About Us

The Beginning

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.

Forever remembered

Helen Cummings
1958-2013

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. Thank you for being part of this important mission.

Board & Staff

Executive Director

Jamie Clifton

Animal welfare has been my passion for as long as I can remember. VEA became a huge part of my life, caring for horses and educating the public is my way of giving back now and for the future advocates of equine.

Operations Manager & Board

Amie Snyder

VEA is my true escape from everyday life. With a lifelong passion for horses, I’m grateful for the chance to deepen my knowledge and skills with equine. At VEA, we’re united by a shared mission. Guiding our rescues on their journey to new loving homes, has been a beautiful experience, that I love to be apart of.

Equine Manager

Kelsey Rast

VEA started as a hobby and turned into a career, but it’s much more than that for me. It led me not only into finding my true passion in life, but it also led me to my sweet Kopper, who I couldn’t imagine a life without. VEA has given me friends, family, a career, and passion. There’s truly no greater gift.

volunteer Coordinator

Sarah Pettingill

VEA has been an amazing way for us to connect with horses, give back to the community and support animal recovery. Inspired by my daughter’s love for horses, we’ve found it fulfilling and therapeutic, and I can’t imagine missing the weekly transformations we witness in these horses as they recover.

Secretary

Glennette Wimmer

For most of us the love of horses begins when we are young and lasts a lifetime. I experience a lot of peace and enjoyment of nature when I spend time with them. We horse lovers never consider caring for horses as work – just good exercise.

Board

Jennifer Pirtle

I love VEA for its amazing, hardworking volunteers. It’s tough but rewarding work. My old guy, Comanche, has been here 20 years, watching other horses heal and find new homes. We’re both grateful for VEA!

President

William Hudgins

Vice President & Farm Manager

Matt Brown

Working with horses has been therapeutic, especially as someone with epilepsy. Horses have been a big part of my life since childhood, and helping rescue and rehoming them is a daily mission. Helping build A New Day Farm inspired me to expand our efforts and assure that the never-ending job of making sure horses get all the hay they need.

Treasurer

Brenda Kole

I began volunteering with VEA on Christmas Eve 2021 and haven’t looked back. Horses have been a passion since childhood when I dreamed of being a cowgirl. At 15, I trained my first horse, an Arabian named Nafisa, deepening my love for their beauty and strength. I am grateful to help VEA’s mission in helping rescue horses thrive.

communications lead

Laura Buck

I’ve been an animal lover all my life, and have been riding horses since I was a teen. Since finding VEA, I’ve become passionate about helping abused equine in any way I can. Through continued community outreach and involvement, I hope we can get others to help as well.

Seizure lead

Brenda Lees

My love for horses began in the 4th grade and has filed a lifetime of dedication to the equine world. After retiring from a career in oncology, I dove into rescue work, serving with multiple organizations. I am certified as a level 2 Equine Cruelty Investigator and equine master from UT. While caring for my own animals, I foster both horses and puppies, cherishing the chance to give animals a second chance at life.

Maintenance manager

Sean Ferrell

My grandpa introduced me to my first horse, Ole’Bess, in 1972. and I’ve been hooked ever since. I’ve ridden, visited horse parks, and always dreamed of being around horses. VEA has made that dream come true-it’s my happy place.