Volunteer Equine Advocates
Our Mission
Our mission is to support law enforcement with our rescue efforts, rehabilitation and rehoming seized equines; When an equine cannot be rehabilitated to the point of entering a new home it will remain in our “Care for Life” program. We also strive to educate current and future horse owners to promote responsible horse ownership.
About Us
In 2003, Helen Cummings brought together a group of strangers with a shared goal: helping Tennessee’s horses in need. Realizing a need for a structured effort, she co-founded VEA, a non-profit dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating horses, mules, donkeys, and ponies. The first seized horse to receive VEA’s care arrived at her Y-Doc Stables in Gallatin, TN.
Helen’s love for animals and people inspired all who knew her. Her guidance and encouragement helped VEA grow, and her legacy lives on in the work we do. VEA operates 100% on dedication, love, and hard work of our volunteers. Since 2003, Volunteer Equine Advocates (VEA) has been passionately dedicated to supporting at-risk equines in Tennessee. As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, we collaborate with law enforcement to address animal cruelty cases and provide care for abused, neglected, and abandoned horses.
VEA was founded in response to a heartbreaking incident in Sumner County, where over a dozen malnourished horses were seized. Concerned horse owners rallied together to assist the sheriff’s office, leading to the creation of VEA to prevent similar situations in the future.
Our mission involves documenting evidence, providing immediate veterinary care, and advocating for horses in court. When a defendant is found guilty, the law mandates the surrender of the animals, making them available for adoption into loving homes.
What began in Sumner County has now expanded to support 30 counties across Middle Tennessee, where we have helped over 1,500 equines in need. Our primary source of intakes comes from legal seizures, reflecting our ongoing commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating horses facing dire circumstances.
Helen’s love for animals and people inspired all who knew her. Her guidance and encouragement helped VEA grow, and her legacy lives on in the work we do. VEA operates 100% on dedication, love, and hard work of our volunteers. Since 2003, Volunteer Equine Advocates (VEA) has been passionately dedicated to supporting at-risk equines in Tennessee. As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, we collaborate with law enforcement to address animal cruelty cases and provide care for abused, neglected, and abandoned horses.
VEA was founded in response to a heartbreaking incident in Sumner County, where over a dozen malnourished horses were seized. Concerned horse owners rallied together to assist the sheriff’s office, leading to the creation of VEA to prevent similar situations in the future.
Our mission involves documenting evidence, providing immediate veterinary care, and advocating for horses in court. When a defendant is found guilty, the law mandates the surrender of the animals, making them available for adoption into loving homes.
What began in Sumner County has now expanded to support 30 counties across Middle Tennessee, where we have helped over 1,500 equines in need. Our primary source of intakes comes from legal seizures, reflecting our ongoing commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating horses facing dire circumstances.
The mission of ReelTime Animal Rescue is to promote animal wellness, provide education, and establish a funding channel for caregivers and organizations on the front lines of animal cruelty, wildlife rehabilitation and placement. Volunteer Equine Advocates receives 100% of the funds you donate to our organization via our direct donation link here:
