Homes for Horses
Homes for Horses
Helping Horses One Sale at a Time!
My Mission
I'm not just selling houses; I'm building futures for both people and horses. With every successful transaction, a portion of my commission goes towards supporting the amazing work of "This Old Horse"
My story of adopting Montana from This Old Horse:
Two years ago, while browsing Facebook, I stumbled upon an advertisement in a garage sale group that piqued my interest. The ad read something like this: "Copperbowl Ranch & This Old Horse are hosting an open house to showcase their magnificent horse rescue. Come meet our partners, volunteers, and the incredible horses that make this rescue possible. We're always seeking kind-hearted individuals to join us at this beautiful ranch."
Filled with excitement, I immediately shared the ad with my husband and my dear friend Tina, whom I've known since junior high. Both of us had owned horses back in the 90s, and this event seemed like the perfect opportunity to reintroduce horses into our lives. Attending the open house, we both felt an immediate connection to the cause and knew this was exactly what we had been seeking.
This period of my life had been marked by profound loss. I had experienced the passing of my father, mother, and mother-in-law, all within a few short months. The beginning of 2022 brought another devastating blow as I lost the love of my life, my husband.
June 2022 I began volunteering at Copperbowl Ranch, dedicating my time to the care of these majestic horses. A few months into my volunteering journey, I learned about another one of their farms named "Wishbone Ranch" in Hastings, Minnesota. This farm housed a larger number of horses and was located closer to my home. Eager to contribute, I signed up for volunteer shifts at Wishbone Ranch.
Before long, it became clear that Wishbone Ranch was where I felt most compelled to dedicate my time. I committed to volunteering there twice a week during the mornings. Amidst turmoil, I found solace and hope in the presence of these remarkable animals.
And here's where my story takes an even brighter turn! After a couple of months at Wishbone Ranch, news arrived that a young filly was set to join our farm. This is the story, as shared by This Old Horse:
Sold in good faith as part of an estate after the death of her owner, his heirs were horrified to discover that at 5 years old, Mesa had ended up in a kill pen. They swiftly arranged her a safe passage that brought her to us.
She was exhausted, malnourished, neglected. So, we did what we do and revealed the beautiful, kind, and gentle mare within. But to our surprise, that wasn’t the only thing that was ‘within’. She was in foal!
Over the next few months, a recovered Mesa helped out in our VALOR program, a support group for first responders that incorporates equine assisted activities. One of the participants fell in love with her and committed to adopt her after her foal is weaned next Fall.
And then, through our collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Equine Studies, Mesa went to college as an ‘instructor’ in their equine reproduction program to help students learn the ropes of caring for a mare through late-stage pregnancy, birth, and foal care.
This morning, Mesa foaled out a perfect, lovely filly that the students are calling ‘Montana’. She is almost black (like her mother) with a star and snip. A new life—and a new life.
In Great Expectations, Charles Dickens wrote: "But it is the same with any life. Imagine one selected day struck out of it and think how different its course would have been."
Fate had a plan for Mesa and brought her from the brink of peril to her true calling as a therapist, a teacher, a mother. Think of the lives she has touched--will touch--as she reciprocates the support she received, paying it forward to help others.
And we are right here to witness and to guide her. This privilege is overwhelming.
Love is good.
Although I missed the day Montana was delivered alongside her mother, I knew I would meet her the following day. Stepping into the barn that morning, I headed straight to her stall. The emotions that washed over me upon seeing her for the first time are indescribable. An instant, powerful bond formed within just a few moments – a connection I had been longing for. It didn't take long for me to realize that I was determined to adopt this little filly.
Over the next couple of months, I must have tested the patience of everyone around me, constantly inquiring about the plan for Montana. Eventually, I reached out to Nancy, one of the founders of This Old Horse. I shared my story with her and asked if I could become Montana's new family along with my wonderful daughter, Amber. Without hesitation, Nancy confirmed that she believed we were the perfect fit.
Every day now, I gaze at Montana and firmly believe she's a gift, bestowed upon me by my late husband, Philip, to heal my heart. Since commencing my volunteer work, I've actively participated in numerous fundraisers aimed at raising funds for these horses. Just this past Sunday, I attended an event on August 6th, 2023, which marked This Old Horse's most significant fundraiser "The Polo Classic". It was during this event that a realization struck me – I had discovered a way to contribute even more significantly. Thus, the idea for "Homes for Horses" was born.
This journey has been transformative, leading me to find purpose, healing, and a connection to these remarkable animals. The path ahead holds infinite potential to make a positive impact, both in their lives and in the lives of those they touch. Love and compassion are the driving forces behind every step, and through "Homes for Horses," I am excited to continue this journey of making a difference.
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