We want to thank everyone who came to the Benefit Concert to make it a success! The event was a wonderful celebration of our late founder, Kathy, and the legacy that she’s left at DEFHR that we’re all honored to carry on.
The evening was filled with entertainment, food, dancing and inspiration. We continue to be amazed at jus how many people have supported, and continue to support, DEFHR after all these years.
We are so incredibly grateful to all of you who helped with tours, admissions, souvenirs, beer and parking. Without you, none of this could have been possible!
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)
Owner was charged with 3 misdemeanors of failure to provide. Trial in November 2023. (Ulyssa)
PrinceGeorge’sCounty
No charges pressed. Case closed. (Quirky Quigley)
13 charges of failure to provide, trial in November.
(Gallant, Hobbit, Iffy, Jackpot, Khaleesi, Letty, Mochi, Nifty, Offelia, Poppy Seed, Qelty, Rosa, Scooter)
Awaiting trial.
(Glitzy Gemma, Hometown Halsey, Idle Isla, Knightly Knox, Loyal Lance, Jesting Jax)
Case closed. (Watson, Xino, Yumi)
We are heartbroken to share the news that our beloved DEFHR ambassador, Vinni the Mini, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 18. A veterinary examination showed us that there wasn't anything we could have done to prevent his passing.
Vinni came to us as a small, malnourished colt from a neglect case in Frederick County, Maryland in April 2018. His larger-than-life personality was evident from the start and following a short recovery, Vinni started a training program with our Assistant Trainer, Leigha Schrader.
On her own training journey at the time, Leigha developed a relationship with horses through various positive reinforcement techniques, and found Vinni to be a star pupil. They learned together, side by side, with Vinni excelling at liberty and trick work. It wasn’t long before the two shared their successes with the public. Like building blocks, Leigha added to Vinni’s skills year by year, opening doors for broader opportunities for spreading awareness of equine welfare.
Vinni was a true professional and worked hard at his job. He loved his time with Leigha and embraced new experiences with trust and confidence. He became an ambassador for the story of rescue horses through visits to schools, libraries, assisted living facilities, and performances set to music at local and state expo venues. His reach even made it to the national level through showcases at The Capital Challenge, The Washington International Horse Show, and The World Equestrian Center in Ohio.
The impact of Vinni’s too-soon passing is unmeasurable and we miss him terribly. He embodied every rescue horse’s need for help and hope for a future. He was a shining example of a horse’s willingness to try for people who seek to earn their trust. He had a special way to reach the world and introduce others to the power of the horse-human connection. We are forever grateful for the time he was with us; his small, but mighty, presence will inspire us to press forward with our mission to ensure quality care and treatment of horses through intervention, education, and outreach.
Alaska (Adopted)
Nala (Adopted)
Daryl (Adopted, pictured)
Lisbon (return)
How long have you volunteered with DEFHR?
I've been working here a bit over 2yrs. Covid happened, I retired, and I finally got the time to volunteer here.
Did you have any previous equine experience(s) before volunteering with DEFHR? What was it?
About 25 years ago, my girls' scout troops came to DEFHR for a tour. I've followed the Rescue since then.
Do you have a favorite DEFHR herd member, past or present? If so, who?
Fonzie is my sentimental favorite. He reminds me of my first pony. "Back in the day," no one knew what an Appaloosa was!
I've been around horses for a good bit of my life. I rode as a child and was in Pony Club; my daughters did the same. When they got out of riding, I got my own horse again!
My favorite part of volunteering is just being here. The staff and volunteers are wonderful to work with, and the work here changes so many lives-horse and human. It's truly a gift to be part of DEFHR.
We had to share this gem from getting a photo of Donna for this month. It’s really is hard being a DEFHR horse!
Areas where DEFHR could use some extra assistance.
Doyouenjoyconnectingwithpeople?
DEFHR frequently invites others to the farm through on-site events likeScoutDays,FieldTrips,etc.inordertoeducateaboutourmission throughoutourcommunity.
We always need help to call on to man these events! If you are interested,wewouldlovetotalkwithyoufurtheraboutbecominga part of the Event Volunteer team! Here’s a list of some examples of eventsthatyoucantakepartin:
Field Trip (Mayfield Woods Middle School)
Thursday, October 19th, 11am-1pm
Scout Day Fall B - Saturday, October 21st 10:30am-12:30pm
Field Trip (Mayfield Woods Middle School)
Tuesday, November 14th
We need help with making sure volunteer groups have a fun, educational and safe time when they visit our farm to help out.
Thursday, October 26th 9:30am-2:30pm
Sunday, October 29th 1-3:45pm
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 or want to learn more, we'd love your help with 1-hour Education Tours that we host as scheduled here at Main Farm. Email Mattie for details!
Friday, October 13th from 10-11am, Pasadena Cottage School
Saturday, October 14th from 2-3pm, The Transition Network
As a working farm, there's always something breakingorneedingtheattentionofafixinghand! Evenifyou'reinexperiencedbutwanttolearnmore about what it takes to be a "handy (wo)man," consider joining our Facilities Operations Team "FOT"!
EmailMattieatvolunteer@defhr.orgtofindout howtogetstarted!
Graphic Design Voluneer
Do you have a talent for design? Experience with Adobe InDesign projects?Ourdevelopmentdepartmentislookingforaflexible,outsidethe-box thinking graphic designer who can help us with some of our marketingpieces.
Emaildevelopment@dehfr.orgifyouareabletohelp!
To register for events, go to www.defhr.org/calendar.
October 7-8th
New Horse Owner’s Clinic
October 12th
Farrier Day
October 19th
Field Trip - Mayfield Woods MS
Volunteers Needed (see page 14)
October 20th - 21st
Tink's Sale
October 26th
Farrier Day
October 21st
Scout Day Fall B
Volunteers Needed (see page 15)
October 28th
November 4th
BOO-tiful Barn Bash!!!
(see page 16)
Volunteer Continuing Education Course: “Case Studies” with DeEtte Hillman
December 9th
Santa’s Village (SAVE THE DATE)
Thursday, October 19th, 11am-1pm
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
We will be welcoming 70+ students from Mayfield Woods Middle School to the farm and we need your help to make sure they have a great experience!
Volunteers are needed from 10:30am-1:30pm to assist with the following:
Grooming Leading Farm Tour
Educational Talk
Saturday, October 21st, 10:30am-12:30pm
Welcome Boy and Girl Scouts of America and help them experience what it means to take care of horses as they pursue their own Days End Farm Horse Rescue merit badge!
Volunteers are needed from 9:45am-1pm for the following:
Grooming Leading Farm Tour
Educational Talk
General (direct groups, as-needed tasks)
Email volunteer@defhr.org if you can help OR sign up on Civic Champs!
Saturday, October 14th @ 3pm
Tuesday, October 24th @ 2pm
Ever see us asking for volunteer support for an event, but have no idea what it means or how you could help? Now’s your chance to change that!
This month, we will be reviewing the many types of events that DEFHR hosts and how you can play a role in making them a success! You’ll walk away with knowledge about how you can get more involved with all of the exciting things we do at DEFHR!
Sign up on Civic Champs to reserve your spot!
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!
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!
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: October 20th - 21st
Open 9am-4pm.
Email info@defhr.org with questions.
Tink's is Open October 20th - 21st 9am - 4pm
