Mission Statement
Our passion is to help horses in need...
The mission of the Georgia Equine Rescue League, LTD (GERL) is to protect and improve the lives of horses in need throughout Georgia by addressing equine neglect, abuse, and starvation through rescue, education, advocacy, and community support. We are committed to promoting responsible equine care, supporting programs that encourage equine health and welfare, and partnering with law enforcement and other organizations to create lasting solutions. Through compassion, education, and action, GERL strives to ensure that every horse has the opportunity to live a safe, healthy, and humane life.
Our Story
In April 1992, Georgia passed the Humane Care for Equines Act, giving the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) authority to address cases of equine abuse and neglect. However, no funding was provided to enforce the law.
In January 1993, with a $100 loan, six members, and a shared commitment to help Georgia’s starved, abused, and neglected horses, the Georgia Equine Rescue League, Ltd. (GERL) was born. GERL began by raising funds and supporting the GDA’s equine program. Over the years, GERL provided more than $750,000 in support and services to that effort.
When Georgia’s state impound facilities closed in 2020, the responsibility for abused and neglected horses shifted to local law enforcement and animal control agencies. GERL responded by expanding its mission and creating new programs to meet the changing needs of Georgia’s horses and communities.
Today, GERL is more than a rescue organization. Our programs include:
- Foster Care & Adoption — Providing rehabilitation and safe, permanent homes for unwanted and donated horses.
- Crisis Intervention — Helping horse owners facing temporary financial hardship keep their horses safely in their care rather than surrendering them to rescue.
- Stallion-to-Gelding Programs — Helping owners with the cost of castration to reduce unwanted horse populations. Since 2010, GERL has helped fund the castration of more than 1,500 horses.
- Horses Heal Heroes — Supporting veterans and active-duty military through grants for equine-assisted programs and equine experiences.
- Education & Outreach — Sharing information about responsible horse care and equine welfare with communities, youth organizations, clubs, and horse owners throughout Georgia.
GERL continues to respond to hundreds of requests for assistance each year, offering resources, guidance, and practical solutions to help horses and the people who care for them.
For more than three decades, our commitment has remained the same: to protect horses, prevent suffering, and provide solutions that keep horses safe, healthy, and cared for.
Our passion is to help horses in need—and the people who love them.