www.drfarm.org

Have you ever wondered what happens to horses when it’s time for them to retire? The “lucky few” are able to live the remainder of their lives at a peaceful retirement sanctuary.

Founded in 2004, Diamonds in the Rough Farm, Inc. is St. Augustine, Florida’s first and only charitable Animal Welfare Organization to address the area’s equine welfare needs.

The organizations primary goal is to provide a sanctuary for retired horses. There are few alternatives for permanently injured or aging horses that have been long-time faithful servants to their humans when the time comes for them to retire. DRFarm is one of only a handful of organizations nationwide that provides for horses in their final years. Because St. Johns County, FL does not have an animal welfare program in place for farm animals, we also handle rescue cases involving everything from horses & goats to pigs and even chickens. They are rehabilitated and adopted when appropriate.

In addition to Equine Retirement and Rehabilitation, DRFarm promotes PMU mare / foal adoption & awareness. ‘PMU’ are the initials used to designate horses from an industry that uses Pregnant Mares’ Urine in estrogen medications such as Premarin, Prempro, and Premphase. While it has been proven that PMU is not the safest estrogen supplement available to menopausal women, it is widely used and creates over 60,000 foals yearly that are considered by-products of the industry. Many of these foals are suitable for a wide range of sports, yet most are slaughtered in their first year.

In an effort to prevent neglect, abuse and abandonment, DRFarm provides printed educational information to the public concerning the proper care and handling of horses at any of our events. Horsemanship classes are available to our Donors and cover topics including but not limited to; Safety on the farm, Feed requirements, Equine Anatomy & Biology (just the basics), Proper Handling using the HSUS approved Parelli Natural Horsemanship methods, and the History of Horses & Humans as it applies to today’s General Animal Welfare issues.

Many of our permanent residents have had interesting and accomplished careers. All of them enjoy the attention of Volunteers and Visitors. Our facility is located in the World Golf Village area and Visitors are Welcome to our Open House Events or may Visit By Appointment.

Marie Matte

Founder, Diamonds in the Rough Equine Sanctuary

www.drfarm.org

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