I have known this rescue for the past 2 decades. They placed an aged mare for me when I had to give up my horses due to health. Their main goal is to help the animal. A wonderful organization to be sure.
I volunteered for HHT as a grant writer, helper during fundraising events, went on rescues, and served on their board as well as President for a term. I have adopted 5 of their horses and still have 3 , Willow, Willie, and Chester (who is blind), Ellie and Kip were euthanized because of their health. Under Nina's leadership HHT has thrived and proves to be a leader of horse welfare in the the State of Tennessee. HHT works along with law enforcement to carefully make whole a neglected equine. Care is also given to those owners that have found themselves unable to provide care for their horses by supplementing hay and feed without confiscation.
I've been living in my city the whole life I'm almost 13 and I'm moving to Tennessee in a few months around April and I was wondering are kids around my age able to work there they have the kids some experience with being around horses I want to give horses all the love that they
deserve and they're just so gentle and intelligent and if you could respond I would be very grateful and all the reviews for just beautiful I heard very good things and really wanting to help if I'm old enough to help around April when I move somewhere in Tennessee
Horse Haven of Tennessee has made my retirement life wonderful. I have always loved horses & yet a city slicker, never had the opportunity to work with them. This organization is so dedicated to helping these precious animals that were bestowed upon us. They truly know what is best for them. Volunteering for this org is the best part of my new life in retirement!
I lost my horse in 2006, after 20 wonderful years together. I just couldn't even think of getting another, but one evening I was watching the news and saw a story about a large confiscation of some horses in Cannon County. I could not ignore the pull at my heart to go to the stations website and put my name on the list to help out, any way I could. That was in 2009. Next thing I know, I am adopting One Eye'd Jack. I started volunteering in 2010 so that I could give back to Horse Haven for the joy they had given me with the adoption of Jack. I have served as team lead, on the adoption committee, and volunteer coordinator. I am still a team lead and a proud parent of 4 rescues from Horse Haven. I learn and grow so much more about horses every time I set foot there. It is an amazing place to help the horses heal, but I think the most important part is how the horses help heal us.
Horse Haven of Tennessee is the most professional, dependable, trustworthy and team oriented Equine non-profit that we have had the honor of working with. They are fearless in their pursuits and rapid in their response. Horse Haven of Tennessee has been essential to the Blount County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in all of our equine cases by offering their knowledge, expertise, and facility to aid in our Equine prosecutions.
They are an organization that is aware of the value of their service and the specialty of the care they offer to all equines in our state. They are definitely an asset that we the community must support and assist in their mission statement or the Equines of Tennessee will greatly suffer without them.
I have worked for HHt for 5 years. Everyone is dedicated and hard working in caring for all the horses! They make sure each horse is medically cared for and fed what they need to gain strength and become healthy again. Most of all the horses know great love! Hurray for all those that work so hard to make HHT work!
In 2015 in Giles County, TN 55 Tennessee Walking Horses were found in deplorable conditions. They were being kept on 4-5 acres, standing in mud and feces above their ankles and extremely thin. When asked for help Horse Haven stepped in and took 28 of the horses and helped them back to health and into new homes. There is no words to describe this wonderful, caring group.
I recently adopted from them and love my new guy !
I also do monthly donation, it is so simple. Every little bit helps.
They truly do care !
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Horse Haven of TN is a rescue organization that does a great deal with
every contribution they receive. There is a dedicated group of volunteers who
pitch in when called upon and work tirelessly and generously to give every
animal rescued the best possible chance. The organization is well run and has been
in existence for more than 10 years and has managed to perform their miracles
every year for even more animals. Very worthwhile non-profit and very open to the
public it serves.
I have met two people who work at this organization. I have followed their work. They are dedicated to picking up the pieces of broken equine lives. They provide vital support to law enforcement. I have chosen HH of T as my charity of choice for a portion of the profits I earn off a book I wrote. Isn't much, but I'm thrilled to send HH of T the check every month.
