“Nancy has an innate understanding of how horses think and react,” says Doniger.ĭunn, who grew up in a small, rural Pennsylvania town, has been around horses her entire life. Dunn is described by those who work with her as something akin to a horse whisperer. “Rescue takes a special breed of person.” That special breed of person is Nancy Dunn, ERAF’s full-time barn manager. When horses first arrive at ERAF, they are often malnourished, mistreated, or suffering from any number of health problems. Watching Gucci root around in Muller’s hand looking for peppermints, it’s apparent that this horse is quite content at his new home. Gucci’s former owner had been advised to euthanize the horse. “She was my best friend.” Doniger started caring for Gucci, an Appaloosa who was recovering from a traumatic leg injury at the time and eventually also lost both eyes. “When I came to ERAF in 2018, I had just lost my mom,” says board member Robin Doniger. Many volunteers eventually take on larger roles, end up adopting an animal, or both. With a staff of just two full-time and six part-time employees, ERAF relies mostly on its 75-plus volunteers to care for the horses, maintain the property, staff events, and handle the day-to-day management of the organization. The property comprises 24 stalls, 9 paddocks, and 2 quarantine paddocks. The farm sits on 8.5 acres of land off Southwest Martin Highway. ERAF staff member Saundra Stashak walks with Sky, a 14-year-old off-track Thoroughbred. Since its inception, ERAF has rescued more than 450 animals. The organization takes in equines that have been abused, abandoned, neglected, or surrendered by their owners, as well as former racehorses retiring from the sport. Each one has its own story.įounded in 2000, ERAF is a nonprofit devoted to the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of horses, mules, and donkeys. As she walks along paddock fences, Muller points out horses of all different sizes, colors, and breeds. “Horses don’t feel sorry for themselves,” says Melissa Muller, communications and development coordinator at ERAF. Watching this majestic equine frolicking in the fountain, it’s difficult to imagine that she and the 37 other horses that currently call ERAF home have endured a heartbreaking journey to get here. Emma, a 14-year-old quarter horse, is enjoying a cool dip on a hot Florida summer day at the new home where she and her daughter, Lucy, now live. Photography by Jason NuttleĪs the gate swings open at Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation (ERAF) in Palm City, visitors might take a moment to notice a horse swimming in a fountain. ERAF volunteer Karen Goodberlet walks with Hero, a 6-year-old off-track Thoroughbred.
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