Excessive horse breeding is rampant in the horse racing industry. Once race horses have passed their prime racing years, many are carelessly disposed of. Each year, approximately 150,000 American horses are sent to slaughter houses outside of the country. The horse racing industry alone sends approximately 10,000 horses to the kill pen at auction headed to Canada, Europe and Mexico.
Those types of facts don’t sit well with most people. And when you are Debbie Dorman, you do something about them.
Debbie Dorman, a financial advisor with National Financial Services Group, is a life-long animal lover, equestrian and owner of two rescued thoroughbred geldings, now 23 and 25 years old. Debbie is passionate about helping rescued animals through her work with Save the Horses.
Save the Horses (Horse Rescue Relief and Retirement Fund, Inc.) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization located in Cumming, Georgia that is home to over 100 rescued horses and about 30 other animals. All of these animals have been rescued from situations of abuse, neglect or have been surrendered by owners that can no longer care for them. Save the Horses was created to address the urgent need to not only help these abused, neglected and unwanted horses by providing nourishment and rehabilitation, but also to provide education to the public.
Debbie has a special affinity for thoroughbred horses, and for educating others about them, “People don’t have a clue about the ugliness on the backside of the racetrack. They don’t understand that they have to breed thousands of horses in order to produce a winner.”
Debbie with Shamu, Camel and Nod, all rescued from the racetrack
In her eight years with Save the Horses, Debbie has spoken at fundraisers, encouraged people to include Save the Horses in their estate planning and talked to horse owners about having life insurance to care for their equine friends in case they should pass away before their beloved companion. She also works to secure local business sponsors for the organization. And there is always a need for rescue according to Debbie, “You would not believe the abuse that people inflict upon these beautiful creatures. It isn’t just ex-race horses. This problem is exacerbated when the economy is in decline.”
Save the Horses takes care of its more than 130 animals by private donations and through programs and fundraising events held throughout the year. One such program is the Barn Buddy Program which strives to help foster children overcome attachment issues. Children are paired with horses. This partnership encourages children and horses to learn to love and trust together in a safe environment.
When you are working to care for over a hundred horses, you need all the volunteers you can get. And Debbie is always encouraging people to come out to the rescue and help, “We call it, ‘horse rescue, people rescue.’” Debbie states, “You can help this cause, these animals who don’t have a voice. You don’t have to be wealthy to make a difference. We have volunteers from all walks of life that come and volunteer.” The day-to-day operation of the rescue is handled by dedicated volunteers 365 days a year.
Cheryl Flanagan, who founded Save the Horses in 1998, “Is a saint. She’s never taken a dime for all the work she does,” commented Debbie. In addition to helping countless animals, Cheryl has appeared in court to testify against people who have committed acts of animal cruelty.
For those passionate about horses that have the heart but not the time to volunteer, they can sponsor or co-sponsor a horse. Also, you don’t need to live in Georgia in order to support Save the Horses. If you would like more information, Debbie can be contacted via email or at 770-377-4941.
When she’s not working with clients or volunteering with Save the Horses, Debbie also fosters rescue dogs and helps them find their forever homes. Most recently she matched a senior Bischon with an 80 year-old couple. She also has two rescued dogs of her own.
Apart from animal welfare being her personal calling, Debbie has found that volunteering for a cause is a way to network as well. “When you are passionate about a cause, and meet others who are too—that’s how relationships grow.”
Debbie Dorman is a Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative of Equity Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Securities and investment advisory services are offered solely by Equity Services, Inc., 1050 Crown Pointe Parkway, Suite 1700, Atlanta, GA 30338, 770-512-5100. National Financial Services Group and all other entities are independent of Equity Services, Inc.
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