Volunteer Newsletter





We had 4 groups come out and receive an Education Tour! Some of these were led by volunteers, who did an amazing job teaching the visiting groups about DEFHR and our mission!
If you're interested in educating the community about DEFHR and our mission, email Mattie at volunteer@defhr.org!
No changes; horses forfeited to DEFHR.
(Acorn, Bundt Cake, Cierra, Daryl)
Trial in West Virginia on appeal. Awaiting date to be set in Circuit Court.
(Winnifred, Xackery, Yara, Zafrina, Auntie Ann, Billy Bob, Colton's Creed)
Court case support.
(Watson, Xino, Yumi)
13 charges of failure to provide.
(Gallant, Hobbit, Iffy, Jackpot, Khaleesi, Letty, Mochi, Nifty, Offelia, Poppy Seed, Qelty, Rosa, Scooter)
Owners charged with seven counts each for misdemeanor failure to provide.
(Chipmunk Carl, Dewey’s Decimal, Happy Hilda, Ivery Isle, Just Joking, Lando Lake)
1 count aggravated animal cruelty –felony level and 7 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. Pending trial.
(Ernest, Frankfurt)
Charges pending.
(Ulyssa)
(Glitzy Gemma, Hometown Halsey, Idle Isla, Knightly Knox, Loyal Lance, Jesting Jax)
Nissan Noshi “Nissan” came to DEFHR as a wellmannered stallion from Washington County last winter. The staff often commented about how well behaved he was and what a nice boy he was. He has been a pleasure to get to know him and see him start to come out of his shell a bit. I’m suspicious that he had some rough handling in the past and he will flinch occasionally if you move to fast around his face. He is one that melts as soon as you start petting his neck and his eyes will close slowly, very sweet to see! He’s been a fun little riding horse so far and should make a great trail riding partner for someone soon!
"He is one that melts as soon as you start petting his neck...!"
Ernest (adopted)
Frankfurt (adopted)
Karisma (adopted)
Kleo (RIP)
Love Luci (adopted, pictured)
New Hope (RIP)
Nifty Nanook (adopted)
Opal (adopted)
Watson (adopted)
Xino (adopted)
Elysian (returned)
Mistletoe Miracle (returned)
Walker (returned, pictured)
How long have you volunteered with DEFHR?
Since November 2021. I had planned to start in early 2021, but COVID impacted volunteer activities.
Did you have any previous equine experience(s) before volunteering with DEFHR? What was it?
I had some riding lessons when I was a kid, and in college, I had an eight week horseback riding phys. ed. class.
No, not just one. Several of the equine ambassadors. Last year I was a fan of Kacey and Jack. Lately, I enjoy spending time grooming Lando and Daryl. But my heart goes out to all of them because they have had a difficult past.
In the early 2000s, one of the local Baltimore TV stations did a news story about neglected horses that were rescued by Days End Farm Horse Rescue. When I later found out that DEFHR is 15 minutes from my house, I thought that's what I want to do when I retire.
Feeding and grooming the geldings.
Areas where DEFHR could use some extra assistance.
We're seeking volunteers who want to become leaders by helping us to train our incoming volunteers. If you are at least 14 years old and well-established in assisting in the barn, reach out and become a HOHO leader today!
All HOHO Trainings are held from 10am-12:30pm.
Saturday, August 5
Tuesday, August 8
Tuesday, August 15
Sunday, August 20
Saturday August 26
Sunday, September 2
Sunday, September 10
Tuesday, September 12
Thursday, September 21
Saturday, September 23
We need help with making sure volunteer groups have a fun, educational and safe time when they visit our farm to help out.
August 9th, 12-2pm
August 30th, 9am-12pm
September 6th, 1:30-3:30pm
Visitors love to learn about what we do and see it in action when they come to DEFHR. If you have a good foundation of knowledge about what we do, we'd love your help with pop-in tours. Our greatest need is currently on weekends.
Do you love to share your passion for DEFHR with anyone who will listen?
This month, DEFHR is having a booth hosted at Watkins Park in Mt. Airy for their Waggin' Tails @ Watkins Park event! We need at least 2 volunteers for this event!
As a working farm, there's always something breaking or needing the attention of a fixing hand! Even if you're inexperienced but want to learn more about what it takes to be a "handy man," consider joining our Facilities Operations Team "FOT"!
Booths play a vital role in bringing in more volunteer and donation support, as well as educating about our mission throughout our community. If you are interested, we would love to talk with you further about becoming a part of the Booth Volunteer team!
Email Mattie at volunteer@defhr.org to find out how to get started!
