals, we would hate for something to go wrong and do not appreciate them being left in vehicles, even if the vehicle is running.
Q: Can we bring treats for the horses?
A: We appreciate the thought, but please don’t bring any. We used to allow treats, but unfortunately, our horses loved them so much that they started nipping. There are also senior horses who lack teeth, making treats a very serious choking hazard.
Q: What do I need for my visit?
A: If you’re coming for a tour, all the info you need can be found here. If you’re coming to volunteer, all the info you need can be found here.
Volunteering…
Q: Where do I find more information about: tours, volunteering, adopting, etc?
A: Volunteer info | Tour info | Adoption info
Q: What do I need to volunteer?
A: We can’t wait to meet you! All the info you need can be found on our volunteer page.
Q: How old to volunteers need to be?
A: We do not take volunteers under 12 old. If you are a parent looking to volunteer with your child who happens to be under 12 years old, we will consider letting the two of you volunteer.

Please no babies or toddlers. (They can take a tour with you though!)
Q: I need community service hours, can you guys help me?
A: We have volunteers from all walks of life and we are willing to sign off on a job well done.
About your rescue…
Q: How do I know you’re legit?
A: That is a great question and we are so happy you’re asking it. There are tons of rescues and non-profits that don’t do what they should. We strive to be as transparent as possible. You can find our 501c3 and more on our financials page.

Check out the side bar on our home page to see some of the reliable organizations that have given us their stamp of approval.

Please go read our reviews on greatnonprofits, Facebook, Yelp, YellowPages, or Google us and read the reviews.

The best way to know is to come check us out in person. Our info, as well as tour information, can be found here.

If you’re not local, keep up with our Facebook page. We try to do a lot of videos and try to go live when our connection will allow. We show you the ups and downs, we’ll tell you what goes right and what goes wrong.
Q: Who runs the rescue?
A: Teresa Meixner is the founder, owner, and proprietor of HHHR.

We are completely volunteer run and operated. We have someone on the property 24/7 to ensure the horses are always looked after.
Q: How is the rescue funded?
A: We are 100% funded through the generosity of people like you. We do not receive state or federal grants of any kind, we rely solely on funds gained from donations and fundraising efforts. For more information on how you can help the rescue continue their life-saving work, visit our donation page.
Q: Are you a riding facility? Do you give lessons? Do you do trail rides?
A: Nope. We are solely a rescue. We don’t we give lessons nor do we provide trail rides. We are a not a business. However, there are great options in our area such as:

Trail riding at https://www.fallcreekfallsridingstables.com/

Taking lessons at https://www.phelpspharm.farm/

There is also wonderful shopping experiences in McMinnville at Tack & Treasures 1634 Smithville Hwy, McMinnville, TN 37110
Q: Who is your vet, farrier, dentist, chiropractor, etc.? 
A: All Creatures Veterinary Clinic

(831) 723-0551

Stubblefield Farrier Service (farrier)

(931) 808-9680
 

Q: How do I find a good vet or farrier in my area?
A: Talk with local horse people. Use Google. Read lots of reviews. Vets, farriers, and dentists are a necessity. You need to have their information on hand, especially in case of an emergency. Ensure your equine has regular hoof trimmings from a certified farrier and that your horse is always up-to-date on vaccines.
Q: Are you associated with _________?
A: Chances are the answer is no. We are an independent non-profit organization. We occasionally have fundraisers and benefits thanks to awesome businesses, other than that we occasionally take on extreme cases that come into Lake County Animal Shelter.
Q: I want to surrender.
A: We know this can be a tough decision. Please know that we don’t judge you. We will do what we can to help place your best friend(s), whether it’s directly here with us or by helping you network your equine. Please know, that you will not get in trouble for the condition of your horse(s), you are acting in their best interest.

Please fill out our surrender form here. Filling out this form does not mean you have to place the equine(s) with us nor does it guarantee we will take the equine(s).

This form will simply tell us more about the horse, give you a way to evaluate your options, and have an opportunity to help your horse.
Q: Do you want a free horse?
A: We believe that every horse deserves a great home and we wish we could help every horse. But, we are still pretty small and our pastures fill up quickly. We tend to only take horses in dire need. We try not to take horses people have fallen out of love with and we can’t always take horses from struggling households.

What you can do is submit a surrender form and tell us about the horse. Even if we can’t take the equine(s), we often help network them and will do our best to weed out bad homes.
Q: I want to adopt? What do I need to do?
A: Our available horses are listed here. Our adoption application can be found here.

