Stories of Healing and Connection

At Sanctuary Horses, we believe that the bond between horse and human is more than companionship- it's a partnership in healing. Every rescue we bring to the ranch carries a history. Some have endured neglect or abuse; others have simply outlived the life they once knew. But here, they are given the time, care, and love to trust again. And in that process, something extraordinary happens: they heal us, too.

Jen Davis- Finding Joy in the Herd

For Jen, he love of animals has always been tied to a deep commitment to their welfare. When she first visited Sanctuary Horses, she w struck not jus by the beauty of the animals, but by the weight of their pasts. Many arrive carrying trauma that shapes how they interact with humans. With time and patience, trust blooms.

"The Sanctuary Horses hold a special place in my heart as I have a deep love for animals and strongly support animal welfare. Our country is full of abused, neglected animals of all kinds so the meaning behind Sanctuary Horses for me goes far beyond a 'rescued horse.' The trauma they carry from their past is detrimental to how they react to humans and often other horses, once they are rescued they need time to regain trust and understand they are now safe. When visiting, my heart is beaming with happiness and I never want to leave- it's amazing the emotional impact they have on my personal feelings. When I arrive, they are waiting not only for treats but they crave love and attention which is heartwarming. Each horse just like humans has their own story, they need reassurance that they will be loved, cared for and kept safe- this also comes with a cost so I do my very best to donate to this nonprofit in hopes they can continue their mission and continue their mission and continue rescuing other horses in need!"

Jen's visits leave her heart "beaming with happiness," and her support of Sanctuary Horses is her way of ensuring more horses can experience this same transformation.

Melinda Moyes- A Horse Named Dolly

Melinda herself didn’t grow up with animals, but her daughter, from an early age, seemed to have a gift for connecting with them — a gift Melinda didn’t fully understand until life took an unexpected turn.

“I wasn’t raised with animals and tend to be a skeptic. But from the time my daughter was young she had this innate connection with animals that was totally foreign to me. One of Sanctuary Horses first adoptions was Dolly- and I am forever grateful for the timing. As a parent, one of the hardest things to walk through, is feeling ill equipped to help your kids when they are struggling. Dolly connected with my daughter in a way only she could in her healing journey. I am now passionate about the healing work that can be done between horses and humans and fully believe in the work that Sanctuary Horses is doing. If you have experienced or believe in this work, please consider donating or sharing with others. Each gift, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to more healing journeys.”

Today, Melinda is an advocate for the human–horse connection, urging others to believe in and support the work being done at Sanctuary Horses.

Kourtney Unger- Ghost and Stevie

On Kourtney’s first visit to the ranch, she and her family stepped straight into the horse herd. One towering gelding, Ghost, immediately caught her attention — not because of his size alone, but because of his quiet presence. Ghost didn’t push his way to the treats. Instead, he stayed close to a mare named Stevie, making sure she got hers first. Even when Kourtney’s children offered him food, he wouldn’t leave Stevie’s side.

"The first time I visited The Sanctuary ranch, we stepped out of the side-by-side and straight into the horse herd. Ghost immediately caught my attention, as he stood head (and sometimes shoulders) over the other horses. Ghost didn't push, he didn't demand treats, but he made sure Stevie got hers. He stayed by her side the entire time that we visited with them, even though my kids had more treats to give, and I was out- Stevie stayed by me to get her ears scratched, and Ghost wouldn't leave her to be on her own. Even though he would have had my heart simply by his size, Ghost completely captured my heart in that moment. He was the biggest, and could have made sure he got all of the treats we had to offer, but he didn't. He knew Stevie needed his presence, and he granted her that until she passed a few years later. I look forward to the day that Ghost, this beautifully gentle giant, finds another to protect and inspire in one of the young women at The Sanctuary. Both will be truly blessed."

Kourtney dreams of the day Ghost finds another horse or human to protect, knowing both will be blessed by his steadfast loyalty.

One Mission, Countless Connections

Jen, Melinda, and Kourtney's stories are just three among many. Every horse that arrives at Sanctuary Horses comes with a past- and a chance for a new future. Every person who visits leaves impacted by the understanding that healing works both ways.

Your support makes these moments possible. Whether through a one-time gift, a monthly donation, or simply sharing our mission, you are helping us write the next chapter in these powerful stories of connection.

Give Today and be part of the healing.