Our Mission
To provide rescue and sanctuary to abused, injured, homeless and retired horses until they can be placed in permanent loving homes; to provide an equine assisted program to assist at-risk and low income children; and to deepen the natural bond between horse and human through educational and outreach programs.
Our Vision
Horse About Horse Rescue is a certified 501 (c)(3) nonprofit horse rescue and rehabilitation facility. We DO NOT sell horses, but facilitate the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of those animals in our care. We do have some permanent residents, but strive to adopt out as many animals as possible to loving informed homes. We operate solely on donations. We specialize in the care of lame horses, but will accept animals, when space allows, surrendered by private owners or through state animal control facilities in any condition from any location.
History of Horse About, Inc.
Horse About, Inc.
Horse About, Inc. began as an idea of Brigitte Ruckle to incorporate her love of animals with her desire to help others. This concept, labeled the "Barn Project", was developed during the summer of 2006 as interested individuals in the community contributed their ideas and enthusiasm.
As the Farm Project became more refined, the idea of concentrating on horses began to take shape. Initial research indicated that in traditional riding programs, the physical aspects of the horse - its gait, size and warmth, provide benefits to riders with physical and cognitive challenges. During these riding sessions, it was noted that often the riders also experienced a sense of well-being, accomplishment, and gained self esteem. Couldn't individuals challenged with emotional, behavioral or mental health issues, or those at-risk due to socio-economic factors, benefit from the interaction with horses as well?
Over the next few months, a series of pilot programs involving horsemanship instruction, riding lessons, and farrier clinics (with Healthy Stride ) were conducted with equine professionals of Natural Horsemanship who follow the style and philosophies of Pat Parelli. Soon after, the "Barn Project" officially became Horse About, Inc..
By the summer of 2009, Horse About, Inc. had been incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, elected a Board of Directors, hired an Executive Director, certified an instructor, and was conducting equine assisted learning activities with young people from several organizations. The services of an adolescent clinical psychologist are currently being sought after for the upcoming year.
