“Ask me to show you poetry in motion and I will show you a horse.” was said by an unknown person. Since 2009 Begin Again Horse Rescue (BAHR) in Lima, NY has been providing “a safe environment for unwanted, neglected and ‘at risk’ horses to prevent as many as possible from suffering or going to slaughter.” In 2022 we were honored to share the story of this non-profit. Jennifer Lilly, President of BAHR, once again shared some of her time to update us on this special organization.
“A horse doesn’t care how much you know until he knows how much you care. Put your hand on your horse and your heart in your hand.” Pat Parelli
Since the original spotlight story all BAHR policies have remained the same. In the past there were times they would go to horse auctions and intercept horses prior to auction to save a horse from going to slaughter. Due to the significant increase of owner horse surrenders they are not able to do this. Jen shared the increase of horse surrenders is primarily due to the economy, with some surrenders due to issues with the owners health. All items related to caring for the horses from food to veterinary care have become more expensive. Funding is thin, the number of people volunteering has decreased, and people adopting horses is slower than in the past. Typically BAHR’s capacity is for 14 horses, yet since May of 2026 they have been caring for 16-18 horses at a time. Most years they rescue 15-25 horses, yet the long waiting list of people needing to surrender their horses has changed that. BAHR wants to help as many horses as they can. Financial limitations, space, and lack of people helping impacts what they can do. This year they have had tough cases with horses due to physical and health issues, where extra time and money has gone into the care of those horses. Jen shared that for all involved with BAHR each horse in their care is the priority.
“A horse gallops with his lungs. Perseveres with his heart, and wins with his character.” Tesio
BAHR has added additional members to the Board of Directors so there are now eight people on the board of directors. They have four part-time paid horse caretakers, one paid maintenance person, along with the ten – twelve regular weekly barn volunteers who help the paid staff, and eight volunteers who volunteer in the tack shop. The tack shop is where community members donate all horse and rider equipment, supplies and clothing to BAHR. These items are then sold to the general community. This shop is well received by the horse community and is the biggest fundraiser for BAHR. Every penny raised goes back into the care of the horses.
“The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit, and freedom.” Sharon Ralls Lemon
There is a process to surrender a horse to BAHR, and there is a waiting list of horses to be surrendered. Miniature horses and ponies have also been surrendered to BAHR. Jen shared the more the horse is at risk, not the order on the waiting list, determines BAHR accepting the horse. There was a time in a domestic violence situation they took horses to keep them safe from potential harm. For those surrendering a horse a monetary donation or in-kind donation is requested to help cover the cost of intake, veterinary costs, micro-chipping, and evaluating the temperament by the BAHR trainer, but it is not required. Within the first few weeks the horse arrives at BAHR a thorough assessment is completed on the horse. Because they do not have a truck or trailer to bring the horses, arrangements have to be made by the owner to transport the horse. Part of the evaluation, and if needed training, includes “good citizen skills.” Horse good citizen skills consist of can the horse be safely crosstied, haltered, have a fly mask placed on their face, groomed, and be led appropriately. Does the horse respect boundaries for people is another important skill. Horses do not retain these skills so if needed the BAHR trainer will work on these skills with the horse.
“I have seen things so beautiful they have brought tears to my eyes. Yet none of them can match the gracefulness and beauty of a horse running free.” Unknown
Just like us humans, horses need a purpose in life. Some horses can not be ridden due to health issues so a person could adopt them as a companion, non-riding horse. For other horses their purpose could be to be a riding horse. The more training and skills the horse has, the more adoptable they are. BAHR is horse-centric, which means they prioritize the horse – their needs, natural behaviors, and what is best for each horse in making decisions. They are not a sanctuary so if a horse needs that level of care, BAHR will do their best to get a horse to where they receive the care they need. Every year BAHR board members reach out to each person who has adopted a horse from them to see how the horse is doing. If possible they will go visit to check in on the horse. There have been times when the horse was not the right fit for who adopted them or the adopter can no longer care for the horse. In those cases the horse is required to be returned to BAHR, where BAHR continues to work with the horse and a new adoption home is sought. Every horse that comes their way receives great respect, honor, and love. It is a celebration when a horse goes to a new home, when the purpose of each horse is discovered so the rest of their life can be spent doing what that horse loves to do.
With honor, and joy we shine the Kindness Champion Spotlight again on Begin Again Horse Rescue in Lima, NY. A place where humans prioritize horses – their needs, wants, and purpose in a most loving way. We thank you for being you and bringing your awesomeness to the world.
Here is information on BAHR. Their needs are many so if you can please help to support this non-profit.
Website: https://www.beginagainrescue.org/
Instagram: @beginagainhorserescue https://www.instagram.com/beginagainhorserescue/
Facebook: @BeginAgainHorseRescue https://www.facebook.com/beginagainrescue.org
