Travellers Rest Blanket Bank

Travellers Rest Farm Sanctuary has established a Blanket Bank for horse owners unable to provide suitable blankets and/or turnouts for their horses.

Eligible owners concerned about keeping their horse(s) warm and dry can request a stable blanket or turnout, and we will do our best to help. Blanket distribution depends on what we have in stock. If you can afford your own blanket, please do not inquire — this resource is reserved for owners who need it most.

No application is needed. Just email us at trfsanctuary@gmail.com about your need, tell us a little about your horse, and let us know what size you're looking for. We'll do our best to find a blanket for you. We want every horse in our region to be warm and dry.

The Blanket Bank is open to horse owners in Maryland and parts of Virginia who are able to pick up their blanket. We will not ship or deliver blankets — pickup only. You can pick up whenever is convenient for you; no appointment needed.

Tax-deductible donations of new or used stable or rugs in good working order (no tears, missing buckers, or repairs/maintenance needed) are welcome. We accept all brands, shapes, styles, and types. You can drop them off anytime at our front gate in Hughesville, MD.

Travellers Rest Farm Sanctuary understands that unexpected financial hardship can make it difficult for horse owners to provide the care their horses need. Our limited Owner Assistance Program may provide support for essential expenses such as veterinary care, farrier services, hay, or feed when funding is available.

Assistance is considered on a case-by-case basis and is intended to help keep horses safely cared for in their current homes whenever possible. Funding is limited, and submitting an application does not guarantee assistance.

An application and review process is required. Applicants may be asked to provide information about the horse, the owner’s circumstances, the requested expense, and supporting documentation. Approved funds are paid directly to the veterinary provider, farrier, feed supplier, or other approved service provider—not to individuals.

To request assistance, please complete our Owner Assistance Program application.

Thank you for reaching out to Travellers Rest Farm Sanctuary regarding assistance for your horse. To help us evaluate your request fairly and determine whether we may be able to assist, please email the information below to trfsanctuary@gmail.com. Please include all available supporting documentation and current photos of the horse(s) for whom you are requesting assistance.

1. Owner Information
Please provide the owner’s full name, mailing address, phone number, and email address.

2. Horse Information
Please provide each horse’s name, age, breed, and any diagnosed medical conditions or ongoing health concerns.

3. Current Location
Please provide the physical address where the horse(s) is currently kept.

4. Proof of Ownership
Please provide documentation showing ownership, such as a current Coggins test, registration papers, bill of sale, or other records listing you as the owner.

5. Veterinary and Farrier Information
Please provide the names and phone numbers of your veterinarian and farrier. Are you willing to authorize them to speak with us to verify the horse’s health status and care history?

6. Circumstances Creating the Financial Need
Please describe the event or circumstances creating your financial hardship. Examples may include job loss, illness, a natural disaster, or an unexpected veterinary emergency.

7. Type of Assistance Requested
Is your request for a one-time expense or ongoing financial assistance?

8. One-Time Expenses
If you are requesting assistance with a one-time expense, please provide an itemized estimate, invoice, or quote directly from the veterinarian, farrier, feed supplier, or other approved service provider.

9. Recurring Expenses
If you are requesting ongoing assistance, please identify the expenses for which you need help, such as hay, grain, veterinary care, farrier services, medications, or other essential care. Please provide the estimated monthly cost for each expense.

Applicants are expected to contribute toward their horse’s care to the best of their ability.

10. Direct Payment to Providers
Are you comfortable with approved funds being paid directly to the veterinarian, farrier, feed supplier, or other approved service provider?

Please note that we do not issue payments directly to individuals.

11. Other Assistance
Have you applied for or received assistance, grants, or fundraising support from another equine organization for this same need? If yes, please provide the organization’s name and the amount requested or received.

Additional owner-assistance resources may be available through the Homes for Horses Coalition: https://homesforhorses.org/resources/grants/owner-assistance-programs

12. Plan for Continued Care
If approved assistance does not fully cover your request, or when approved assistance ends, what is your plan to ensure your horse continues to receive the care they need?

13. Current Preventive Care
Is your horse currently up to date on vaccinations, Coggins testing, when applicable, farrier care, dental care, and deworming? If not, please explain.

14. Immediate Risk or Emergency
Is your horse currently at immediate risk of neglect, euthanasia, auction, or slaughter? If yes, please explain the circumstances and provide any relevant deadlines.

15. Updates for Donors
Are you willing to provide periodic photo and/or video updates regarding your horse’s condition and progress? Approved cases may be shared with donors to demonstrate how their contributions are helping horses and their owners. If so, please indicate how frequently you would be able to provide updates.

Please include three to five current photos of each horse, including:

• A clear photo of the left side
• A clear photo of the right side
• A front view
• Close-up photos of any injuries, medical concerns, or areas requiring treatment

Please include your veterinarian’s treatment plan, recommendations, medical records, or relevant invoices.

Do you understand that submitting this application does not guarantee financial assistance and that all requests are reviewed based on available funding, eligibility, demonstrated need, and the information provided? YES/NO

Our Owner Assistance Program is intended to help horses remain safely cared for in their current homes by providing limited assistance with essential expenses, such as veterinary care, farrier services, hay, grain, and necessary medications. We do not provide funding for boarding, training, or payments made directly to individuals. Once we receive your completed application and supporting documentation, we will review your request and contact you if additional information is needed. Thank you for taking the time to complete this application. Our goal is to use limited donor funds responsibly while helping horses and owners facing genuine financial hardship.