Portraits by Melissa Fuller
Located in Palm City, Florida, the Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation (ERAF) is a 501(c)(3) organization devoted to helping abused, abandoned and other equines in need to heal—and find the homes they deserve. Hillary Guarino is ERAF’s equine manager, working alongside Executive Director Melissa Muller, over 75 volunteers and a handful of part-time barn staff under the direction of the all-volunteer board of directors.
Though ERAF focuses on horses located on the Treasure Coast, horses from all over Florida have found their way to the program over the last 25 years. The foundation is funded solely on private donations, grants and fundraisers, and welcomes horses from many different situations including off-the-track Thoroughbreds. For Hillary, ERAF’s mission is her purpose in life.
How did you discover horses?
I didn’t grow up in a horsey family—my grandmother got me my first horse when I was 7 years old, and I was in Pony Club.
What was your riding life like as you grew up?
I grew up competing as an eventer and was in Pony Club. It was a wonderful way to grow up. I have so many wonderful memories.
How did you become involved with ERAF?
I saw an ad for an equine manager with the foundation and knew that this was my calling.
What do you do at ERAF?
I take care of medical/rehabilitating and retraining all the horses and manage the day-to-day operations of the barn.
What has inspired you about working with ERAF?
Helping horses in need, rehabilitating and retraining them and then seeing them move on to loving homes.
Where do you get the horses for ERAF and how many do you have?
We average about 30 horses at any given time. Many of our horses are owner-surrendered due to owners’ health or change in financial situation. We also work closely with the sheriff’s department and animal control when horses need to be removed from unacceptable situations. Our partnerships with ASPCA Right Horse, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and EQUUS Foundation provide a wide network of other accredited rescues with whom we collaborate.
What have been some amazing things that have happened at ERAF?
We have so many wonderful stories! It’s always amazing to see these horses moving on to therapy programs, going on to full careers in dressage or jumping, or becoming healthy companion horses.
Who helps ERAF keep running?
We operate with two full-time staff, four to six part-time barn staff, an all-volunteer board of directors and 75-plus volunteers. Volunteers really are the lifeblood of the organization. We couldn’t do it without them! They help clean stalls, groom, wash horses, help maintain the barn and property and help with training.
What’s an achievement that ERAF is proud of?
We are in our 25th year of rescue and have changed the lives of more than 500 horses. We are very proud of our accreditations and partnerships with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, EQUUS Foundation, Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and ASPCA Right Horse. Not only do these organizations provide tremendous resources to ERAF, but they also affirm we meet the highest industry standards.
What’s the best thing about being involved?
Seeing the transformation of starving, neglected horses to healthy horses, and injured horses going on to sound lives.
What are the future goals of the program?
To continue our mission of saving horses. Other goals include starting an equine-assisted services program, supporting our local equine community through education and outreach, and creating a ground-based program for our non-rideable horses that will increase their adoptability.
For more information, visit eraf.org
Photos by Melissa Fuller, melissafullerphotography33.mypixieset.com
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