First I was a volunteer and then joined the Board in 2015, and am still serving -- why? Because MVHR is a deeply, heart-felt AND deeply practical organization. Everyone -- staff, board, volunteers, adopters -- understands, lives and demonstrates our mission: To rescue, rehabilitate and re-home unwanted and neglected equines (mules, horses, donkeys, ponies) and to do meaningful outreach and education to reduce cases of abuse and neglect. We serve the whole north and west regions of Colorado -- and beyond. We collaborate with equine rescues throughout Colorado and the U.S. and with human-service non-profits in our region, all to the service of caring for and finding truly forever homes for our charges. Oh, and we will always take a horse back when an adopter's life or needs change. Our Rescues always have a place to come home.
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Mountain Valley Horse Rescue (MVHR), based in Eagle County, CO, lives up to its mission and values: rescue, rehabilitate and re-home equine (of all types) in need and educate multiple generations about the issues of equine rescue. MVHR demonstrates both heartfelt compassion for its charges and practical decision-making when tough decisions about a horse's health are needed. MVHR also teaches both adult volunteers -- critical to their work, as they only have 3 staff (& only the Exec Dir is full-time) -- about these issues, about horse care, how each horse-mule-donkey-pony is different and how to work together as a team. In addition, the summer day camps & other youth programs are based in curricula that teach Responsibility, Empowerment, Stewardship, Perseverance, Empathy , Cooperation & Trust: RESPECT. I am proud to be an MVHR volunteer and humbled by the work we do.
The educational programs for young children are engaging, developmentally appropriate and provide hands on opportunities for learning. We love MVHR! We have also volunteered and have had wonderful experiences learning the value & fun of collaborative hard work.
I have had the pleasure of volunteering at Mountain Valley Horse Rescue since 2019 and am blown away by their incredible work. As a non-profit organization, their dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating horses is genuinely inspiring. They prioritize the well-being and care of every horse that comes through their doors.
Not only do they provide a safe and nurturing environment for these animals, but they also offer educational programs and volunteer opportunities for the community. They are passionate about spreading awareness about horse welfare and the importance of rescue efforts.
I highly recommend supporting Mountain Valley Horse Rescue in any way possible. Whether volunteering your time, donating, or simply spreading the word about their fantastic work, every little bit helps. They are an outstanding organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of horses and the community.
I found MVHR when I moved to Colorado and was looking for a way to keep my connection with horses. Their volunteer programs are outstanding and the care they take with each and every horse in need is something special. I even ended up with my own herd of 2, Penelope and Grey. They supported me every step of the way in becoming a first time horse owner. Bravo!
I cannot begin to explain what this place has done for me and my family. Not only did I take home my bestest friend Breezie, but I’ve also taken home so much knowledge. This is a facility where not only can you count on the animals being extremely loved and cared for, but the staff, volunteers, and visitors as well. They show so much appreciation to anyone and everyone who shows their support and love. Thank you MVHR. For giving me a best friend. For the knowledge. And for everything else you’ve done for me and my family.
I cannot speak more highly of Mountain Valley Horse Rescue! Their team came and helped rescue 3 horses that were in need of a lot of rehabilitation due to having an elderly, widowed owner. This rescue was super respectful of the horses and of the owner and her wishes for the horses to go to a safe place where they would be loved. The rescue was scheduled and completed in a respectful time. They came very well prepared with all the necessary equipment and most importantly patience. Their communication was phenomenal and they are continuing to stay in touch with us to keep us updated. Sending us pics and stories with details of the horses’ new journeys have been so genuine. I love that they really love the animals and are so respectful!
We love Mountain Valley Horse Rescue, it truly is heaven on earth helping horses in need! And in return positively affecting all those working, volunteering, and loving on the horses in need.
I've been fortunate to been part of MVHR for 12 years. After a lifetime with horses, I was looking for my horse fix, visited MVHR and it's been a second home ever since. They take amazing care of their horses, ensure good homes are found for them, and welcome the community no matter what background to the ranch. I enjoy helping with the school programs, as it brings children to the ranch that otherwise would not have the ability to help and be around horses.
I have been following Mountain Valley for several months. They do such an amazing job with their outreach and the obvious care of all their horses. I currently sponsor Salsa & Crow. All the staff and volunteers I have spoken to have just been wonderful! Special shout out to Marleen Bosch. She has been so helpful & friendly every time I reach out for info.
Mountain Valley Horse Rescue is where our BEAUTIFUL Perry came from. MVHR, rescued and rehabilitated him allowing us to give Perry his forever home! He is the best horse in our herd of 5 rescue horses!