My husband and I were looking for a mini horse to have as a pet. I called horse haven when I saw Sleepy's picture. I was told that he was available but would I also consider adopting his stall mate, Doc as they had bonded. I said yes! We went to meet them and fell in love with both ponies! Shortly there after the ponies were home! Stephanie at Horse Haven answered all our questions and helped us get our property ready for our boys! I recommend them to anyone I know looking to adopt a horse, pony or mule! I saw what all they do to help the horses who come to be in thier care! Everyone at Horse Haven needs kudos with all they do! Our horses are healthy and happy and a joy to have!
Our horse Prince contracted EPM and lost his sight. At the time he was very friendly with a little pony named Socks at the barn where we kept him. Because of Prince needing daily medicatios and care we moved him to our property so we could care for him better. Unfortunately Socks had to stay. We searched for another companion for Prince and Horse Haven had a little pony named Poet who was in need of a home. They bonded instantly and have been inseparable. Prince is a Clydesdale Hackney cross so it's quite a sight seeing them together. We have cameras in their stall so we can check on them regularly. Poet sleeps with his head against Prince's leg at night so if Prince moves he'll know. We cannot thank Horse Haven enough for putting Poet into our lives. He is a very happy pony today and rarely will you see the two apart.
I worked as a volunteer in 2009 for a few months helping to rehab an empty barn and rehabilitate some very badly mistreated horses that had been surrendered. Horse Haven takes is role very seriously as a nonprofit that takes animals from near death, facilitating the legal system in bringing their abusive owners to justice, and finding loving forever homes for the animals whenever possible. They continue to check on the horses after placement and bring them back to the shelter if necessary for their wellbeing, which happened to a pair of horses while I was there. They are also sure to train staff to avoid injuries and care properly for the animals while they are at the shelter. It was hard work being a volunteer but incredibly rewarding and a great learning experience.
We at our family farm LOVE Horse Haven. We have adopted 3 horses from this facility and they have been nothing but helpful and encouraging the hole way through. They take lots of caution on who they adopt out to in order to make sure each animal has a perfect home. We have also brought out horses to a few charity shows that they do which are a great opportunity to have fun but also they have their adoptable horses roaming around to get noticed. Everything that they do at Horse Haven of Tennessee makes me proud to say I got my horses from them.
This an amazing Rescue. I go & visit every Thanksgiving/Christmas to take the horses carrots & leave a small donation. The volunteers are always so nice & so thankful for any donation. Love them all. :)
Great organization! Very ethical, good stewards of their donors money. Always put the horses first. Helping to protect all the horses in Tennessee
This is nothing more than a boarding barn with clients ordered to pay for their board through the court. They have an endless supply of unwilling boarders with court orders to pay. A great business model if you ask me. With a full barn(which is free) staffed with volunteers to do the work and charging people more than retail for board they should have no problem turning a profit on their own.
Find a no-kill shelter like Safe Harbor. These people are too quick to condemn a healthy horse to death.
Horse Haven of TN helped me with their "Studs to Buds" program. We bought a couple of mares at a horse sale (1st time ever at one) and one of them was with foal unbeknownst to us. We weren't prepared for 3 horses let alone a baby. When the colt was born and was weaned we rehomed his mother due to lack of pasture. The colt then developed an attitude and was trying to bite constantly and was getting closer to 2 years old and I was afraid he would start developing his male tendencies towards my other mare. I called around for prices on gelding at different vets in the area and they were all out of my budget. I was on HHT's webpage and read about their "Studs to Buds" program, filled out an application and was approved. They contacted me and set up a surgery date. The Vet Service came to my pasture and gelded him and did a coggins test all for little cost to me. They were a life saver because if he'd have gotten anymore aggressive I don't know what I would've done. The fence would not have withstood a stud horse with a mare in season on the other side.
Now I try to help HHT by donating horse related items to their Tack Shack for resale to raise money for the horses and other ways when possible.
Thanks to HHT I have a nicer gelding and no worries about foals.
When I volunteered for Horse Haven in Winter 2012/2013, I was impressed by how willing the Barn Manager was to teach me what I needed to know to be a volunteer. She stoked a fire in me for animal rescue. Horse Haven works tirelessly to save horses from abandonment, starvation and abuse. They assist law enforcement in bringing perpetrators to meet their much deserved justice, making sure those who would harm a equine pay the price for the cruelty. Without them, many of these animals would never see justice. Without Horse Haven, many of these horses would have died. Horse Haven provides a safe and loving refuge for these stricken animals, allowing them to heal both physically and emotionally from the ravages of their abusers. In short, Horse Haven of Knoxville is a godsend for equines all over Tennessee.
