My beautiful horse, Rita, was covered in dried blood, dirt, and sweat. She was so beaten up and traumatized that, as she struggled to stand, she was almost unrecognizable.

May 16, 2017 was the day that set our future equine rescue and youth mentorship program, Hopes Haven-Rescue & Youth Camp, in motion. 

I arrived home from Bend, Oregon the day before I had just returned from the ‘Ignition Clinic’ at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch–a four-day event for folks interested in starting up a similar ministry. Those four days ignited a fire in me so powerful, I left the ranch Spirit-filled, empowered, and ready to tackle the heart-wrenching task of equine rescue. 

Little did I know, my first rescue horse would be my own.

Two days after I returned, my beautiful and gentle horse, who always took care of me and anyone else in her charge, stood only inches from me severely hurt and battered. The horrifying sight burned into my memory like a hot iron. The man I entrusted with Rita’s care while I was in Oregon, not only betrayed my trust, but deliberately deceived me by performing a cruel, training technique on Rita, leading to her traumatic injury. He never contacted me about her injuries and never called a veterinarian to evaluate her. It was not until I returned from Oregon and found her in this battered state that a vet was called for emergency care and treatment.

The following day, I moved Rita to another farm where she spent the next few months resting and recuperating. 

Rita and I met in 2015 while searching for a horse for my daughter, Kristin. Our search led us to Northern, PA where we met with a dealer about a horse named Rocket. Rocket was brown and white paint, and a proven “speed horse”. It was Kristin’s hope to further her gaming skills, particularly barrel racing. He had speed, all right. Turns out he was a fast-bucking bronco! Flabbergasted, the dealer made a final plea with us before we left. He led us to the barn and introduced a big, beautiful bay horse named Rita. He explained that he acquired her after she was “dumped” by her former owner for a younger, faster horse. Sadly, she was only eight years old but had already been through three owners and three homes.  It was her protective, mild-mannered, motherly nature that made me fall in love with her. Rita was purchased that day for the last time. Hope’s Haven became her forever home where she would be a valued partner in our youth mentorship program.

“Can I sleep in Rita’s stall?” Josiah asked. His sideways, banana-like grin spilled excitement from somewhere deep within his young soul. It was contagious, and I had to fight the urge to chuckle at his innocent but serious request. 

Josiah and his brother Zeb had been attending mentorship sessions at Hope's Haven for two weeks when he requested to sleep in Rita’s stall. It’s not unusual for a strong bond to form between a hurting child and a rescue horse. However, this request was highly unusual.

Later that evening, Josiah’s mother and I talked at length. I listened while she told their story, desperately seeking someone to help shoulder her burden. Seven years prior, they were devastated by the sudden loss of their grandmother. Following her death, they experienced even more loss. Tragically, they found themselves homeless and struggling to survive. Most days they didn’t know where they would sleep at night. But they had clothing on their backs and each other. Now, Josiah’s request made sense. After experiencing years of abuse and homelessness, they survived. It was hard, but they were strong and never gave up. Then, with a look of utter defeat, she continued, “and now, we may lose our home again.” 

Stories like these often mirror the back stories of our rescue horses. Similar tragedies of abuse, hunger, homelessness, and loss also lead them to Hope’s Haven. It’s no coincidence that Rita and Josiah connected and formed a very special bond. We see it all the time. With special pairings, hope is restored and hurting hearts begin to heal. We believe God heals wounded hearts and redeems stories from tragic to triumphant.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy ladened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28-29 ESV).

Today, Josiah and Rita remain close friends. Josiah visits her often at Hope’s Haven and is currently considering becoming an active volunteer. Why? He says, “because I want to give back.”