Hope Farm located in Hope, MN..we are little but have a BIG Mission; finding a path forward from pain and despair to a brighter future for both people and horses.
My Story: I have had horses my entire life (except when serving in the USAF) so horses are not new to me. A riding accident at the age of 40 left me chasing after my young children on crutches. I lost my nerve to ride and sold my last horse in 2006.
Fast forward to winter 2018, I had returned from the doctors office with a shocking number. I had gained a 100 pounds over the last 10 or so years. Working at a sedentary job (9-1-1 dispatch) and leading a sedentary life had done a number on my health. So, I do believe the Holy Spirit was nudging me, perhaps shoving me, to get back to my active horse lifestyle.
I decided, since I didn't know if I would have the nerve to ride again, to give a home to some poor horse that could really use one. Off I went to the nearby slaughter pens. Three slaughter bound horses, one injured and one retired horse later, I had started my own private sanctuary.
Rescuing and rehabbing neglected and injured horses and providing them a forever home here at Hope Farm became my passion and the encouragement needed to start my healing process..but that is my back story, not why I am here.
The Mission:
Each horse here at Hope Farm has a story to tell; some were used up and thrown away when they could no longer perform like they did, ending up in the slaughter pipeline. Others were just older or injured and needed a soft place to land. I am beyond blessed to be able to care and provide for them.
However, as much as I love to look at them, ride them, love them, there was something that I wasn't doing, I wasn’t sharing my love, enthusiasm, and compassion with other people like I should. I found myself grieving over a serious illness in the family. Many tears were shed into the manes of those rejected horse and many prayers have been said in the quietness of the barn. My belief is that the Lord put these castaway horses in my life to help me overcome some of the burdens that life placed on my shoulders. The wonderful ability of the horse in helping with grief is undeniable.
I made the decision to open my barn doors at Hope Farm and to share my lovely horses with people in need of a safe spot themselves; struggling with trauma and/or grief. I know that I can create a space where other people can find healing and hope.
I have decided to turn non-profit and obtain my Equine Assisted Learning certifications and turn Hope Farm into both a sanctuary for horses and people in need.
The Horses at A Little Hope Farm represent triumph through adversity, faith, love, hope, joy and restoration; the very things so many people grieving or suffering from trauma need...The very things Jesus offers us, healing, comfort, and most of all, freedom to live life again without chains.
My Equine Assisted Therapy certifications are the first step in getting Hope Farm up and running. Costs for certification are $1600 (of which I have raised half). As someone who is used to giving help and not used to asking for it, I am adjusting to the life of running a non-profit. I'm so passionate about this project, I know I will need partners to help me champion Hope Farm,with both financial and spiritual support. Any monies received over the certificate amount will go directly to helping Hope Farm obtain non-profit status.
Thank you for taking the time to read, thank you in advance for donations, and please lift us up in prayer.
Hope Farm: Offering Unbridled Hope for People and Horses.
**While Hope Farm has a Christian foundation, our doors are open to people of all faiths or no faith, we just ask you to keep an open mind, the teachings of Christ (Faith, Hope and Love) are for all and can be of great benefit whether your a believer or not.
**picture above is one of my rehab slaughter pen rescues, his name is Finnick and he has made a full recovery and is beautiful on the inside and out. Finnick below today, pictured with my other slaughter bound horse Boaz.
My Story: I have had horses my entire life (except when serving in the USAF) so horses are not new to me. A riding accident at the age of 40 left me chasing after my young children on crutches. I lost my nerve to ride and sold my last horse in 2006.
Fast forward to winter 2018, I had returned from the doctors office with a shocking number. I had gained a 100 pounds over the last 10 or so years. Working at a sedentary job (9-1-1 dispatch) and leading a sedentary life had done a number on my health. So, I do believe the Holy Spirit was nudging me, perhaps shoving me, to get back to my active horse lifestyle.
I decided, since I didn't know if I would have the nerve to ride again, to give a home to some poor horse that could really use one. Off I went to the nearby slaughter pens. Three slaughter bound horses, one injured and one retired horse later, I had started my own private sanctuary.
Rescuing and rehabbing neglected and injured horses and providing them a forever home here at Hope Farm became my passion and the encouragement needed to start my healing process..but that is my back story, not why I am here.
The Mission:
Each horse here at Hope Farm has a story to tell; some were used up and thrown away when they could no longer perform like they did, ending up in the slaughter pipeline. Others were just older or injured and needed a soft place to land. I am beyond blessed to be able to care and provide for them.
However, as much as I love to look at them, ride them, love them, there was something that I wasn't doing, I wasn’t sharing my love, enthusiasm, and compassion with other people like I should. I found myself grieving over a serious illness in the family. Many tears were shed into the manes of those rejected horse and many prayers have been said in the quietness of the barn. My belief is that the Lord put these castaway horses in my life to help me overcome some of the burdens that life placed on my shoulders. The wonderful ability of the horse in helping with grief is undeniable.
I made the decision to open my barn doors at Hope Farm and to share my lovely horses with people in need of a safe spot themselves; struggling with trauma and/or grief. I know that I can create a space where other people can find healing and hope.
I have decided to turn non-profit and obtain my Equine Assisted Learning certifications and turn Hope Farm into both a sanctuary for horses and people in need.
The Horses at A Little Hope Farm represent triumph through adversity, faith, love, hope, joy and restoration; the very things so many people grieving or suffering from trauma need...The very things Jesus offers us, healing, comfort, and most of all, freedom to live life again without chains.
My Equine Assisted Therapy certifications are the first step in getting Hope Farm up and running. Costs for certification are $1600 (of which I have raised half). As someone who is used to giving help and not used to asking for it, I am adjusting to the life of running a non-profit. I'm so passionate about this project, I know I will need partners to help me champion Hope Farm,with both financial and spiritual support. Any monies received over the certificate amount will go directly to helping Hope Farm obtain non-profit status.
Thank you for taking the time to read, thank you in advance for donations, and please lift us up in prayer.
Hope Farm: Offering Unbridled Hope for People and Horses.
**While Hope Farm has a Christian foundation, our doors are open to people of all faiths or no faith, we just ask you to keep an open mind, the teachings of Christ (Faith, Hope and Love) are for all and can be of great benefit whether your a believer or not.
**picture above is one of my rehab slaughter pen rescues, his name is Finnick and he has made a full recovery and is beautiful on the inside and out. Finnick below today, pictured with my other slaughter bound horse Boaz.
