The majority of our horses have been lovingly surrendered and re-homed with us. We truly understand that it can be economically difficult to keep and maintain a healthy horse, and we strive to take in as many as possible. At this time, we are working on building shelters and developing our capacity to grow forage.
THE PROBLEM…
There are still so many equines that need help. Many unwanted horses end up at livestock auction barns. The horses that are old, unsound, or just 'not up to par' are often purchased by meat dealers. These purchasers judge the horses' worth on its weight, according to what the meat plants are paying per pound. Currently, horse slaughter is illegal in the United States. These auction horses end up on slaughter trucks headed to Mexico or Canada. The road is long, the ride is hard, and the end result is unregulated and often inhumane.
There are many equine rescue groups actively and valiantly fighting for the lives of these horses, as well as mules and donkeys. We cannot begin to honor and commend these people enough for their relentless effort to spare an equine's life. Many of the equines at auction are retired trail horses or mules, retired therapy horses, unwanted kids horses, or old, sick, blind horses. Many are old or injured carriage horses, rejects from the race track, or injured competition horses from rodeo or hunter jumper arenas. Sadly, these horses have given everything they've got, and then they are dropped off - out of sight - out of mind, for a few bucks.
OUR PURPOSE.....
We at H.A.P.H.E.O. feel it's our responsibility to provide relief to an already ongoing effort. It is our mission to provide healing and restoration to as many equines as possible, and assist in getting those horses off the trucks. We at H.A.P.H.E.O., consider ourselves the voice for the horse. Being too old, unsound, or just not 'good enough' doesn't exist. We have witnessed the value of connection and bonding that comes from slowing down, and spending time with a creature that was born to naturally co-exist in a herd. H.A.P.H.E.O. provides shelter, food, medical, and farrier. We provide rehabilitative training through holistic and therapeutic programs connecting them with people. Equines that are deemed healthy, safe and rehabilitated, will have option to be adopted.
OUR GOAL....
Our goal is to help as many horses as possible; rehome as many as possible to loving homes; provide horsemanship classes and therapeutic experiences, to all whom want to participate, regardless of their financial means.
Please contact us if you'd like to visit, or be a part of our herd. There are many opportunities and needs at the ranch. The horses are gentle and we've created a safe place for human and horse. We welcome those whom are seeking a peaceful place to be.
Blessings and Happy Trails to All
- Diane