People who put a negative review on here have probably had their animals taken away from them because they didn't take the necessary care the animals required. Horse Haven is about getting animals out of abusive and deplorable conditions and finding homes for them with someone who will take proper care of the animal. They don't make a profit from anything. The adoption fee doesn't even come close to compensating what they expend on an animal while in their care. That's not what it all about. They have to work with authorities who follow the law. Animals are not removed from a home unwarranted. There is just cause. Cases go to court and the animals are given the care they need while they are waiting for their case to be resolved and be released to find their forever home. Horse Haven has cases that continue on for several years sometimes and the animals are well taken care of including any medical needs they may have, which can get quite costly. We have adopted our horses from Horse Haven and have been volunteers at Horse Haven and we have seen first hand what these horses look like when they first arrive and it breaks my heart. The sob story is real. If someone doesn't question why a human being would neglect an animal to the point of starvation, they have no business owning animals.
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I received a Horse Haven Newsletter in the mail by mistake one day (thank you postal carrier!) I read the newsletter and discovered they needed volunteers. I signed up on their website and my husband said he would volunteer too. I grew up with horses in my life and horses have always had a special place in my heart. One day I will have a place to have another horse but in the meantime, I get my horse fix by volunteering at Horse Haven. My eyes were opened one day not long after we became official volunteers about the condition these horses arrive in. It was the saddest thing I've ever seen in my life; 30 horses arrived at a temporary holding facility. Some were just skin and bones, two horses ultimately didn't survive. These horses literally made their water buckets muddy because all they had to drink was mud and as they drank clean water, the mud in their mouth washed out into their buckets. They had been standing in a foot deep of mud. My husband and I cried as we worked around these horses when they first arrived to the holding facility. We couldn't believe people would treat another living being so inhumanly. Luckily, they had been removed from those horrible conditions and offered a better life. Now I understood why the job of Horse Haven was so important. We love volunteering here and feel we are serving a greater purpose.
These people are about helping Law Enforcement prosecute at all cost, regardless of the truth or what is best for the animals. By doing business this way the a) have no investment in the horses that they sell (adopt out for a fee) b) Can use the courts to force the owners of the animals to pay them, regardless of their guilt, and then c) create a sob story to tug at peoples heart strings to get them to donate money. Typical Animal Activist playbook.
hht_ 12/14/2015
This type of comment from defendants are expected. HHT provides a service to all law enforcement entity's within our state at no charge. Our service consists of transport and providing care for equine that have been removed as evidence when animal cruelty charges are placed against their owners. We are not the prosecuting entity. When an owner of an animal within our care chooses to have us provide a horse with medical attention at any cost, instead of allowing a suffering animal to be humanely euthanized, any reasonable person would understand why our organization should be refunded for their cost. We can not make any decisions regarding any animal within our care, that is the place of the courts or the entity that had the animals removed. Some just can't seem to understand this.
Fantastic organization, which truly demonstrates their love and compassion for horses. This organization is organized, lead by a great group of ladies, and has a wonderful group of volunteers.
Horse Haven of Tennessee is an amazing organization that goes over and beyond with wonderful volunteers and staff to help the horses. Until you have been there no one really knows or sees the tears,blood and sweat that is put into this amazing organization
Horse Haven of TN not only works with local law enforcement agencies to rescue equines from abuse and neglect, but it allows the equines (horses, donkeys, mules) to rehabilitate in a calm, safe environment. Then, when they are back up to weight and ready, the equines are adopted out (at a very low price, considering the vet care, hoof trimmings, and feed they receive while in HHT care). Potential adopters must pass a facility check, plus sign a contract with HHT showing they will be responsible for the animal's care.
This is a well-run nonprofit organization. Every employee and volunteer at HHT works "for the good of the horses"!
