The Florida Research Institute for Equine Nurturing, Development and Safety, Inc.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is a nonprofit organization established in 1987, dedicated to rescuing and providing sanctuary for horses in need. As the oldest and largest horse rescue in Broward County, Florida, we are committed to offering a permanent safe haven for all horses that are asymptomatic carriers of Equine Infectious Anemia, as well as assisting any horse in immediate need within the tri-county area. Our organization does not engage in buying, selling, trading, or giving away horses, nor do we euthanize healthy horses to accommodate new arrivals. Instead, we provide a lifetime sanctuary for all horses we accept, ensuring they will never require assistance again. Our primary focus is to prevent the unnecessary destruction of horses. We aim to secure sustainable funding to ensure these animals can live with dignity while meeting their physical and psychological needs. We prioritize their care and offer loving interactions to enhance their wellbeing. We actively advocate for and participate in ongoing research to support the development of cures, vaccines, or more accurate tests for Equine Infectious Anemia. Our licensed veterinarian assists in providing blood samples to researchers, and we strive to educate the public about EIA, addressing myths and misconceptions surrounding the condition. We also recognize our ethical obligation to the surrounding communities and are dedicated to giving back through programs that benefit local families, organizations, and horse owners. Currently, we provide care for 52 equines, including 49 horses, 2 miniature donkeys, 1 hinny, 4 potbellied pigs, 1 farm pig, 2 sheep, and 5 goats, of which only 7 horses test positive for EIA. In recent years, we have collaborated with local police departments to rescue horses, pigs, and sheep. We believe in the importance of educating the public on proper horse care, including the time, financial investment, and commitment required. Our programs are designed to help individuals make informed decisions about horse ownership, adoption, leasing, or renting, thereby breaking the cycle that leads to horses ending up in adverse situations.