About Us

Providing Fundraising Resources for

Equine Welfare Organizations

Our Mission: Save the Lives

of Horses in Need

Special Horses executes its mission by running online fundraisers for 501(c)(3) equine rescues across the United States that are fiscally transparent and are in good standing with the IRS and their state. Many amazing, in-the-trenches equine rescue organizations have made it their mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and find homes for equines that have been abused or abandoned. These organizations are effective, but they have limited fundraising and marketing resources, so Special Horses creates promotional brochures and flyers, finds funding opportunities, and helps craft grant applications on behalf of the rescues. We also work directly with these organizations to help raise additional funds for their rescues by running online fundraisers.


Honesty, fiscal responsibility, and transparency are important to us and we understand that these characteristics are the foundation of your support. Our costs are relatively minimal (state registrations, accountant, postage, website domain and hosting, fundraising platforms, and a grant database), and we are solely volunteer run. Special Horses is a member of the Homes for Horses Coalition, has been a Great Nonprofit since 2015, and is a Platinum Participant on Guidestar.


Our Board of Directors

Director: Debbi Rainbow (Cortland, NY)

Treasurer: Jean E. Rightmire (Marathon, NY)

Secretary: Kathryn Dennis (Fredericksburg, VA)

Special Horses FAQs

Here are answers to some of our most popular questions.

  • How often do we hold fundraisers?

    We hold fundraisers for our equine rescue groups once or twice a month, and occasionally, fundraisers may run at the same time. Check our Fundraisers page for current fundraisers, and for more information (and money raised) on past fundraisers, check our Updates page.

  • Are donations and fundraiser payments tax-deductible?

    Yes! We are a trusted 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 27-0544576) and when you make a donation, the amount is considered a charitable contribution and is tax-deductible. If you donate an auction item, it is considered an "in-kind gift" and you can claim its value. If you are an artist and you donate an item, you can claim the cost of the materials.

  • How do we verify our rescue organizations?

    Special Horses fundraises for US-based equine rescue 501(c)(3) organizations that have completed our application process, have been thoroughly vetted, and are in good standing with the IRS and their state.

  • How can items be donated for our fundraisers and auctions?

    If you have an item you'd like to donate, please contact us using the form on our Contact page. Your item doesn't have to be horse-related and all donated items are tax-deductible. Also, if you are an artist or crafter and want to donate your work, we will promote you on our website and on the social media pages for Special Horses and the participating horse rescue groups. Please see "How to Donate Items for Our Auctions" on our Fundraiser page or get in touch with us using the form on the Contact page.

  • How can you become one of our rescue organizations?

    If you would like us to fundraise for your equine rescue organization or provide an Emergency Fund gift, please reach out to us using the form on the Contact page. 


    NOTE: To be considered, you must operate an accredited, 501(c)(3) equine rescue organization in the United States, and your organization must be in good standing with the IRS and your state. Your annual budget must be $100,000 per year or less.

The Story of Special Horses

Special Horses began with one horse and a "Secret Santa" fundraiser in 2007.

Since then, Special Horses has raised funds for over 50 equine rescue organizations.

Click the link below to read our story.

Read the Story of Special Horses

Our Supporters and Contributors

TO OUR SUPPORTS AND CONTRIBUTORS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!


Since 2009, the fundraising efforts at Special Horses have been enriched by donations of time and talent from gifted artists and incredibly dedicated supporters.


Click the link below to read more about our supporters and contributors, and please consider supporting their businesses.

See Our Supporters and Contributors
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What People Are Saying About Special Horses:

Walking the Walk...

There is absolutely NO other Not For Profit like Special Horses. Their tireless and unselfish dedication to raising money for horses in need is... in a word... relentless. In a world where people are more inclined to talk the talk, Special Horses WALKS it. They make a difference. 

~ Kim A.

I Am Always Impressed...

I have personally known management for many years, and am always impressed with how Special Horses makes a positive difference with equines in need. As founder of the North American Thoroughbred Society, I always do what I can to support and assist Special Horses.

~ Anita A.

Above and Beyond...

First class! The work Special Horses does is amazing. They go above and beyond. They have a connection with the people. They are genuine, hard-working, and honest. Your money goes directly to help the horses. And their Jr. Advocate is a sweetheart! I am proud to speak of them and help when I can.

~ Dash0612

Special Horses Annual Reports

We believe in total transparency, so each calendar year, Special Horses provides an Annual Report that lists a breakdown of our income and expenses. This detailed breakdown includes the rescues that have received funds, our Emergency Fund gifts, and more. 

Our Credentials

Since 2009, we have been a trusted, accredited 501(c)(3) equine charity. Honesty, fiscal responsibility, and transparency are important to us and we understand that these characteristics are the foundation of your support, so we encourage you to verify our credentials by clicking on the organizations below.