Racing to Rescue: One Woman’s Fight Against Horse Slaughter and Neglect

Equine Advocates has become a sanctuary for horses in distress. Founded in 1996 by Susan Wagner, this nonprofit organization in Chatham, New York, is dedicated to rescuing equines from slaughter, abuse, and neglect while educating the public about the importance of humane treatment. Over the years, Equine Advocates has grown from a single rescue to a sprawling sanctuary, offering a haven to more than 80 horses, mules, and donkeys at any given time. And the organization is turning 29 this year!

The Life-Altering Moment That Led to Equine Advocates

Susan Wagner’s journey into equine rescue began in 1993 when she saved her first horse from slaughter. At that time, the reality of horse slaughter was not widely known, and the industry operated primarily in secrecy. Working at a zoological institution, she was horrified to learn that an older horse named Gandalf was scheduled to be sold for meat simply because he was no longer considered “useful.” 

In a desperate effort, Susan and a friend raised $500 to purchase Gandalf and found him a home in Maryland. “​​I couldn’t very well keep him in Queens!” she laughs. She even convinced her friend to pick up another rescued horse on the return trip so Gandalf would have a friend. These acts of rescue sparked a lifelong mission. “Gandalf was really my co-founder,” she says. “He was the reason.”

Susan’s background in the racing industry and zoological work gave her an insider’s perspective on the darker side of various facets of the equine industry. She saw firsthand how horses were often discarded once they were no longer profitable. Determined to make a difference, she returned to school, took courses at NYU to learn how to start a nonprofit, and worked for another nonprofit to understand its operations. With just $3,000 from a donor she never met, Equine Advocates was officially founded on February 27, 1996.

Overcoming Early Challenges

The early days were tough. Without a physical sanctuary, Susan relied on networking to find homes for rescued horses. A pivotal moment came in 1997 when she learned of 27 camp horses and ponies caught in a bankruptcy case. A killer buyer intended to purchase them for slaughter, but Susan mobilized supporters and successfully outbid him. The rescue operation, which attracted significant media attention, marked a turning point, helping Equine Advocates gain public support.

In 2004, Susan finally established the Equine Advocates Rescue & Sanctuary, providing a permanent refuge for rescued equines. Two years later, she expanded the mission by opening a humane education center on-site, offering free educational programs to approximately 800 students annually.

Fighting for Change: The Horse Slaughter Crisis

Equine Advocates’ core mission is to protect horses from abuse, neglect, and slaughter, a practice still permitted through exports to Canada and Mexico. While the last horse slaughterhouse in the U.S. closed in 2007, the danger persists. Susan warns that changing political landscapes could lead to a resurgence of slaughterhouses on U.S. soil — something she’s greatly concerned about.

Despite the overwhelming opposition to horse slaughter (83% of Americans disapprove, regardless of their political affiliation), progress has been slow. Susan applauds New York Governor Kathy Hochul for signing the nation’s most stringent state-level horse slaughter ban in 2023, but she remains vigilant, knowing that policy shifts can quickly undo years of advocacy.

The Beauty of Education

Education plays a crucial role in Equine Advocates’ mission. Their programs aim to instill an understanding of responsible horse guardianship in young people. Horses can live up to 30 years, requiring long-term commitment and care. Susan believes that educating future generations can break the cycle of neglect. “Sometimes kids seem to get it better than adults,” she admits. “They understand food, they understand shelter, and they understand family. I believe that when you give young people an understanding of the special needs of horses — because every animal has its own special needs — they will grow up with an understanding that one has to become a responsible horse guardian.”

The sanctuary also educates the public about industry abuses, particularly the use of pregnant mare urine (PMU) in human hormone replacement drugs like Premarin. PMU mares endure inhumane conditions, confined and subjected to continuous pregnancies for urine collection. Equine Advocates has rescued numerous PMU mares, including 46 horses from a Canadian factory farm that was shutting down. Some of those mares and their offspring still reside at the sanctuary today. “I feel very passionate about seeing an end to this in our lifetime,” says Susan.

Rescues That Made a Difference

Equine Advocates has saved horses from various exploitative situations, including the racing, carriage, and Amish workhorse industries. Many of these animals arrive with severe health issues due to years of neglect and overwork. The sanctuary prioritizes comprehensive medical care, sending new arrivals to Cornell University for complete diagnostic evaluations before integrating them into the sanctuary.

One notable rescue involved two Amish buggy horses. One was purchased directly from an Amish farmer who intended to send her to slaughter; the other was saved from a kill pen. Another rescue, Mark, a former urban carriage horse from Philadelphia, suffered severe hoof damage from years of pulling carriages on concrete. Thanks to expert care from an equine podiatrist, which includes specially made shoes, Mark now enjoys a thriving life at the sanctuary. “Health care is a huge part of our budget,” shares Susan. “If you’re going to have a horse, you really have to take care of them. It’s so easy for horses to develop health problems, especially if they’ve been neglected.”

Equine Advocates also shelters mustangs captured during Bureau of Land Management (BLM) roundups. One such Mustang, Onaqui, was taken from the wild at 16. After being bought at an online auction by an inexperienced buyer, she was ultimately surrendered to the sanctuary. “I named her after the Onaqui Mountains in Utah, which is where she was captured,” explains Susan. “I wanted everybody to know who she was and where she came from.”

Mustangs struggle to survive in captivity, and Onaqui’s story underscores the urgent need to protect America’s wild horse populations. 

Ensuring a Future for Rescued Equines

Providing top-tier veterinary care is a significant part of Equine Advocates’ mission. Horses arriving at the sanctuary often suffer from chronic conditions, injuries, and emotional trauma. The sanctuary employs veterinarians and equine podiatrists to treat complex hoof issues, musculoskeletal injuries, and psychological stress.

One former showhorse at the sanctuary exhibits extreme anxiety. “​​I don’t know exactly what happened to him, but his problems are more emotional than anything else,” Susan tells us. “So he is in with a mare he loves to be with, and that calms him down. Every case is different.” 

Every horse is treated as an individual, and customized care plans ensure that they live out their days in comfort and security.

How Can You Help?

While financial donations (which can be made here) are vital, Susan emphasizes that advocacy and public awareness are equally crucial. Writing letters to local newspapers, discussing equine welfare issues, and supporting legislation against horse slaughter can make a significant impact. The sanctuary also welcomes volunteers and encourages people to learn about responsible horse guardianship.

With thousands of horses still at risk, Equine Advocates remains steadfast in its mission. As Susan’s story illustrates, one act of compassion can spark a movement.