- Bill and Jami Polzin
Hi everyone! As an advocate for animals, this is a great place to give. There are 3 shifts, where the horses, chickens and kitties are looked after with in person watering and feedings. A great place to learn about the animals as well! I can't wait to get back to the ranch and give my time to all in need. Thanks Valley Rescue!
Volunteered for 7 yrs (2012-2019) at MVHR. The love and compassionate care the organization as a whole gives to the horses that comes to the rescue no matter their need is heart-warming and so needed. I fell in love with many horses over the years and finally found my heart horse, Union. A 12 yr old OTTB, that landed at the rescue through no fault of his own, had to be mine. I adopted Union 3 yrs ago. I am so thankful for all that I learned about caring for horses volunteering at the rescue, it has made life with Union so much more enjoyable. Horses can teach you so much and the many wonderful people you meet at the Rescue while feeding, doing the must needed daily chores and just hangin’ with the horses is an experience I will always hold close to my heart. To this day, even with life circumstances changing, I still try to stay involved however I can and will always support MVHR’s efforts in helping, saving and rehabilitating horses.
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MVHR is all about the horses (and a donkey named Sparkey) and the human connection. Over the last 3 years of volunteering at the rescue, I have learned and still learning how to properly care for starving, abused, neglected horses from the most knowledgeable and caring people that know their horses. I love each and everyone of the horses and MVHR and want them to succeed in finding a permanent home for this much needed horse rescue. When a horse arrives at the rescue filled with fear, it takes only a matter of hours for them to realize they have reached safe harbor and the healing begins.
I have been a volunteer at MVHR since February of this year. I have been impressed with the mission of the organization. The careful devotion to the rescue horses is impressive. To be a part of the volunteer team offers not only service time but also learning opportunities. The leadership team is committed to the rehabilitation of the horses and the safe participation of the volunteers. This was especially true during COVID restrictions. I look forward to volunteering at the ranch and working with the staff.
Sallie Clark
What a lovely place!
I visited Steamboat Springs early October 2019 and read in a newspaper about the volunteer day happening at the Mountain Valley Horse Rescue the next day. I got up Saturday, called and asked if I could spontaneously join the volunteer day. Said and done: two hours later I am in the car on my way out to the ranch. A very warm welcome by the other volunteers onsite, that were already busy sweeping, feeding horses, cleaning the stable. Steph greeted me with a big smile and off I went with the others to do some work. After some work we had lunch together (amazing homemade mexican food..OMG :-) and then I helped in the afternoon to groom some horses - and fell in love with one of the donkeys. I have to say I was in awe of how friendly and loving some of these formerly badly treated animals were and how they - if you give them the time - connect with you. When I visit Colorado again, I will definitely stop by - a very well maintained place managed by people with an amazingly warm and big heart. I am so grateful for having followed my instinct and visit them this morning!
Mountain Valley Horse Rescue provided positive volunteer experiences for both of my now adult children. In addition, I have had the pleasure to volunteer at the Rescue with my son as well as a team from work.
The location is breathtaking!
The animals provide a positive mental wellness that you may not have even been seeking.
You will find that volunteering at Mountain Valley Horse Rescue is truly good for your soul.
What can I say about MVHR that would do them justice. This amazing group of individuals are among the most dedicated I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Their facility is a beautiful, caring, clean and well maintained "safe and forever home" for these precious animals that in most cases, have a history of neglect and abuse to overcome. MVHR Staff are unsurpassed in the efforts they make to provide these incredible horses everything they need to thrive, be safe, and stay healthy. Their appreciation for and patience with volunteers goes above and beyond. Know a lot or next to nothing, they will work with you, side by side, to achieve whatever level of competence you are willing to commit to working towards.
If you love horses, this is where you want to be. This facility is a model of what a horse rescue should be, with a dedicated, knowledgeable and loving staff and an amazing group of volunteers. Join them, support them, you will be better for it!
Steve Lucido
MVHR gave me the opportunity to reconnect with horses when I couldn’t have my own and community when I didn’t have one. It is a gift to be able to volunteer and spend your free time here and a place that provides healing and rest not just for the horses but for the people that come there as well.
I adopted my gorgeous buckskin mare from MVHR 10 months ago ! She's a girl that has had some serious trauma, leaving her with some issues. She was fortunate to have been rescued by Joel (horse trainer extraordinaire) who saw her potential ! He worked with her and myself, giving us both the confidence to become a bonded team. Joel has a special gift, is able to read these horses and give them what they need... he's gentle but firm, making the horses want to do whatever he is asking them to do without being forceful or impatient !
