Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, Colby's Crew Rescue was established in 2021 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to horse rescue activities in multiple states. It is the largest organization of its kind in the US. The animal welfare organization concentrates its efforts on rescuing horses stuck in the nation’s slaughter pipeline, regardless of how hopeful their situation may be. Without the intervention of Colby’s Crew Rescue team, these horses are shipped to Mexico or Canada to be killed, typically for human consumption.
In some cases, if recovery and rehabilitation are not possible, the Colby's Crew Rescue team will spare horses from the terrifying and painful transportation to a slaughterhouse, instead providing a peaceful passing via a compassionate veterinarian-administered euthanasia.
In other cases, Colby's Crew Rescue provides medical care to in-need horses, followed by physical and psychological rehabilitation services. After training or retraining processes, horses are placed in forever homes with caring families capable of maintaining the animal’s long-term health and rideability. If horses regain their health but do not appear as strong candidates for adoption, they can find a permanent home in Charlottesville.