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Horse Haven of Tennessee has stepped up & taken on some of the most horrific cases of equine abuse in the East TN area. What this non-profit has accomplished in its 15 years of service is truly commendable. Horses that otherwise would have died agonizing deaths because of neglect and starvation are now in wonderful, loving homes due to the efforts of HHT. Every equine taken in is given hope.
And, with proper food, water, and care, these abused animals turn from sadness and become the glorious, full-of-life creatures they were made to be!
Their transformations are, without a doubt, the most wonderful events for the dedicated Horse Haven of Tennessee volunteers & staff.
Such a deserving and dedicated group..I just don't know how they do it..someone needs to do the heart wrenching task of providing loving care to abused and neglected horses but they all join together as a team and get it done..they deserve so much for all they do. .
Horse Haven of TN is an amazing organization. They care so much and save many horses, donkeys, etc. from such pain and anguish. These animals they rescue are so given a new life and a second chance.
The volunteers are amazing and I believe their lives are also changed for the better.
Horse Haven of Tennessee is an incredible organization vital to our community and to the state. I have been involved with the organization as a donor, board member and in service for more than 5 years. Their dedication to program services is second to none.
A heartfelt thank you to the staff and the volunteers!
HHT is a healing experience for both the horses AND volunteers. Having been a volunteer for 6 years at HHT, the staff is both dedicated and passionate about the services they provide.
Horse Haven has been extremely helpful and instrumental in rescuing and protecting starving and abused horses not only in our immediate area, but also in other parts of the state where large numbers of horses were confiscated by the authorities on the acts of court orders. Horse Haven provided the badly needed space, expertise and care on emergency basis many times. They always respond to the call of duty!
I've been associated with Horse Haven for over two years. They love and care for all the horses, mules, donkeys, and other animals that came through their gates. They rely primarily on a hard-working group of volunteers, and it is a testament to the organization that many volunteers have been around for years and years (and have no plans on leaving any time soon). Horse Haven also has a small group of employees who are jacks-of-all-trades who tirelessly work to end animal abuse.
We were volunteers for almost 4 years at Horse Haven. And if we hadn't moved we would have been there forever, or as long as we physically could be. The organization is top-notch from the leaders down through the volunteers. Horse Haven has been the voice and conscience of the horse rescue community in Tennessee for over 15 years and it shows in the many ways they deal with abused and neglected horses. Almost any rescue organization can care for these beautiful creatures medically and physically but it's the human touch that sets Horse Haven apart from other rescues. We learned so much at Horse Haven and would never have been able to own horses without all that we were taught by amazing staff and more knowledgeable volunteers. We now volunteer at another horse rescue but it's just not the same.
I have been a volunteer with this wonderful organization since 2008 and I can say it has done way more for my soul than I have been able to give back. The people from the top to the new volunteers are warm, loving and caring. People who don't know about rescue always ask me " How do you manage to see all the horrible things that people do to these animals, and most of our cases are starvation. My answer is I don't really see them as they come in, in my mind I see them as I know they will become in several months with the love, care and attention each one gets, then on to their forever home. We educate the public, have programs that help with population control and the humane ending of a loved horses life. Programs that help feed those who are having trouble buying hay and feed. We are a family. A family that cares deeply about each other and the horses and donkeys that come into our barn to get healthy and learn to trust again.
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I joined this organization to help abused and starved horses in the state of Tennessee. What I found by being around these wonderful horses of all shapes and breeds is that the look in their eyes change almost from the minute they are rescued. They seem to know that help is on the way. We have had horses almost drag themselves into the trailer as well as those that had to be led in by the smell of grain, most of which had not had anything to eat in months. The work we do is not only good for our horse population but heals the human soul. I have helped in all kinds of ways from actual rescue in the field and barn to mucking stalls, I have had my heart broken and cried over those who put forth such a nobel effort but just could not overcome the starvation that they endured but rest assured they lived their last days knowing love and attention from the wonderful staff and volunteers at this organization. I have given alot to Horse Haven of Tennessee but its only a drop in the bucket of what Horse Haven has given me.