Then there are the volunteers and sponsors... These people work tirelessly in all kinds of weather to ensure all of the animals are well taken care of & loved ! I can't say enough about MVHR, it is by far the best horse rescue I've ever seen... The corrals & grounds are spotless, the horses are all well fed, they have excellent veterinary, teeth & hoof care plus there are always good people around giving the rescues love and attention !
We're so very fortunate to have this facility in our county ! If you've never visited, please go check it out ! You just may find your new best friend, I know I did !
I've trained as a volunteer because of my love of horses. They are good for your spirit and they deserve love and a second chance in a good placement. Shana is awesome and so inspirational in her devotion to these equines.
I'm honestly proud to be volunteer for MVHR, Shana,Joel and the whole stuff are the nicest and talented people who take such good care of the horses and the ranch that everything is donated. And I am grateful that I can call them my friends. It is truly a place where people are making the world a better place for God's beautiful creature, the horse. God bless MVHR
This is the most compassionate, loving, & caring rescue I've ever experienced! Every person involved has a deep love & understanding of the horses. They take in the abused & neglected & rehab them, & teach them to trust & love again! This place warms my heart!!!
This organization is not only a haven for horses who need some love, it's also a haven for people who (whether they know it or not) need some horse therapy. It's my "happy place." There's nothing more special than watching a horse make a miraculous recovery, and knowing that it is only possible because of so many dedicated volunteers.
Shana Devins is the President of the Mountain Valley Horse Rescue her passionate spirit is amazing for these beautiful horses . The rescue is a very special place for all, horses and humans in all forms of healing. This organization is truly a part of our western heritage and without it would be such a loss to this community. Being a volunteer and blessed adoptive human of Jesse James from this rescue I would be with empty heart for all this rescue offers to these wonderful creatures. It is a teacher every moment, for horses are truly the healers. Please support and learn more to make this organization a permanent home in our valley for years to come. It is such a wonderful experience in life.....
If horses could access support and medical services like we do. If horses could call 911, this is the "Battered Women's" shelter that they would be secretly taken to in the middle of the night.
This is the place that horses go to recover, to learn to trust and accept humans.
This is the place that makes it RIGHT!
This is the place that makes "rags to riches" happen.
This is the place that will make you cry and question humanity.
This is the place where great things happen, very quietly.
This is the place that should be buried in donations.
THIS IS THE PLACE!!
We got introduced to Mountain Valley Horse Rescue a little over a year ago when my daughter went to visit with her preschool. It has been amazing getting to witness all of the kids that jump right in to help these wonderful animals. MVHR is not only changing the lives of horses, they are also changing the lives of all the people they allow to come in and care for them. We love Mountain Valley Horse Rescue!
Mountain Valley Horse Rescue is a wonderful organization. I have been involved with them for almost 4 years. It has grown in just those short years from a few horses in someone's back yard to 15+ horses in a place we lease. We are hoping one day to have our own place that can accommodate more horses, so more can be rescued. I unfortunately am moving out of state so will be stepping down from the board but will always be involved and MVHR will always have a special place in my heart.. The board members and volunteers are a great group of people who work hard to keep the horses loved, fed, cleaned, stalls cleaned, the barn in shape and medicate those needed. The community gets involved, young and old with camps and different programs. I can't wait to come back and visit and see that the dream came true and MVHR has a place to call their own. MVHR is truly a deserving organization!
I have been volunteering at MVHR since December and have been incredibly impressed with this organization! The board members and volunteers are welcoming, quick to express their gratitude to you and always helpful. All of the animals receive great care - horses, barn cats and Sparky, the miniature donkey. Communication is paramount in terms making sure volunteers have up-to-date feeding instructions and correct dosages of medicines for certain horses, and they do a great job of that. The facility is clean and from my perspective runs like a well-oiled machine. I have on occasion brought friends with me to help out - a few of whom are ranch managers - and they couldn't say enough about how well MVHR was run. That says a lot! It's a great organization to help either with your time or your checkbook, if you can. Those animals have had a rough go of it and deserve some TLC!
Hopeful Hearts, Helping Horses!! It's what we are trying to do. It is not always clear who is being rescued- horses or people. It's a soft place to land, for horses who have fallen on difficult times. They thrive here. We operate on donations from the public. Help is always needed.
The woman who runs this nonprofit is compassionate about all animals and it really shows. She works diligently to save horses in the most pathetic conditions and situations, just what you'd hope for from this type of nonprofit. She gets her whole family involved in her rescue efforts by enlisting their help at fundraising pony rides and events. If you love horses, you can feel confident that your donation to this nonprofit will go to save those animals that need help the most.