Pony Up Rescue Collective

Help Horses Help People.

Pony Up Rescue Collective believes that horses are for everybody. We rescue, rehabilitate and rehome, share access, and give horses and people meaningful experiences with one another.

When we pulled 25-year-old Mabel, a severe starvation case, from a kill pen in Oklahoma, we had no idea she was pregnant, nor did it seem like a possibility. The chances of a malnourished, geriatric mare carrying a healthy foal to term are less than slim, but Mabel did just that! Dandelion was born into the sunshine on Tuesday, April 28th and both mama and baby are doing beautifully.

Our rescues range from one week to 34 years of age, from small ponies to small horses, across many breeds and backgrounds. What do they have in common? That they were out of options, at high risk of shipping to slaughter, and had little chance of rescue.

Want to be part of rescuing and rehabilitating ponies together? Join us. We are your community horse rescue.

Meet Dandelion, our miracle baby

100% of your tax-deductible donations go directly to our ponies & programs. We do the utmost good with every dollar.

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Through community wellness programs, equine-assisted activities and inclusive workshops, we invite the local community and those with limited access to horses to experience the healing and joy they can offer while building social skills and resources.

We welcome your tax-deductible donation today.

Founded in January 2023 by seasoned horse handler and trainer Kelsey Merrow, Pony Up Rescue Collective Inc operates out of a private farm in Tivoli, NY.

21 horses and ponies rescued from the auction-to-slaughter pipeline so far!
11 horses rehomed on no-sale contracts
9 horses in current rehabilitation and training
350 free program hours per year
3400 volunteer hours in 2025 alone

The Collective is dedicated to rescuing horses from neglect, abuse, and imminent danger, and making the powerful connection between horses and people accessible to all, especially underserved communities.

When we outbid auction kill buyers to purchase this terribly neglected 1-year old colt on February 7th, Pablo weighed just 424 lbs. He was immediately hospitalized with Influenza and double pneumonia, and survived. Following quarantine, Pablo arrived at Pony Up RC on March 12th to join our herd of seven ponies and horses in various stages of rehabilitation and training. The difficulties didn't stop there.

Little Pablo beat both a relapse of pneumonia and Clostridia Difficile, and is now battling bastard strangles- infection in his abdominal cavity. Gentle and affectionate, he has grown two inches and learned lovely ground manners in his indoor/outdoor quarantine. Pablo has a great deal of good to do, if he pulls through.

Please send Pablo strength. Check back for updates here and on our socials.