Dominion Equine Welfare is dedicated to finding solutions for at-risk equines through innovative ideas and actions, as well as sharing information based on the our experience with horse rescues, veterinary medicine and best practices of the equine community.
Assistance
Hay & Feed Bank Information
Hay & feed banks are an effective means of providing short term assistance to equine owners who are experiencing financial challenges to providing sufficient, good quality hay and feed for their equine.
Dominion Equine Welfare believes that if we can help bridge a short-term hardship, allowing equines to stay in their homes where they are safe and loved, and not enter the sale/auction pipeline or already overwhelmed rescues, it is a win-win for all involved.
Dominion EquiHelp TM, a program of Dominion Equine Welfare, provides temporary hay and feed assistance to individual horse owners in the Commonwealth of Viginia.
If you, your business, or organization is interested in donating to Dominion EquiHelp TM, please complete and return the donation form.
If an online donation via PayPal is preferred, please designate the donation for “Dominion EquiHelp” so your donation can be properly directed.
Eligibility Guidelines:
Applicants are evaluated on a case-by-case basis using a number of criteria, including but not limited to:
- You must be a private equine owner. No applications from equine businesses (such as boarding, breeding or training facilities) will be considered. Regrettably, we are unable to offer assistance to rescues/sanctuaries at this time.
- The number of equine you own.
- You must have owned all equine for a minimum of 1 year.
- You have standing relationships with one or more equine professionals (veterinarians, farriers/natural trimmers, dental providers, etc.)
- You must provide a safe, secure, clean, healthy environment to maintain your equine, to include shelters, pastures/paddocks, hay storage.
- You are not involved in the breeding or sale of equine on a regular basis (not including the need to sell your equine due to your financial situation)
- Applicant must agree to no breeding of any kind for a minimum of three (3) years. This includes the shipping or receipt of semen.
- Situation and need must be short-term*.
- You must show documented financial need due to unemployment or other financial hardship.
- You must have a workable plan developed to avoid future need and be willing to share that.
- A site visit is mandatory for applicants by a Dominion EquiHelp TM volunteer or designated person.
If you feel you meet these criteria, please complete and submit an application.
* 3-6 months
Sometimes, life circumstances put individuals in a situation where they are struggling due to a sudden financial hardship. The choices that have to be made during such times are very difficult.
For those with horses, the struggle can be quite daunting as horses require lots of care, which is expensive. Many facing such hardship make the difficult decision to sell or give away their horse/s. The unknowns that accompany such a decision can be as stressful as the situation itself.
What if there was a resource where you could apply for short term* assistance with feed and hay for your horse/s, enabling you to keep your horses where they belong: at home with you and your family?
Dominion EquiHelpTM offers grants of free hay and grain when Virginia equine owners need short-term assistance. Having such assistance can make a difference, enabling many to keep their horses.
*3-6 months
Comments from some of the individual horse owners that have been helped through Dominion EquiHelpTM
“ I have 2 special needs horses and am on disability income. I do without on my very limited income to do this and that is fine with me as they are priceless and will always come first. Thank you for your help!”
-BJ, Madison County, VA.
“…I found myself in need of help.
I reached out to a long time friend, an animal advocate and a warrior. On my behalf she reached out to her animal community (online). It was from this post someone mentioned Dominion Equine Welfare. Not only is Dominion helping, but they set up a pick up for me and scheduled 2 more deliveries. I picked up that feed order - my order was written up and ready to go. NO questions, no explanations needed. I am so grateful, so glad I set my pride aside. And there is no better feeling in this world than having full feed bins. I can't even begin to express my appreciation.”
-PM, Albemarle County, VA.
“…thank you so much for helping us through a difficult time this year. The feed and hay allowed us to relax a little, regroup and get our feet on the ground.”
HS, Prince William County, VA.
Dominion EquiHelp Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Dominion EquiHelp TM?
A: Dominion EquiHelp TM is a program of Dominion Equine Welfare that provides short term hay and feed to individual equine owners who have short term financial difficulties and are trying to keep and feed their equine while managing their situation.
Q: Can anyone apply for assistance?
A: Eligibility for assistance is limited to individual horse owners who meet our criteria.
Q: How do I know if I qualify?
A: Please read the eligibility requirements.
Q: Do I have to reimburse Dominion Equine Welfare?
A: Direct reimbursement To Dominion Equine Welfare is not required. An element of the Dominion EquiHelp TM program is for those who have benefitted from it to “pay it forward”. If an EquiHelpTM recipient is so inclined, they are welcome to make a donation to enable us to continue our work.
Q: I have a horse that I can take care of, but am getting another horse soon that I will need help with. Can I apply for assistance?
A: In short, no. We would strongly discourage anyone who is unable to financially care for a horse not to obtain one. If there are extenuating circumstances regarding the situation we would need to understand what those circumstances are, and would ask you to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Q: I have a very small horse business and need help. Do I qualify?
A: Dominion EquiHelp is specifically for individual equine owners. Equine businesses, no matter how small, are not eligible.
Q: I believe I qualify but am afraid if I apply I will be judged harshly.
A: Our intent is not to judge equine owners but to help. The help may come in the form of hay and feed, suggestions on how to avoid a future need, education, sharing ideas and best practices – or all of this. There may be times where we call in other professionals for advice or suggestions. Our goal is to provide the tools to enable one to make the best choices possible for their equine.