“VEDA’s ability to recognize the urgency of the deal, step in, and clearly communicate with us throughout the process was pivotal for the rescue’s success… we were able to close the loan on time and can now make our dreams for the future a reality.”
– Jen Soderberg Straub
Jen Soderberg Straub is a lifelong horse enthusiast. Leaning into her passion, she created the Dorset Equine Rescue, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabbing and rehoming abused, neglected and slaughter-bound horses of all breeds and sizes.
For the past 12 years, The Dorset Equine Rescue has become a safe haven for at-risk horses. It has gone from housing just two miniature horses—who still live there today—to operating on five acres of land in addition to utilizing several foster homes.
More than 400 horses have been successfully rescued and placed in their forever homes. The team includes a barn manager, assistant barn manager, trainer, administrative assistant, countless volunteers who generously donate their time and a committed board of directors, each playing a vital role in the overall success of the rescue.
Unlike other rescue organizations, Straub and her team don’t solely focus on saving lives and adopting horses; they are passionate about changing the conversations around horse rescue. The group has created community programs, including the Vermont Hay Bank, which offers hay assistance to horse owners who are going through hardship but need hay to feed their horses.
Straub knew that the organization was growing and to keep the rescue’s work going long-term, it would need a new, larger home.
Kismet happened in August 2022. The rescue received a significant gift specifically earmarked for a farm acquisition, which allowed Straub to begin the search for the ideal property.
A series of fortunate connections found the perfect piece of land – 178 acres.
Straub needed to move quickly. To secure the deal, additional financing for the land had to be arranged within three months. A recommendation led Straub to VEDA, whose timely support was crucial in closing the financial gap.
“VEDA’s ability to recognize the urgency of the deal, step in, and clearly communicate with us throughout the process was pivotal for the rescue’s success,” Straub said. “We were able to close the loan on time and can now make our dreams for the future a reality.”
Straub’s commitment to the Dorset Equine Rescue is a testament to what passion, dedication and community support can achieve. She and her team have created a haven for horses, driven by a desire to make a difference and drive change in the field of horse rescue.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Dorset Equine Rescue: Transforming horse rescue one acre at a time.