We are an All Breed, Non Profit 501(c)(3) equine rescue, specializing in wild horses. We are also the largest wild horse rescue in the Pacific Northwest.
Our Mission
To provide a safe haven for wild horses, domestic horses and burros that might otherwise be separated, slaughtered or suffer abuse. Simultaneously it creates an educational opportunity for people to directly experience America's living legends—the wild horse, in a natural habitat. Our Equine Rescue program provides shelter, care, rehabilitation, and adoption services for abused, abandoned, neglected and unwanted horses. We also offer basic education to new adopters regarding care and treatment of rescued horses.
Philosophy
America’s wild horses have a right to remain wild and free. However, each year thousands of wild horses continue to be removed from their indigenous environment and relocated off public lands with nowhere to go in the private sector. We maintain that, whenever possible, bonded horses will be allowed to stay together. We believe this will allow them the ability to live out their lives roaming free on the sanctuary and allow them to carry on their heritage.
Whispering Winds Equine Rescue is a public benefit non-profit corporation, created with the mission of acquiring abused, malnourished, unwanted, or neglected horses, donkeys, mules, and ponies (equine) with the purpose of returning them to good health and placing them in responsible homes so they may thrive. WWER also will acquire equine that are offered for sale at auctions for the purpose of being sold for meat (either for human or animal consumption), evaluate their condition, and bring them back to good health, if needed, then place them in homes where they will be well cared for and used. This rescue work will be carried on using the highest standards of medical care, scientific methods, and facilities available within the limits of the corporation’s financial resources.
Through public education, WWER will support conscientious care of equine, providing resources for owners and prospective owners on feeding, medical care, housing, tack and proper exercise to facilitate good health for the animals and an enjoyable relationship for the people involved in equine activities.
WWER will also work with the city, county, and state agencies to house, care for and find good homes for equine that they may refer to us.
WWER will set up a series of responsible “foster homes” to house these animals, if needed.
WWER will work with local groups, such as 4H and the Humane Society, to locate young people who might need an equine and can provide a responsible home and good care.
WWER will also involve young people, specifically teenagers, who have a love of equine, and would like to take part in the rehabilitation of these animals, and then see them go to good homes in the process.
OUR goal is to facilitate a community effort to educate owners, rescue when necessary, and rehabilitate equine so suffering and neglect can be a thing of the past.
Adopting a friend
Every adopter will have a public records/background check. Some things that may or may not affect your eligibility are:
1) Criminal history - including but not limited to abuse/neglect.
2) Evictions - these show your stability. Will you be evicted and have to dump your horse at the auction?
3) Fines, fees, judgments owed. Really, if you can’t feed yourself and pay your bills, can’t you afford a horse?
Some of the horses available for adoption have special fencing requirements. They can’t be turned out to pasture until they are gentled. Each horse is different, as is each adopter. We want the right match. If you feel like you can’t take on a mature wild horse but have a little more confidence taking on a two year old that has already been haltered, don’t be afraid to say so! If it doesn’t fit - it won’t work! We want the best thing for you and the animal.
If you are looking for a breeding mare - look elsewhere. Absolutely, without exception, will any of our horses be adopted out for breeding. If you want a foal, adopt a pregnant mare. If you want a baby, adopt one.
Adopters also need to understand that Whispering Winds has first right of refusal. If your adopted new companion doesn't work out, you may not send it to auction or slaughter. Moving the horse from the listed location will breach our contract and may result in litigation.
Come Visit Us!
We attempt to maintain a quiet and safe environment for all our residents. Therefore, horses are available to view by appointment only. Please call to set up a time.
We are also open for tours and to view some of the wild horses in a natural environment. This, again, is by appointment only.
Whispering Winds Equine Rescue 6161 Clarks Branch Rd
