These are the two horses I adopted from Happy Hooves Equine Rescue. I got Lacey first a Paso Fino with a lot of TLC, acupuncture, chiro and an array of other therapies got her to the point of running and loving life, Miss Sophie my 30+yr old chestnut QH is her best friend. I adopted her a few months after I got Lacey. I've retired Miss Sophie from trail riding last year, although we still do obstacles in the arena with Lacey close behind. I love my two "Queens" and they seem to love their life. I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to volunteer and board at HHR years ago and to have adopted my first two horses......
My granddaughters were fortunate to go to Happy Hooves Equine Rescue day camp for a week, a few years ago, April, 2013, and they can still remember most of the things they learned. Not just getting to ride the horse, but learning all aspects--cleaning stalls, brushing and keeping "their" horse clean, respect for the horse and others as they learned how to be loving to their horse without getting their foot stepped on. And, how their faces light up when talking about their experiences. I don't drive that way often, but when I do, I still see a nice clean facility. So happy they are there.
I’ve know Mary (the owner) my whole life. She’s so passionate about horses and her rescue and the people that come to visit-when I came to visit the first time I was so upset that I didn’t know about Happy Hooves sooner. I quickly became a volunteer. Even though I’m not out as often as I’d like (running kids and all) she always welcomes me back and has chores to pass out. Such a great rescue!! The land has been in her family forever!!
Happy Hooves is an amazing place, not just because of their mission but they are also an asset to the community. They hold public events that allow children of any age to connect with horses and learn more about them. My daughters have always loved horses and I did too as a child. I, however, never got the opportunity to be around them or learn about them much growing up. Because of Happy Hooves my daughters have been able to interact with an animal they love. My older daughter was able to attend a week long camp at Happy Hooves to be taught about riding and caring for horses by Mary and her amazing group of volunteers. Now my daughter, at only 8 years old, wants to continue on a path of working with horses and wants to pursue a career as a veterinarian. And thanks to Happy Hooves and the work that they are doing I can continue to support the dream my daughter has by letting her see this great place and the work that they do to continue to inspire her.
When I was trying to save a horse that was being starved to death, Happy Hooves was the only rescue that was willing to help. Mary is an extraordinary lady and so is Happy Hooves.
Happy Hooves managed a booth at our local Horse A Fair event last year. They introduced guests to wonderful programs that provide beginners with their first horse experience. They help promote healthy recreation, education and fun activities for all ages as they rescue and rehome horses.
Ive been around horses since i was 5 years old and after moving my parents and i found liberty prarie farm Aka HHER. I took lessons and mary taught me how to actully connect and understand horses and their body language. Ive stuggled with many things in life and horses have been my escape. I found and adopted my heart horse (Cherry) and ive had here for six years and its hard to tell who rescued who. I am forever grateful for this wonderful rescue ❤️
Happy Hooves Equine rescue does wonderful work to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome horses! All the rehab and traini ng is tailored for each individual horse and their needs with care and love. I am forever thankful for HHER! I have been a volunteer there for several years and it has truly saved my life! I feel blessed to be able to volunteer with amazing people and help with all the horses that have been saved including the one I adopted!
As my husband was transferred every 3 years I visited horse barns and that makes quite a few now that we are retired. Happy Hooves Equine Rescue has the happiest horses I have ever found!
The atmosphere is one of calm and affection with horses and people alike.
Owner Mary heals the horses with time and patience and has managed to heal several humans as well.
I Truly enjoy visiting this rescue as much as I can. The volunteers that help out at this rescue give everything they’ve got to make sure that these animals are taken care of. If you ever have a question on what to do Mary and Michelle always have the right answer.
Absolutely amazing rescue ran by amazing people, owner Mary and volunteers alike. Nothing but love and compassion for every horse and every guest who enters. I’ve volunteered, donated, went to events, everyday is special on this farm
I've know Mary and Marty for over 30 years. They've both dedicated their lives to their rescue. Great people doing great work.
I have known Mary, the owner of Happy Hooves Equine for 35 years. She has the most caring heart. When we were very young, I would ask her Mom if I could go with then to Mary’s riding lessons. I sat watching her in awe. She learned everything she could about horses and their care. It was amazing. Growing up I never knew how much a horse could understand and how intelligent they are. Over the years Mary showed and taught me more than I could’ve imagined. She cares for all the horses and I just don’t know anyone else that could spend their entire life doing sound loving the horses the way she does. She has and she is happy to do so. I moved out of state but every time I go to Illinois, I take my daughter to Happy Hooves. Mary takes time to explain how the horses are doing and shows us around her beautiful farm. She spends a lot of time with us and I know she’s busy but she always makes time for us. My daughter now has a special place in her heart for the horses there and it’s wonderful. I know many people and horses count on Happy Hooves and it’s worth is unmatched. Thank you Mary , Happy Hooves, and all the wonderful volunteers that make a true, loving, caring, and wonderful difference. We appreciate it.
I started volunteering at Happy Hooves Equine Rescue in July of 2017. Ignorant of anything horse related, I wanted to learn the basics of caring and possably owning a horse someday. I have learned so much from Mary (the owner/operator) and Michelle, her Assistant. And am still learning. From grooming, safety around horses, ground training, first aid, horse behavior and human behavior. HHR is there for these horses that in that moment of their life they find themselves abused, lost, there owner has passed away or has fallen ill. They recieve so much love and care at the rescue. Any funding would greatly help these beautiful animals now and in years to come to help other rescue horses at HHR. I adopted Dana in May 2018 after she captured my heart while volunteering at HHR.
This place has changed my life! I have always had a love for horses and having a horse runs in my family. So when I had the chance to volunteer here I was excited. The care and love they show for these horses are amazing. Each horse gets tailored care so they can succeed with their future owners. The owner is very knowledgeable and is always willing to share her thoughts and insights on things. I love how they offer things for the public so they can give the love the horses to kids and families.
I have looked everywhere for someone to help me to care with my 23 yo gelding with dignity. Other places I went to wrote him off as unusable. Happy Hooves treated him with utmost dignity - they suggested diet, environment and training moves to rehabilitate him. He wasn't sound when he came and look at him now! I believe in the organization so much that I became a board member! You can see all the horses they care for. The little white mini had just had a stroke and was given a dignified trip over the rainbow bridge. This organization is completely supported by donations. Won't you please support this all donation 501c3 organization with your money and your talents.