I've happily been with Horse Haven of Tennessee since 2007 as a volunteer. It truly makes a difference in the lives of all equine who come through our barn doors. The HHT horses have also made an impact in my life, and I truly believe that they have all made me a better human being. One thing I love the most about HHT is that we provide a safe place for our horses to be rehabilitated and nourished back to health. Even better than that is finding each and every one of them a forever home. Therein lies the true joy, matching horses, ponies, and donkeys with their loving human families. HHT is a wonderfully run organization with goals to not just rehabilitate equine but to also educate the community about equine issues through a variety of programs and outreach initiatives. It is a worthwhile organization to donate to, whether it is your time and labor or your money.
We have donated money to Horse Haven (HHT) for several years and they are named as a beneficiary in our wills. I never worry about our money being put to good use when it goes to HHT because I know it will be. The people associated with HHT work tirelessly to rescue and take care of horses that would otherwise die horrific deaths. Once the rescued horses are released to their custody they spend countless hours rehabbing and training them so they can be adopted and have a forever (we hope) home. There are not enough superlatives to describe the work done by HHT and the folks associated with it.
Horse Haven of Tennessee is a wonderful organization that works tirelessly with local law enforcement in the rescue of abused and/or neglected horses. They work diligently to give each and every equine that comes through their gate the food and medical treatment that is needed. Beyond the "necessities" provided to our equine friends, the organization as a whole has the number one priority of loving all of the equine that we come across. As a volunteer, is it very rewarding to the sickest equine come in, but be brought back to health and adopted out to their forever homes. Thank you Horse Haven for having the drive and determination to carry out this much needed service!
I have been with Horse Haven for over five years. Horse Haven is one of the hardest working groups I can say I have ever had the honor of being with. They care not only for the horses that we bring in that need that extra love and care to bring back to health but they care about the volunteers as well. Horse Haven takes that extra step to make sure we are there for the right reasons. It's all about the horses at our barn and what we do for them.
Horse Haven of TN is an awesome organization! They go above and beyond to help horses in need. They have to put up with a lot of flack and go into all kinds of situations to do what must be done for those that cannot do for themselves.
They helped me get an unexpected stud colt gelded when I needed help. I donate when I can mostly items to the Tack Shack. I will continue to do what I can for HHT because they were there for me.
Horse Haven takes in horses that were seized by law enforcement due to neglect and abuse. They are rehabilitated and placed into pre-screened adoptive homes. Horse Haven takes great care of the horses while in their care and follows up with adopters. Great organization!
One of the most worthwhile things I've done in my life is volunteer at Horse Haven of TN. The care, rehabilitation & welfare of horses is their greatest priority. Horses that come in starved & abused are transformed into healthy, trusting, usable animals in the course of 6 months or so. Their eyes reveal their gratefulness for food, water, vet care & love. And Horse Haven is an excellent steward of donors' money with just 3 modestly paid employees & some 70 volunteers taking barn duty shifts. Everyone's care of the horses is a labor of love. A truly altruistic nonprofit that I'm honored to be a donor for.
This is a wonderful and caring organization. Not only do they care for and rehabilitate abused and neglected equine, they also go the extra step and have education classes for their volunteers so that we can go out and assist our own communities, so we can all identify and report abuse and better care for our own animals in our own neighborhoods. A pay it forward for our animal friends.
I just WISH there where more Safe Havens, like Horse Haven of Tennessee, they work tirelessly trying to safe neglected abused horses,, the powers of healing with love, patient's and commitment.... Thank You Horse Haven for all you do day in and day out!!!! Bless You
Horse Haven of Tennessee has the horses as their absolute top priority. The volunteers rescue abused and neglected horses that would otherwise die a long and horrible death. And they don't stop there. They rehab them, get their weight up, check their behavior and then seek seek seek out the most suitable, loving homes for them. One horse adopted means one more can be rescued. And so it goes horse by horse by horse.
a former volunteer
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I've loved horses my whole life, but growing up in a city limited my exposure to them. Volunteering at Horse Haven has given me the privlege of caring for them, loving them 1 on 1. This organization is so well run by just a few individuals and a ton of volunteers. The rescued horses (mules, minis etc) never go hungry at Horse Haven, someone is pounding the pavement and phones always procuring food and hay for these grateful and deserving animals. They stretch a donated buck further than anyone can. Horse Haven is the best example of how volunteerism should work !