You will need to come out and meet the horse you are interested in. You can find our adoption contract here.
Q: I want to know more about a particular horse I saw, where can I find more information?
A: All of our available horses are listed here. If the horse you saw isn’t listed there, it may be a brand new intake (we typically have intakes posted within a couple days) or it may have been adopted. If it was a sanctuary horse, you can find info here. If we are helping the owners network a horse, chances are you’ll only find it on our Facebook page.
Q: You have a foster/training facility, how do I know where the horse I’m interested in is located?
A: All of our available horses have their location listed with their information. You can always check with us too!
Q: How much are your adoption fees?
A: We keep our adoption fees low. Every horse has their adoption fee listed with their information. Currently they’re $0-$400.
Q: Why are your adoption fees so low?
A: We are not a business and aren’t trying to make money off of the horses. People often tell us that if an adopter can’t afford a steeper fee, then they can’t afford a horse. Maybe, but that’s why we vet potential adopters and have an adoption contract. If it doesn’t feel right, it doesn’t happen…We’ve also saved horses that people paid thousands of dollar for. So for us, the initial investment in a horse is not a an indicator of how well the equine will be taken care of.
Q: Do you transport horses?
A: If it’s a horse in need, yes. If you are adopting from us and need us to trailer the horse to you, it depends on our schedule. We only have one trailer and one designated driver, so we typically won’t go farther than an hour or two away. However, we will definitely do what we can to give you recommendations of somebody willing to transport to your area.

Don’t be afraid to ask horse people in your area if you can borrow their trailer too! Just remember to drive slow and cautious with horses on board!
Q: Do you adopt to first time horse owners?
A: We most certainly do! However, we ask that you come visit. You’ll need to work with and around the horses. We are more than happy to educate you on their needs and show you how to handle them. Horses are a huge responsibility and it is important to us that you are prepared and don’t feel overwhelmed. Lack of knowledge and preparedness creates an unsafe, stressful environment for your horse and you.
Q: I’m a first time horse owner, what do I need to know?
A: Horses are a big responsibility and can be quite costly. A comprehensive list of everything you need for your horse, expected expenses, what you need to do for your horse and when, how to find reliable vets, farriers, chiropractors, etc., who we use if you’re local, can all be found here. If you already own an equine and are having trouble caring for your horse or have questions, feel free to come visit us and/or message us with your questions. There are no dumb questions.

We educate to ensure that you and your equine have the best experience together, ensuring both of you are safe and have peace of mind.

We work to ensure that you are confident and knowledgeable about anything that may arise with your horse. We have tips and tricks for keeping your horse healthy. We love to be a resource, and hope our list will help you and your horse stay healthy and have peace of mind.
Q: I saw a horse/animal in need, what should I do? Who can I contact?
A: Thank you so much for being their voice and reaching out to us. Google is a great way to find help in your area.

Do not approach the animal, owners, or property. Do not feed the animal(s). Go through the appropriate channels!

Contact your local animal control agency or the police immediately. Remain calm, be sure to record the location (as best as you can) in addition to as many details as possible.

Contact your local, reputable rescue for more information about who to contact in your area, what you can do, how they can help. Just like you, rescues are subject to laws.

Here’s some additional info:

How to Report Abuse

How to Handle an Animal Emergency

Please be sure to follow up on the situation. Calling is not a guarantee that the issue will be resolved.

If you feel you have not gotten a satisfactory answer from your local governmental agency. Contact your local, reputable rescue so they can rattle some cages.
Q: I rescued a horse in need but now I’m not sure what to do. What do I need to know? Please help!
A: Call your vet! Call us! If you’ve never done this, do not assume that it’s like taking care of any other horse.

Rescue cases, specifically emaciated and wounded horses, need a lot of very specific help. Re-feeding emaciated horses is an extremely gradual and delicate process. Don’t just put them on grass or give them a bunch of hay and feed, that can kill them.

We’ve done this for many years now and rescued over a 100 horses. We can help and give you lots of advice, in addition to tips that most haven’t heard of.

Here is information on refeeding horses.
Q: Can I board my horse at HHHR? Can I lease one of your horses?
A: No, we are not a business. We do not take on boarders nor do we lease out horses.
Q: Who do I talk to about____?
A: Please read all the FAQs on this page to ensure that your question has not already been answered. If you have questions about adopting, volunteering, surrendering, or visiting that information can be found here.