MISSION STATEMENT

"To rescue Clydesdale horses from cruelty, neglect, abuse and harm, to rejuvenate, rehabilitate and rehome to an environment where they can spend the rest of their natural lives happy, healthy and content"

Clydesdale Rescue is dedicated to the cause of rescuing Clydesdales, the noble giants of the horse family, from cruelty in any form and giving them a safe and enjoyable life.

Clydesdale Rescue was set up when we realized that the glorious creatures featured on this website were destined for destruction. Please take the time to browse through our web pages, and if you have any queries or are able to help us in any way we would love to hear from you.

If you are aware of a situation where heavy horses are in a situation of neglect, please contact us.

Sometimes through a situation out of your control such as a medical ailment you may decide you need to retire your heavy horse. We can provide forever homes that mean your horse can be retired at our facility for a fee and receive excellent care and attention in his or her retirement.

We also have 24 hour facilities available to poddy orphaned foals.

 

Who We Are

Julie Keegan Julie is the driving force behind Clydesdale Rescue, owning Clydesdales herself she immediately volunteered herself and her property in the New England Shire to take in rescued horses when she heard of their plight. Julie lovingly tends to all the horses, making sure that they begin their road to recovery with full bellies and immediate vet checks. Once they have settled in she begins the training process, getting them used to being handled and ensuring they are happy and content. Previously a website designer, Julie has decided that she is going to follow her dream of working with heavy horses. Julie spends most of her time now tending to the horses and other animals living at the Santuary. You can contact her by emailing julie@clydesdalerescue.com.au if you would like to know more about any of the horses that are currently looking to be rehomed. Also, if your corporation is looking for a worthwhile project to fund, please contact Julie.
Von Jansen Von came on board when she found out about the fate of many of the horses. She was happy to help in whatever capacity she could. Having never grown out of her girlhood dream to own a horse, she knew she could help in other ways. Von has just acquired her first rescue pony, and hopes to one day to have a Clydesdale of her own. Previously an accountant, Von now runs a dog minding business, but has been involved in rescue for some years. Von currently has a number of horses under her care, and specialises in caring for aged horses. She is the first point of contact if you know of any horses that are in an abusive or neglect situation that you feel need to be rescued. You can contact her at von@clydesdalerescue.com.au.
Martin Collins Martin has had many years corporate experience and is a lecturer at the University of New England. He has a keen commitment to local issues, and is devoted to finding new and interesting ways of funding our projects. Martin is the current serving Treasurer of Clydesdale Rescue.
Sarah Butler Sarah owns the North Hill Veterinary Clinic in Armidale. She has been a member of the board since inception, and plays an important role in assessing the horses' physical health on arrival, and also during monthly herd health checks conducted at the sanctuary.
Lisa Morison Lisa is a property law specialist who has had past charity experience, and handles the administration of the legal aspects of running the organisation.

 

Why We Do It

The Clydesdale horses we rescue come from situations where they are neglected to the point of ill health, physical and/or psychological abuse and situations of existing or potential harm [eg. slaughter or "dogging", a common practice for horses who have "past their used by date"].

Many Clydesdales end up sold for slaughter because they are unwanted or avoid humans [generally because of poor handling or abuse by previous owners]. Their suffering is solely caused at the hands of humans - neglect, cruelty and abuse. Some are young and have not had a chance at a happy life. Many are mistreated to the point of avoiding contact with any humans [for good reason!] Others are older and have had too many hard years of being used as breeders or faithful workers, only to be tossed aside once they are "too old" to be financially viable. Many are starved of positive contact, proper food, veterinary attention, and basic every day needs such as worming, hoof care by experienced farriers and dental care.

At Clydesdale Rescue, we believe In this day and age there is no reason for cruelty towards any animal, let alone the kind of suffering that has been endured by our rescues. Cruelty comes from and is evidence of acute human frailty and cowardice. Humans have caused these problems - humans should be ultimately responsible for providing positive solutions where life is preserved and nutured.

All of these beautiful horses have potential - potential to be all they can be, and they deserve to have the chance to experience good times in a world that has shown them little mercy so far. This at its core is what Clydesdale Rescue is about. There is a road back for them - it takes time, effort, patience and determination. We believe that the benefits of seeing these horses thrive is very worthwhile - it all starts by someone caring, doing and making changes.

Clydesdale Rescue is dedicated to rescuing Clydesdales from these and all types of negative situations and to free them to live th erest of their lives in peace and enjoyment. This process starts by rejuvenating their physical and psychological health, with appropriate medical treatment where necessary and patient attention to healing their psychological damage. We aim to find them the best forever home where they will be respected and cared for properly.

The bottom line is always that the Clydesdales we save come first. Each and every one gets to experience a positive situation where they are enjoying life every day for the rest of their lives.

Some things should just happen - like Clydesdale Rescue. At a time when important things are being forgotten in the world today, we will stand up for some of those who are being forgotten. We do it because these animals do not deserve to suffer or die because of human failings. This is our cause - please join us and help.