13 Hands Equine Rescue Inc.

I adopted a mare about 4 years ago that was said to be sound and rideable. As it turns out she was overall not rideable due to poor confirmation that caused severe arthritis at the tender age of 12. I returned her because our adoption agreement was for a rideable horse and she was not.I return her and take them up on their policy of exchanging/returning a horse if there is an issue that arises. My father and I start driving at 7:30 am from Virginia and don’t arrive until late in the evening in New York. We get her there safely and drive back home.The “Adoption Coordinator” Angela Zappavigna had discussed a few options with me but long story short both she and the “Founder and President” Marylou Tortorello were unable to provide conformation photos of a SINGLE horse in over a month. Any questions I asked about history were poorly taken by Angela who told me she didn’t have the time to do anything because she was a teacher. She passed me off to Marylou who also didn’t provide me with the photos I asked for. When I told her that I didn’t want to keep talking with her and that I was tired of having my time wasted for over a month (not including emails) she said I was unkind and disrespectful.Not having anything to do with them again and I hope you will all look out when interacting with them.I’ll include videos of the texts with Marylou and Angela.

Have had a wonderful experience in visiting this rescue . They do such a wonderful job in saving horses that need heroes to advocate and save them.There is a review on here that I feel is so undeservant of even being read its by a person a Marie. Im sorry if her experience was so unpleasant for her... I will have to say the opposite.... This is a wonderful rescue organization. Ive been a life long horse advocate and professional in the field. Thank you Mary Lou and Staff.... Thank you Ramero.... I have adopted a horse from them and I look forward to a long association and friendship with this organization.!

NOT A RESPONSIBLE RESCUE. Way, way too many horses for the size of the property (250+ horses on 113 acres) and not enough shelter for the horses. Many of them are thin— even the ones they’ve had for a year or more— and they are not receiving basic hoof care, nor are they receiving training that will allow them to receive hoof care. Same with dental and vet care. No vaccinations, which is crucial when dealing with this many horses and so many incoming/outgoing horses.Marylou is an animal hoarder and is not deserving of your hard-earned money. She already gets enough of it via government grants, courtesy of your tax dollars. Improper and uninformed purchasing practices have caused this rescue to be in over their heads.13 Hands seems to truly believe that they are doing good work, and they don’t seem to know enough about horses to understand that they are neglecting them.Edited to add, because I can’t post a reply: Jacki, I know for a fact that most— if not all — of your horses do not receive annual vaccines, yet you require your adopters to keep up with vaccinations. That is so, so hypocritical and a poor example to set. Additionally, the vast majority of the horses at 13 Hands are underweight and far overdue for a hoof trim. You guys do your best to keep their hooves out of your pictures, but sometimes you let it slip. It’s all too easy to obscure poor hoof condition when your horses are standing in muck and muddy hay.

I have volunteered here for 2 years and love it. The people are genuine and care tremendously for everyone who is on property. The animals are well cared for and it’s a pleasure to help them thrive.

A wonderful horse rescue! We visited 13hands and met the most gorgeous rescue horses and everyone on the yard was so welcoming and friendly! As someone who has grown up with horses I know the time, patience and love needed to take in rescues and give them what they need. It’s very clear that 13hands are all about the horses and giving them the life that they deserve. Thank you for having us and for doing all the work you guys do. I would highly recommend everyone to visit and see for yourselves !

Had a lovely conversation with MaryJoe and hearing a voice behind the ángel work going on @ 3 hands equine. Solid feeling here.

Gorgeous horses

Wonderful place. Consider supporting this horse rescue organization. Very welcoming to visitors.