This charity is so important. The Tennessee Walking Horses have trainers and owners that burn chemicals into the horses legs. Where would we be if we did not have this rescue to save them from this abuse and help them.
Horse Haven of Tennessee is an amazing place that provides a safe place for abused or neglected horses throughout the state. Through proper feeding programs, exercise, turn out and gentle hands giving loving attention, the horses are taught to live and to love again. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a once starved horse become fat and healthy and find their forever home! I love working here as a volunteer!
Horse Haven is an incredible organization dedicated to rescuing abused and neglected equine in the state of Tennessee. That being said, their efforts go far beyond what one might expect from a horse rescue. Not only do they work tirelessly to save and care for these animals, they are on the ground day after day working with lawmakers and investigative agencies to ensure that these animals have rights and that the penalties for the abuse and neglect are enforced. Where the penalties aren't strong enough - these wonderful souls are pushing for harsher penalties.
While not every rescue has a happy ending and being a volunteer can be heartbreaking at times, the rewards that come from working with Horse Haven far exceed any sadness. There is nothing like watching a scared, emaciated horse come into the care of this organization and with love, care and patience thrive and find a loving forever home. The daily positive changes in these animals give us all hope and I'm so thankful for Horse Haven!
Horse Haven is an invaluable advocate for horses in Tennessee. They not only save horses that would otherwise go to slaughter or die horrible deaths, they match them up to the perfect new owner. I'm proud to support them.
For years I was donating to a wide variety of animal rescue groups and found myself wondering if my funds were actually doing anything. Since I found Horse Haven of Tennessee, I am confident they are the organization that utilizes every penny to the fullest. The team at HHT rates an A+ in always communicating to their members. We are always updated on projects, rescues, education and everything else they do 24/7.
This group deserves recognition for their dedication to our equines friends.
Horse Haven of Tennessee is an amazing non-profit organization that has helped countless horses in East Tennessee. Many people think only of dogs and cats need rescuing, but horses need help, too. There are not a lot of rescues that are able to help these big, beautiful animals. Very happy we have such a wonderful group of people saving these horses here in East Tennessee!
Volunteering at this rescue has been a fantastic experience. It is obvious to see that the SOLE PURPOSE of everyone involved is the best care possible for all of the horses.
I had lost my horse and was very sad about it. When i started to look for another horse and i stumbled apon horse haven of tennessee program. They aloud my to come out to check out what kind of horses they had and to show me what their program was about. When i got out there they were amazing nice and i was so amazed in all that i seen in the short time that i was there. I found the horse of my dreams and now am a proud adopter of a horse haven horse. Everything about this organization is amazing and i am proud to know that there is an organization out there that is out there for the animals and not the money
I adopted a horse from Horse Haven and he has been treated so humanly. I couldn't believe the quality of horses that they are adopting out at this facility. They are so well cared for and well treated.
I am so proud to be a part of this great organization! The staff and the volunteers are truly committed to bettering the lives of these animals. It's truly a blessing for me to be able to give back. I adopted my horse Sam from HHT and I will always be grateful that they saved him and gave him the second chance he deserved! He is a very happy boy now and Horse Haven made it possible!
I am a certified equine massage therapist. I contacted HHT in 2007 to offer my services for free. Other than massage, I had no horse background, yet from the minute I walked in, I felt completely among friends. I gradually became more involved, especially when I noticed there were days when the executive director fed, watered, and mucked out all the stalls in the barn by herself. (I can't think of another executive director willing to personally clean urine and feces in an animal rescue for 10 years, while refusing a paycheck, "because the horses need the money more.") I eventually took over her Thursday morning and evening shifts (the latter with my 13 yr old daughter), trained other shift workers, sold crafts and provided beverages on monthly Adoption Days, held some fundraising meals, and taught massage classes. This year, I joined the Board of Directors and the Adoption Committee, where my law degree came in handy drafting a new adoption contract. This expanding organization needs and challenges every kind of skill imaginable - just what this stay-at-home mom wanted! Working with horses, photography, office skills, writing, baking, organizing events, scrapbooking, meet-and-greet functions - whatever your talents, they are welcome at HHT.
