DORSET, Vt. (NEWS10) January 7, 2026– On Tuesday, January 6, 2026 the Dorset Equine Rescue organization rescued nine horses living in hazardous conditions. According to the organization, the elderly owner could not keep up with the care needed for the animals.
The nine horses included four stallions, four mares and a filly. Four of the horses were trapped inside their stalls, standing in more than five feet of manure.
According to the Dorset Equine Rescue, all the animals are now receiving the care they need. “Four stallions, one mare, and her filly were transported to Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, where they are now receiving top of the line veterinary care. Three additional mares were transported to a generous foster home graciously opened by a Rood and Riddle vet tech,” the rescue shared on Facebook. “Every horse is safe, warm, and cared for.”
In a health update, the organization said a 6-year-old stallion was found standing atop of a steep and unstable wall of frozen manure. According to the post, the manure was as solid as concrete, and the rescuers had to improvise a ramp using the manure and hay to get the horse out of the stall. A mare and her filly were not trapped inside the stalls, but the mare had a serious head injury, with a wound that reached to her bone and almost near her brain.
“When we arrived, they were turned out near a rough shed with a group of mares. The weather was brutal—extremely cold and windy—and the metal roof on the shed was flapping,” the rescue said. “The corner where Eve had injured her head had blood, and hair, on it and the surrounding area was difficult to navigate due to the build up of frozen manure.”
The mare received x-rays, and it was determined, although there is a small depression in the bone, nothing is broken. The horse received multiple stitches and is recovering. Both the mare and her filly had their teeth floated.
Once the horses are medically cleared, the rescue will take in the injured mare, her filly and two stallions. The Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals will welcome three mares and a stallion, and the Tomten Farm and Sanctuary will receive a stallion.
The Dorset Equine Rescue will be covering all rescue day expenses, Coggins tests and certificates for eight of the horses, castration surgeries for three stallions, blood work, x-ray and medications, emergency trailer costs, transportation costs, hoof trims and rehabilitations, grain and long term rehabilitation and care costs for four horses. The total cost is projected at $25,000.
“As we take on this final life-saving rescue of the year, we are asking our community to help carry these horses forward,” the rescue shared. “Every donation, no matter the size, directly funds medical care, rehabilitation, and the months of support these horses will need to heal.”
If interested in donating to the rescue, donations can be made on the rescue’s website.
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