About Us

Our Mission

Omega Horse Rescue is a section 501(c)(3) non-profit horse rescue committed to providing humane treatment for all equines through education, research, and quality care. We strive to find nurturing homes for as many equines as financially feasible, and are dedicated to rehabilitating these animals for a second chance for a healthy, productive life. Our team advocates for the neglected, those left at auctions and kill pen or those donated to Omega. Our mission remains clear and constant: Educate horse owners on the actual responsibilities involved in equine care Legislate for the humane treatment of horses everywhere Find appropriate homes for unwanted, abused or neglected equines.

Our History

Our founder has been actively involved with horse rescue for 30 years, but did not become a non-profit organization until 1997. Kelly Young Smith, Director of the Rescue, has witnessed firsthand the atrocities that equines all too often endure. She works tirelessly to save lives and give these wounded souls a chance for their freedom ride. Today, with more than 100 horses annually going through our gates we are well on the way toward creating a better existence for equines everywhere. However, not all of our horses are victims of abuse and neglect, or are aged and unhealthy. Many animals are donated to the Rescue by owners no longer able to provide appropriate care for their animals and want them to have a good home.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

Omega Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation Center works to create an inclusive environment that values diversity, ensuring all employees, volunteers, and program participants feel welcomed and free from harassment or discrimination.

We recognize that every person is an individual with different needs, preferences, and abilities. We strive to make our services inclusive and accessible to people from all sections of the community. We believe in harnessing different life experiences, attributes and contributions from employees, volunteers, and program participants.

In keeping with our mission and vision, we ascribe to the following values:

HORSES FIRST, the Horse is at the heart of all we do

ONE TEAM, we collaborate with and value our employees, members, supporters and partners

RESPECTFUL, we deliver with respect, integrity, dedication and passion

SUPPORTIVE, we support horses and people to safely enjoy life together

EXCELLENCE, we strive for excellence in everything we do

Anti-Discrimination Policy

• Discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identify, national origin, disability, age, or genetic information (family medical history) is illegal and will not be tolerated. This applies to board members, staff, and program participants.• Omega Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation Center will provide reasonable accommodation to employees and program participants who require accommodation for medical or religious reasons, as required by law.• Employees can report discrimination to any board member. o Board members are routinely onsite at the facility and available should an employee or program participant want to report discrimination.o Employees who report discrimination will be free from harassment, punishment, or retribution for reporting.o The identity and confidentiality of employees who report discrimination or participate in a discrimination investigation will be protected to the greatest extent possible.o Complaints will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. Employees will be kept informed of the investigation and outcome of the investigation.• We expect anyone on the premises of Omega Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation Center to treat others with respect and failure to adhere to this policy may result in termination of employment.

Meet Our Team

Kelly Smith

FOUNDER

Rescue has been my life for the last 30 years; that’s three decades of tireless dedicated work with the single goal of saving lives. That goal has helped me save thousands of lives over the years and I’m not done yet. I strive to help unwanted and slaughter bound horses any way I can. Several years ago I needed and prayed for direction and my nonprofit Omega Horse Rescue was born. I rely on the wonderful people around me to keep it going; especially my husband Matt. He is my rock, and although he doesn’t ride horses he helps at the rescue, supports me and the work we do. Thankfully he listens with his heart and encourages me to follow my dreams, which are sometimes, crazy, hard, sad, fun, but always with the same goal – saving horses. To me success is not defined by education or awards, but by hard work, grit, determination, compassion, vision, and most of all love. Some of our rescue horses have gone on to win major competitions, become stars in their neighborhoods, dependable trail horses, wonderful therapy horses helping people, and more.

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