I originally started volunteering with HHT with my two daughters to introduce them to the concept of giving back and doing for others. It started our family on a journey and we're all so much better for it. We've been given the opportunity to not only help the horses but to learn so much about them and to help educate others about their needs and how to care for them. We also adopted from HHT and our horses are part of our family. I encourage everyone to get involved whether through volunteering, adopting or donating. What an amazing group of people and what beautiful equines who deserve a good home.
We adopted a horse named Raisin from Horse Haven. Raisin was in bad shape, but he is now a much loved permanent addition to our family. Horse Haven does a great job rescuing and rehabilitating horses and educating horse owners on the proper way to care for their horses. I would not hesitate to adopt another horse from Horse Haven.
We adopted 2 horses from a large seizure through Horse Haven. Both have come to be much loved members of our family. We intended to only adopt one, Glitter, but made the decision to take on Judd too when his original adoption failed. It turned out to be a great decision as both are wonderful horses and so appreciative of everything we do for and with them. I would not hesitate to adopt another rescued horse in the future should we need to add another member to our family.
We joined HHT in 2005 when my daughter (Hannah Rose) was reading Critter magazine and she in her then 8 year old little girl voice said “Momma they need volunteers at Horse Haven, can we help out PLEAASSSEE???” We interviewed and were assigned the information table. Since then I have attended every Adoption Day with the exception of two. For us it has been a great way to support a cause that we believe in and meet a lot of really cool people! It’s remarkable for us to see frightened abused animals become happy healthy creatures able to join new families. Hannah Rose is quite the animal activist and we are proud of how HHT supports not only the individual animals but is active in the laws and policies such as those dealing with horse slaughter and stricter laws to protect these magnificent beasts.
I can not say enough good things about Horse Haven! Horse Haven and ALL the people associated with it, are a true blessing. It warms my heart to know that these horses get a chance to know a good life. Even for the ones that don't make it, at least their last days are spent in the loving hands of Horse Haven volunteers. I recently adopted two horses from Horse Haven and I am thankful everyday that I have been blessed with these two wonderful animals. Both had been neglected and were severely emaciated when Horse Haven rescued them. They now are healthy, happy and beautiful horses. I have been a volunteer and a donor and will ALWAYS support this badly needed organization.
I heard on the news about this big seizure of horses in Febr. 2012, and i had to do something ,started volunteering in March . And I have to say i love all the horses they have come and gone, so glad for most of them found fantastic homes. And yes i adopted one too, i first saw Sky at chilhowee park and that was it . Today she is fat and sassy and she makes my day everyday. If i would have all the money in the world i would donate so HHT could get their own facilities. HHT gives the spirit back in the broken horses who comes through the barndoor. And the volunteer are the best they are the heart of HHT.
Horse Haven of Tennessee provides a much-needed service to East Tennessee counties and beyond. Sadly there's a need for a non-profit to take on mistreated, starved, & otherwise neglected equines, but thankfully Horse Haven's compassionate director and volunteers step in where cruel humans have failed these magnificent animals. The horses seem to know that they are in a safe place once they arrive at Horse Haven. We see their transformations from scared, wary, shy horses to trusting, inquisitive, playful horses almost instantly. To see positive changes in a horse on a weekly basis is so uplifting. I am happy to call myself a Horse Haven volunteer.
Horse Haven of Tennessee became like a second home to me when I was only 15. After roughly three years of volunteering at HHT I have seen animals with broken bodies and spirits be renewed through volunteer patience and dedication so that they may go on to win competitions, become welcomed members of many families, and just simply live in comfort and peace. HHT has changed the lives of equines and it has enabled me to grow as a leader, as a lover and advocate for all animals, and as a friend to the volunteers who do so much for our cause. My family has both adopted and fostered HHT horses and we could not be more blessed or grateful for the opportunity to share our love for such brave animals through the unending efforts of HHT volunteers and staff.
