Horse Safekeeping Program
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"Part of the reason why I had trouble leaving is because, financially, finding a new place to live that would take somebody with a child and a large dog and a cat . . . It felt really hard. And also still having to pay towards my horse on top of things, that was a consideration financially. It was only when I was in a position where I could afford my life that I pulled the plug on the relationship because I knew I couldn’t afford to otherwise." - Survivor (Giesbrecht, 2023)
The Need for Horse Safekeeping in Saskatchewan
18.3% of respondents "identified that they had owned livestock at the time IPV was occurring, with the majority of these (91%) owning horses." (Giesbrecht, 2022)
Victims/survivors who own livestock or large animals such as horses face barriers when leaving intimate partner violence such as:
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Financial barriers
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Finding safe places for horses
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Delay leaving due to fear that the horses will not be cared for or harmed if they leave them behind (Giesbrecht, 2022, p. 10)
“I have also spoken to a woman (who I don’t know well, more of an acquaintance) who believed her abuser would harm her horses. . . She did say that fear kept her in the relationship longer. . .” (Giesbrecht, 2022)
Horse Safekeeping Program Overview
Financial Assistance
The Horse Safekeeping Pilot Program aims to provide financial aid to help keep humans and animals safe. The program will cover the cost of the board for up to two horses for 60 days after the survivor has left a violent home and is residing in a safe location or an IPV shelter.
We want to remove barriers for victims and survivors wanting to leave a violent home with their horses.
Collaboration
During the 60 days of the funded board, the Horse Safekeeping Pilot Program will collaborate with the survivor, referring agent and boarding facility to ensure the well-being of the horse and human. This may include connecting the survivor to services the horse may require in a safe and confidential approach.
How Does Someone Access The Program?
This program is referral-based only. A service provider such as a social worker, shelter worker, police officer or medical professional must submit the application. Please read the program manual for more information on how to refer a client.
If you need assistance in finding a service provider to make the referral, please contact us.
After The Program
The Horse Safekeeping Pilot Program aims to work alongside survivors to help ensure that after the allowed time in the program, the bond between the horse and the survivor continues in a safe environment.
Please note that this is not an emergency service. If you or someone you know is in danger, contact 911.
Program Manual
The program manual will provide human service providers and survivors with information on the Horse Safekeeping Pilot Program and how to make a referral. Please click on the picture of the document to download the manual.
If human service providers would like to make a referral to the program, please contact tasha@saskspca.ca or 306-382-7726 for the application package.
“When I was trying to leave, I spoke to a neighbor to see if I would be able to stay there and bring some of my horses. She said ‘no’ as she did not want to get involved.”- Survivor (Giesbrecht, 2022)
The Horse Safekeeping Pilot Program relies on a network of horseboarding facilities across the province. If you think you could help a horse and family by providing a safe and confidential location for a horse, please contact us!
"My horse really helped a lot. He kinda gave me a break from stress cause when you’re on a horse, you can’t be thinking about all those awful or anxious things that are going on in your life because the horse will pick up on that, so you have to be very present, and I found that very helpful."- Survivor (Giesbrecht, 2023)
The Horse Safekeeping Pilot Program is a free service for those escaping intimate partner violence with their horse. Through generous donations, we are able to help humans and horses impacted by intimate partner violence and work toward a safe and violence-free community.
$50-$100
Allows us to purchase the required liability insurance for survivors and their horse in order to access the program.
$200
Gives us the opportunity to provide education to service providers and build our network of boarding facilities in Saskatchewan.
$350
Provides one month of pasture boarding at a safe location for a horse.
$500
Provides one month of pasture boarding with hay at a safe location for a horse.
$750
Provides one month of indoor boarding or 2.1 horses with pasture boarding at a safe location for a horse.
$1000+
Allows the program to maintain required staff to ensure quick but high-quality program delivery or provides 2.8 horses with pasture boarding or 2 horses with indoor boarding.
Our Supporters
The Horse Safekeeping Pilot Program graciously acknowledges our grant supporters for their generous contributions.