Providing a safe haven for neglected, unwanted
or abused horses, ponies and other equines.

My name is Andrea Barstow and my daughter Grace and I are active in the equine community via the Down East Border Riders Saddle Club, my equine massage business and our friendships and associations with several other horse owners across the state.

First Light Farm began as a small, private horse farm occupied by horses for our personal use. We were made aware of the shortage of shelters for horses in Washington County through our local state animal welfare agent. 

So, we decided to open our hearts and home to horses in need. We started off by applying for and then being granted a license to run a large animal shelter.  In May of 2008 we took in our first shelter horse, Cassie.  (For information on available horses, please see our Available Horses page).  Our operation is small, limited primarily by finances. Therefore, we decided to incorporate and applied for and have been granted 501(c)3 status with the IRS so that we may solicit donations and apply for grants.

BOARD of DIRECTORS

Elizabeth Botelho - lizbotelho@wildblue.net
Roland Botelho - rjbotelho@wildblue.net
Andrea Barstow - barstow853@gmail.com
 

OFFICERS

Secretary - John Hawkes - jhawkes@prexar.com
Treasurer - Vicki Brown - Vickib1977@myfairpoint.net

 

With the expansion of the shelter, came the expansion of responsibilities. Wow, suddenly we have more horses than brains! Fortunately, an incredible crew of volunteers has stepped up to the plate and taken over the major part of the day to day operations. This group works tirelessly, making sure all the horses' needs are attended to:

OUR STAFF

Rene'e Leavitt- Staff coordinator
Shannon Smith - Trainer
Amy  Avery - bookkeeper/handler
Tim Avery - Equine Transport Engineer
Cheri Walton- handler
Tina Moholland - handler
BJ Moholland - handler
 

In addition to the "staff" we have several volunteers standing in the wings waiting to lend a hand with events, paperwork, and promotions -whatever.

WANT TO HELP?

If you are interested in volunteering at the shelter, please contact Rene'e Leavitt at 454-7135. Volunteers must consider this a real job, though there is no monetary compensation. We ask that you commit to a schedule, be it one shift a week or several. The horses and the other volunteers will depend on your reliability to show up and perform your duties.

We are looking for donations of cash, supplies and equipment.  Please check out our current "Wish list."  Your donations are 100% tax deductible as we are a 501(c)3 tax exempt non-profit corporation.

To make a cash donation, simply click on the PAYPAL Donation button below. Please be assured all cash donations will go directly to the care and feeding of shelter horses. First Light Farm Equine Shelter operates with a completely volunteer staff.

 

We are always looking for "Friends." The Friends of FLFES offer the continued support doing whatever is needed. Fundraising, networking, or simply donating supplies and equipment when they can. In return, you  are rewarded with our undying gratitude and the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped a horse in need.

If you would like to become a Friend of FLFES, please e-mail 1stlightfarm@gmail.com or call 207-853-9453.

~Thanks~

Click HERE to download our brochure