About Us

Indiana Horse Rescue was established in 1998 as an equine rescue organization dedicated to preventing unnecessary slaughter, abuse, and neglect of horses. Indiana Horse Rescue joined forces with Animal Protection Coalition, Inc. in 2002 becoming their equine division.

Indiana Horse Rescue was founded by four equine enthusiasts, Anthony Caldwell, Kathryn Caldwell, Philip Collins, and Jason Jenkins. Indiana Horse Rescue is dedicated to a very special Arabian horse that was bought by Anthony and Kathryn Caldwell, CRJ Orlando Sudan. His story is what sparked their interest in rescuing horses. It was through this group's hard work, dedication, and compassion for horses, that the concept of Indiana Horse Rescue was developed and put into action. This group of horse lovers originally began by taking in people's misfit/unwanted/problem horses and by purchasing horses from "kill sales" at auction houses. The first rescue horses that they purchased to save from slaughter was a beautiful Belgian mare that they affectionately called Precious (click here for Precious' story) and a Thoroughbred named Forever Icy.

Indiana Horse Rescue started by leasing approximately 35 stalls at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. A few years after, the founders of IHR decided it was time for a move. Indiana Horse Rescue was built with love in rural Frankfort, just outside the city limits. The original facility is still functioning today, as IHR Central.

In the last couple of years, Indiana Horse Rescue has experienced substantial growth as a powerful advocate for equine welfare in the State of Indiana. In 2006 Indiana Horse Rescue expanded, introducing IHR East in Farmland, IHR North in Demotte, and IHR South in New Salisbury. Sadly, in early 2007  IHR North facility closed due to personal circumstances. Later in 2007 Indiana Horse Rescue was proud to announce that IHR Central West in West Lafayette and IHR Southwest in Owensville joined the crew. During 2008 both IHR East & IHR South were closed.  IHR East had family issues that they needed to tend to and the Managers of IHR South decided to open a refuge of their own for all animals (we wish them much success), Indiana Horse Rescue hopes to cover the entire State of Indiana so no horse is left neglected!

Horses that are donated to Indiana Horse Rescue are placed in our adoption program. Indiana Horse Rescue adopts out approximately 100 to 300 horses per year. Indiana Horse Rescue accepts horses of all breeds and ages. Some horses come to Indiana Horse Rescue with permanent injury or medical problems, but most are donated by caring owners who for one reason or another just can't keep their horse any longer. Indiana Horse Rescue also works very closely with law enforcement officers and will house and care for horses that have been impounded, at no cost to the county, animal control, or sheriffs department. It is not uncommon for Indiana Horse Rescue to be caring for 100-400 horses, at any given time.

A great number of people believe that because our name is Indiana Horse Rescue we receive government funding, which we do not. Caring for horses can be financially taxing and we are always in need of funding for feed, medical, farrier care, supplies, services, and facility improvements. Indiana Horse Rescue is funded by private donations and fundraisers. We could not exist nor function without the support of amazing donors and volunteers.  Without the many volunteers that donate their time, we could not do what we do - there are no paid employees at Indiana Horse Rescue, all work is done by volunteers.