Amber Bringmann
Econ 331
Business Proposal
Professor Jolly
February 26, 2009
Spring Valley Equine Rescue
Spring Valley Equine Rescue is a non-profit equine rescue organization. Spring Valley will serve as an extra outlet for the unwanted horse population created after the closing of the equine slaughter plants in the United States. Horses and other equids housed at Spring Valley will receive basic care such as adequate feed, hoof care, vaccinations, and deworming. In addition to this those horses, mules, and donkeys that are physically able will be rehabilitated and then adopted by qualified families or individuals. Spring Valley will also offer boarding services to owners who no longer have the resources or space to house their elderly horses that are now retired but still wish to retain ownership of their horse.
Spring Valley’s mission is to help horses that have become neglected and abused by owners who view these animals as an unwanted financial burden. Since the slaughter plants have closed their doors horses are being left to starve, turned loose in rural areas, and horses that don’t sell at sale barns are simply left there for the sale barn to take care of. Many times horses left at sale barns are simply shot because there is nowhere for the horses to go. Spring Valley will give these people another place to turn with their horses. The boarding section of the organization is in place for horse owners who don’t have the space or resources to care for their elderly horses. There are many owners who purchase horses with the intention of keeping them for the length of the horse’s life. If these owners don’t have the resources to care for both their retired horse and a replacement Spring Valley will be a desirable option.
Because of the volume of neglected horses most equine rescue organizations have to turn down donation horses and don’t have room to board. Spring Valley will be designed to accept all horses in need. If Spring Valley does not have the space to take in horses that come in we will partner with other rescue organizations, therapeutic riding organizations, hippo therapy practices, and veterinary teaching hospitals to try to find a place for the horses to go.
The unwanted horse population is only growing and with that Spring Valley will also have the opportunity to grow. In order to raise the funds necessary to operate the rescue and rehabilitation portion of the organization community involvement will be utilized. The equine community would be more than willing to attend horse shows and clinics if the proceeds are going to fund a nonprofit rescue.
As an Animal Science major I am fully aware of the challenges faced by the equine industry since the slaughter plants have closed. I have also been riding horses since a very young age and have experience with training. I have been responsible for the care of my own horse and taken an equine management course. I know what it takes to care for horses and manage a facility.
For an entrepreneurial team I am looking for people who work well together and are self-motivated. Organizational skills are also important when dealing with a project of this size. I’m looking for people who I can feel comfortable delegating tasks to, people who are reliable, and people who can meet deadlines. I am also looking for someone with skills and experience with finance.