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Last updated on February 28, 2008

The mission of Open Gates Equine Rescue, Inc. ("Open Gates")is to protect and rehabilitate equine (horse, pony, mule, or donkeys). Once in Open Gates care, we make every effort to bring the equine back to good health (physically and mentally). We insure proper nutrition, medical care, and farrier services.

Description:
Open Gates acquires abused and neglected horses by surrender, purchase or seized horses by the Animal Welfare Program of Maine. We have also purchased horses and ponies from auction where the animals were at risk to go to Canada for slaughter.
The horses here require attention, grooming, stalls being cleaned daily, learning to trust humans, forming bonds with those who participate as a volunteer. We seek volunteers with some horse experience if they desire hands-on contact. If no horse experience, we also seek volunteers to clean stalls, repair fencing from time to time and cleaning of paddock areas, as well as scrubbing of feed/water dishes. During the summer months, we need volunteers to assist us in getting hay out of fields and storing in our hay loft. Every few months, we have a get together with our volunteers for a BBQ in the good weather and sit down dinners during the winter months to express our appreciation for their efforts. Volunteers are needed on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays mid-mornings. It may be required of those who have horse knowledge to get horses in during unexpected bad weather. Presently, Open Gates has 13 horses on premises. A Waiver of Liability is expected to be signed before any volunteer works in the barn. Anyone under the age of 18 must have both parents (or guardian) sign a Waiver of Liability on their behalf.

History:
Two of the directors of Open Gates have been rescuing horses for nine years. They decided to incorporate in 2005 and asked friends who had an interest in horses to become directors to assist. The co-founders of Open Gates were receiving many calls from those who could no longer care for their animals. The Director of Animal Welfare in Augusta suggested that we become a licensed shelter for horses. The rescue is operated by the owners and co-founders, as well as several volunteers.

Contact people:

Linda Walker, Treasurer, (phone), (email) Deborah Hutchins, President, (phone), (email) Rose Stansfield, Supervisor, (phone), (email)

Address:

407 Morse Road New Gloucester, ME 04260 (See a map)

Web Site: None specified

Directions:

From the South, via Route 100/202/4 and Exit 63 of the Maine Turnpike, heading north toward Auburn, we are approximately 5 miles from Exit 63. Off the exit take a right, at next light stay in middle lane and take a left. At next light continue straight ahead continuing on Routes 100/202/4. In approximately one mile, you will Cole Farms Restaurant on your right, continue another two miles and you will see the Gray New Gloucester Animal Hospital, one-half mile on your right is Morse Road (take a right onto Morse Road). We approximately 2 miles down on the right at the bottom of two hills just past an open field. We have a long driveway, no signs indicating a horse rescue to protect the horses. From the north heading south, take Exit 75 off the Maine Turnpike, take a right onto Routes 101/202/4. In approximately eight miles, you wil see Morse Road on your left. Follow directions above.

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