ABOUT US
Free Rein Rescue and Rehab is a nonprofit New Hampshire equine rescue and sanctuary that works to save horses from needless slaughter at auctions and kill pens. Located in the White Mountains region of northern New Hampshire, Free Rein saved its first two draft horses from the kill pens in late 2022.
In 2023, Free Rein was recognized as a 501(c)(3) charity. Work began in earnest to build the infrastructure necessary to rehabilitate and rehome as many equines as possible and give them a second chance at life when others thought it disposable.
With 170 acres of land to roam, we like to say when the horses come here, they’ve come home. For our first two rescues, it was their first taste of freedom. They began to experience life without labor and toil, surrounded by human kindness.
Meet the Horses
ARTAX
Artax is a completely unhandled 15-year-old Percheron mix named after the much-loved character from The Neverending Story. He was born into the rodeo circuit as a saddle and bareback bronc and worked for professional rodeos in Canada. At 13 years old, he was sold to a ranch in North Dakota and began working in the American ranch rodeo world. After one year, he was dumped into the slaughter pipeline.
Our primary goal for Artax is to help him gain trust in humans. He is slowly learning to build new relationships but remains aloof. Horses hold on to trauma for a long time, and we know it will take time and consistency to break through. He is very curious about us and now lives a great life with his new herd.
ROMAN
Roman is a 12-year-old Belgian draft horse that proudly stands 19hh. In his former life, this gentle giant was an Amish workhorse, accustomed to long hours of pulling. When his forehoof developed a canker and it became too painful for him to do his job, he was deposited in the slaughter pipeline.
Then we found him.
After six months of quality veterinary care and several field trips across the state for cauterizations, Roman is now canker free. Hoof walls can take up to a year to grow back, but he is healing nicely and enjoying herd time with Artax and the other horses, a couple of miniature goats named Scooby and Shaggy, and his wee pal, Seamus, a young Scottish Highland cow.
MEET THE PEOPLE
Founded by Lisa Grennan, Free Rein Rescue and Rehab is female-led, with board members spanning two countries. Experienced horsewomen work closely with experienced nonprofit leaders to form and guide the organization into a legacy that will endure for years to come. We work tirelessly to advocate and educate the public about the realities of the slaughter system in America, the number of horses funneled to Canada and Mexico, and how to circumnavigate the process. We also see conversations and partnerships with other equine rescues across the country as a vital element to furthering our impact on as many animals as possible.
BOARD LEADERSHIP
Lisa Grennan, Executive Director
Kimberly King, Director
Holly Shefer, Director
Angel Larcom, Director
Kayli Goldsmith, Director