Horse Haven of Tennessee is an amazing place. The horses come in with hearts full of sadness and pain. Often little more than skin and bones, they arrive with looks of mistrust and uncertainty. But love and caring and hope for a better tomorrow is what they find when they arrive at Horse Haven. Kind voices and loving hands care for them day in and day out. Volunteers who arrive like clockwork, in the heat of summer and cold of winter, help these battered souls realize that they are in a safe place, help them learn to trust again. It is such a wonder to watch these horse bloom again, tossing their heads and running with the joy they once had lost. I am humbled by their healing, and grateful that such a place as Horse Haven exists. I hope some day, places like Horse Haven are no longer needed, but until then I am thankful it is here.
When I wanted to add to my herd, I never doubted where to look first, HHT. I had missed a recent adoption event, but called and made an appointment to go searching for a 'husband horse'. I had some specific qualities I wanted to have, but I was open to suggestions. I was introduced to 'August' (now known as Lance) and as they say the rest is history. The staff at HHT helped me find my dream trail horse. Although he was intended for my husband, I couldn't resist keeping him for myself. Later in the year, HHT took on a large number of rescues and housed them at the World's Fair Park in Knoxville. I couldn't donate or afford to adopt another, so I volunteered my time cleaning stalls and feeding horses. The regular volunteers on duty were friendly and very personable. If I could volunteer on a regular basis, this is the group that I would want to work with. Whenever I'm ready to adopt another, I won't hesitate to start my search at HHT.
I absolutely love volunteering at Horse Haven! It gives me the time to forget about my outside problems and just lets me focus on the horses needs and just helping them. I've had horses all my life well recently I had to put my horse down that I had for 9 years it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Volunteering at Horse Haven gave me the chance to just build bonds with the horses and help me get through the hard part of putting mine down. 4 months later I fell in love with one of the horses there and ended up adopting him. He is the most important thing to me now and if it wasn't for horse Haven I wouldn't have got that chance. I can't thank Horse Haven enough for accepting me as a volunteer and letting me adopt a horse. Every time its my day to volunteer it just makes me excited and makes that day so much greater I love Horse Haven!
I've been a donor for years, but recently I had a different experience with Horse Haven, when my family adopted a horse. This horse had come from a terrible situation where he nearly starved to death. The staff and volunteers at Horse Haven did a great job of getting him stabilized and then gaining weight. Today, he's a beautiful healthy horse. I give thanks every day for the dedicated folks at Horse Haven who take care of hundreds of horses in need.
I was with a therapeutic riding center that adopted a three-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse cross from HHT. His HHT name was Black Jack and we renamed him Valentino. Vali became such a great therapeutic riding horse that in 2011 he was named the Path International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) Equine of the Year. This prestigious honor is rarely given to such a young horse (Vali was nine at the time) and as far as I know he is the only horse trained specifically for therapeutic activities to receive this award. As a TR instructor, Vali is my horse of choice and I consider myself privileged to be part of his story. Everyone at HHT was amazing through the adoption process and beyond. I highly recommend them and hope people who can send them much needed funding and supplies. They are the best!
Horse Have has provided me an opportunity to be around horses again. The staff and volunteers are a wonderful, caring group of people who definitely work hard for the care and comfort of all the horses, donkeys and mules that arrive at the facility. One mare in particular arrived with a major injury to one of her rear legs. Although the wound was horrendous, she has responded incredibly well to treatment and knows that she is loved by all who are involved with her care. Someone even put an angel on her stall door to watch over her. I believe that her recovery has been aided by all the love she receives from the volunteers. All of the horses have their own personality and quirks, but they are all very deserving of our love and care. The best days are adoption days when one of these beautiful creatures goes to their forever home. There are smiles all around on those days.
I cannot express the love I have for this facility. The hard work these folks do for the horses is just amazing. Each time one comes in it feels love and you can see an instant change in them. The horse knows dignity, and a loving touch. Their bellies will never be empty again. They flourish from the time their hoof leaves the trailer and hits the path to the barns.
Horse Haven of Tennessee has provided care for almost 400 horses since its founding in 1999. In 2009 they cared for 101 equine at their facility run by dedicated volunteers. In just the first 5 months of 2010 they have provided care for 83 horses. Please support this wonderful organization.
Review from Guidestar
HorseHaven 02/25/2022
This is the same person you wrote an earlier review.