Erin Kelley-Groth and John Groth own and operate AGES. This is the note I wrote to Erin after my daughter's and my first day volunteering there:
Hi Erin,
I'm writing to express how thankful Molly and I are that we were able to come work and spend time with your horses on Saturday. It is not within our current means or situation to have horses of our own, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to come serve and participate in loving and caring for the beauties at AGES. We appreciate the time you spent with us all on the orientation and helping us get started.
Molly and I had an especially wonderful time with your newcomer, Nick. Laurie accompanied us out into his and Rudy's paddock. Of course, Rudy wanted nothing to do with us! But Nick came over and accepted our treats, so we started brushing and loving on him. After we worked on his back and sides for a while, I stepped over and started on his neck. He really liked that. He kept moving his head over my head from one of my shoulders to the other, and eventually just rested his chin on the top of my head and leaned! (It only sunk me down a couple more inches.) He was so sweet, calm, and relaxed.
I'm really looking forward to seeing him again, but I hope and pray he goes to his forever-home soon--he and all of your adoptables. I admire the work you've done and continue to do for those beautiful horses. Thank you for letting us come and be a small part of it.
We are eager to come back again!
I love this place! Everybody welcomed me with open arms even though I don't have a lot of horse experience yet. I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to work with wonderful people and of course the horses. I don't have so much time because I work full time and I have a hubby and twins who are 4.5 years old. I'm so glad to have found AGES. I am learning so much and at the same time I'm able to give back. Thanks for what you do. You rock!
I cannot say enough about what they do. I have donated to them, but finally got out to visit. They have worked heart and sole to care for horses and yes a donkey. They come in hurt, starved, beaten, and blind. None are refused. A call for donations calls in hopes to get the funds for help of surgery, or hay or what is needed. Amazing is really what they are. Compassion for living breathing animals are their love. I truly am grateful to have found them. May they continue to do their amazing work.
I adopted Dreamer from AGES last August and its been a wonderful year with her so far. SHe has been fantastic and AGES is the BEST!
When we were looking for a new horse for my daughter we were hoping to go through a rescue, partly because our finances are limited and partly to give a home to a horse that needed one. We had heard about Amazing Grace Equine Sanctuary (A.G.E.S.) and were excited to see that they had a couple of promising horses. Erin was so helpful, honest, and caring. She asked all the right questions and was able to match us up with a horse that fit our needs. The horses are very well cared for by Erin and her volunteers. Their goal is finding the right home for a horse. Awesome experience. I highly recommend A.G.E.S.
About 3 years after my very first horse died, I just happened to be browsing on Petfinder.com when I saw a picture and a link to Amazing Grace's website.
I followed it to learn more about a horse named "Brandy" that I saw listed on the site. I emailed Erin about him and she told me I could come to see him
the next day.
I have to say, it was love at first sight. "Brandy" (renamed Brandon) is the perfect horse for me and I absolutely adore him.
Erin and her staff are wonderful, compassionate people. They were incredibly friendly and easy to work with, the sanctuary itself is gorgeous, and you can tell that the operation is a labor of love. The sanctuary is beautiful and the horses are well taken care of, as they should be!