Do you have a talent for design? Experience with Adobe InDesign projects? Our development department is looking for a flexible, outside-the-box thinking graphic designer who can help us with some of our marketing pieces. Email development@dehfr.org if you are able to help!
If you'd like a unique way to get involved with more horses that DEFHR assists, consider becoming a METS Volunteer. You would be attending assessment appointments with a DEFHR staff member to help gather the info needed to list a horse in need of a home.
Volunteers are responsible for clear note-taking and possible videography on a standard smart phone. No horse experience required, but must be over 18 years of age due to assisting off-site at non-DEFHR locations. Email mets@defhr.org if interested in helping!
To register for events, go to www.defhr.org/calendar.
August 7-11th
Youth Legacy Week
August 11th
DEFHR @ HoCo Fair (3-7pm)
August 12th
Beyond the Saddle Clinic, 9am-4pm (see page 15)
August 14-18th
Junior Legacy Week
August 17th
Farrier Day
August 19th
Summer Interns' Last Day, DEFHR @ MoCo Fair
August 14th
Hops for Horses Fundraiser @ Waredaca (see page 17)
August 26th
DEFHR @ Waggin' Tails @ Watkins Park - Volunteers Needed (see page 17)
August 31st
Farrier Day
September 10th
Farm Clean-up Day
Volunteers Needed (see page 16)
Next Trainings:
Saturday, August 12th
Saturday, September 9th 9am - 4pm
Sunday, September 10th, 9am-2pm
It's about that time of year again! We're gearing up for the Benefit Concert! That means we're due for another Farm Clean Up Day! We want to present our beautiful farm to all who enter in special memoriam to Kathy. Some examples from our to-do list are weed whacking, gardening, power washing, painting, repairs and organizing... Tools will be available, but also feel free to BYOT (“Bring Your Own Tools”) so we have enough for everybody. Make sure to rock what you got and come prepared to compare tool kits and talk shop! But, most importantly, come ready to have a great time, build memories and help DEFHR look its best as we roll into a busy summer!
We'll be wrapping up with free refreshments from 2-3pm as a "Thank You" pow-wow. If you’d be willing to help, please RSVP by emailing Mattie at volunteer@defhr.org so we know you’re coming!
The Scoop is taking a temporary break while Legacy Camp is in session! Stay tuned for the revival coming September 2023!
We want to hear from you while we wait!
Click Here to fill out a survey!
One of your topics may just be the next Scoop!
All donations are tax-deductible!
If shipping directly to our farm, please ship: "Attn: Lynn" (horse-related) or "Attn: Sarah" (office-related)
Be sure to include your name and contact info in a note or separate email so you can recieve your donation receipt.
Thank you in advanced, and always, for your ongoing support of DEFHR's herd!
Shop #4thehorses
Our horses' needs are constantly changing and their Amazon wish list is constantly being updated. Check out what's what they need to stay healthy and happy!
For every NEW customer referral, we receive $15 directly from Chewy. Be sure to use the referral link below to make the first purchase and donate to the farm!
has been discontinued.
AmazonSmile is Amazon’s charitable giving program through which a portion of certain purchases can be donated to the purchaser’s designated charity. Thanks to our supporters’ generosity, DEFHR has benefitted from this program for years. As you might have already heard, Amazon discontinued the AmazonSmile program on February 20, 2023 in order to narrow the focus of their impact. The good news is that DEFHR will continue to receive donations through the close of the program and we will still maintain our Amazon Wishlist. Amazon will also make a final one-time donation equal to three months of what we earned in 2022. If you have been an AmazonSmile supporter, we thank you and invite you to consider other ways you can support DEFHR through your purchases.
Refresh your wardrobe and support DEFHR, all at the same time! Each design is offered in a range of colors and styles, so there is something for everyone to wear while supporting the horses. Happy shopping!
New t-shirts are now in stock! We are kicking off the 2023 summer season with a new design and a new color!
A very popular Retro Sunset design on navy blue unisex tee and the traditional DEFHR logo on light “Indigo” blue unisex tee! Stop by the office and get yours now!!
Show off your DEFHR support wherever you go and get your DEFHR Res-Que license plate today!
All you need to do is:
stop by DEFHR's office fill out & submit an application submit $50 fee
Once you receive your new plates in the mail, drop off your old license plates at the MVA or mail them in.
Email info@defhr.org with questions.
OPEN 3rd Saturday and preceding Friday of every month.
New and gently used equine tack, equipment, clothing and other related items.
Stop on in and get your shopping fix! You never know what you may find. All sales proceeds go back to DEFHR to continue with its mission.
NEXT SALE DAYS: August 18-19
Open 9am-4pm both days.
Email info@defhr.org with questions.
Tink's is Open August 18th-19th 9am - 4pm