“We dedicate our work to our original rescue horses that started us on this journey.”

— Erin Giannios, President of BCHR

Between 1879 and 1893, wealthy New York businessman Theodore Havemeyer purchased over 3,000 acres between Darlington and West Ramapo Avenues, calling it Mountain Side Farm. He brought in a herd of high-quality Jersey cows and livestock, and expanded the land to include modern farm buildings and a lumber mill.

In 1917 the largest portion of the farm was purchased by copper magnate Stephen Birch. His family kept it operational until the 1980’s and re-named it Mahrapo, renowned for cattle sales that attracted breeders from around the country.

Mahrapo Farm Stables became a horse boarding facility in 1981, under the ownership of the Dator family. At that time, many realized that the 17 acres of farmland was special and wanted to honor and preserve it. The location of the farm was prime territory for major development and was sought by local and state developers. After a prolonged initiative, the 17 acres were preserved so that the sacred land would never be threatened.   

Once the land was preserved, the real work began. The goal of the Bergen County Horse Rescue was to maintain the integrity of the farm and the priority was to protect and care for all of the horses, providing a sanctuary and forever home.

The boarding horses came and went, and some were left behind at the farm by their owners. These horses became part of our family and we knew they needed to stay. We realized that these beautiful, gentle creatures deserved a caring home and safe environment, and this is how we ended up with our original rescues.

Our Mission

Our mission at the Bergen County Horse Rescue is to rehabilitate and protect neglected horses with the assistance of local animal control officers and veterinarians. The mind, body, and soul of our horses are what we care about and strive to preserve, and it is our responsibility to provide the proper nourishment for each horse according to their individual conditions and needs. We implement specific health plans and reconditioning programs that strengthen and elevate the mind, body and soul of every horse. Though various methods are used to improve health, the main support that horses need is an environment where they can live as a herd and receive love and care from humans.

Horses enrich the lives of many people, so our hope is to rescue and rehabilitate these beautiful, sensitive animals.

What We've Achieved

• Since becoming a nonprofit, we have rescued 16 horses, 1 mule and 4 minis

• Prior to the start of the rescue, the farm took in 10 horses in need, some of whom are still with us today

• We maintain 17 acres of preserved farmland