When little Rocky broke his leg it really tore at my heart. I donated to his vet bills and was able to see photos and videos discussing his injury, treatment, and information about his recovery on IHR's Facebook. I felt assured that my donation was going straight to helping pay for Rocky's treatment. Idaho Horse Rescue is a top notch organization and I would encourage anyone who loves horses to donate time or resources to support their mission.
This non-profit is full of heart and a real love for horses. Robert is passionate about rescuing horses and it shows.
AMAZING RESCUE! This was my first time donating hay for their winter drive.. I definitely will be donating again Thank you Robert for all you do!
I have adopted 3 horses from IHR. Further I have donated time, resources and funds to help them achieve their rescues. I have never met a more determined man (Robert). What Robert and IHR have been able to do for the horses in Idaho has been incredible. What they did for mine (the ones I adopted) can never be repaid.
Love the way they highlight the positive progress of their horses and thank their volunteers and donors. I got a very sweet thank you so it was a double treat!
The Idaho Horse Rescue is always there to help out abused and neglected horses. The care they get is outstanding. You can see that just by viewing their page and how good the rescued horses look. Thank you for all that you do.
I cant say enough about Robert, his love for these horses, and IHR.
I have never met a person who has put so much love and countless hours in such a selfless deed. His love, passion, and dedication to these horses is absolutely beautiful.
This is mine and my husbands story with Robert and these majestic creatures.
We started working with Robert in February of 2019. My husband and I have no history with horses and Robert knew that. He has taken countless hours out of his schedule educating us on caring for them. We've spent numerous weekends out at IHR with Robert, cleaning , feeding, caring for damaged hooves, injured legs, cuts, etc. You name we've been there to learn and help these past 10 months. We've learned so much.
We've seen first hand some of the horses Robert has brought in from their horrible situations. We saw their hooves and the unhealthy length, their rib cages from starvation, the hopelessness and sadness in their eyes when they first get there. And then as months go on and Robert slowly brings them back to life you see a little bit more trust and love in their eyes. The transformation from almost near death for some of these horses to a brand new life is a true miracle.
I personally have fallen in love with every horse at IHR. They all have such different personalities and are unique in their own way.
After months of working with Robert and getting our pastures ready we were finally able to bring home Penny and Raven. Two mares that were rescued together. Starved and abused. I remember the first time I saw Raven she was in a round pen by her self. Her eyes were telling a story of complete desperation and sadness. Her and I connected right away. I told my husband I want here, she is the one. Robert said otherwise. He said she was starved so bad and abused so bad that he wasn't sure she was going to make it and I shouldn't get my hopes up on her. As the months went on and the summer past Raven came through and proved him wrong. Raven (middle pic black mare) buddies up with Penny (far right pic) who was rescued from the same place. They were inseparable. We brought Raven and Penny home in October of 2019. We love them so much. They have brought so much joy to us.
Unfortunately we lost Penny in the beginning of November, about 6 weeks after we brought her home. I will save the harsh very sad details. The bottom line was she was just abused so bad, her intestines never fully recovered and she didn't make it. As heart breaking as it was our hearts knew we had to bring home another rescue to be with Raven and to fill that void. Exactly one week later we brought home Daniel (left picture with his tongue out) Daniel was Penny's sister. Practically identical. He was a loner at IHR and now he grazes happily on his and Raven's pastures.
We cannot say enough about how happy we are. We love our horses and we will for the rest of our lives adopt from Robert and volunteer our time helping him and the IHR. We love going out there shoveling poop, feeding them, loving them, oiling the barn, caring for them, whatever we can do to help.
Robert's heart, soul, blood, sweat, and tears goes into this rescue. He is a gift from God. We are happy to call him a friend.
I have had the opportunity to work with Robert and the horses at IHR and cannot say enough about the love that is shown to these horses. While they are passionate about the horses in their care, they show equal passion in securing compatible and caring homes for those horses. By far one of the best rescues that I have ever encountered
I have visited this rescue a few times spending several days with Robert. He works from sun up till way past sun down to ensure every horse receives the daily care needed. No job is too menial Robert will do whatever is necessary to ensure each horse receives proper care. I have seen how the severely abused and neglected react to his patience and kindness and how they heal and recover from his care. I’m proud to be a supporter of this rescue one of the best and most trustworthy organizations.
In all of my adult life, (I’m 68), I have never witnessed or been involved as a donor and a sponsor with a better organization....better in every way. Our Humane Society no longer takes horses; therefore, Idaho Horse Rescue is the go-to equine rescue facility for law enforcement and the public when horses are in danger, abused, neglected, abandoned, starved, etc. Robert Bruno, IHR founder, takes all these horses in, I think he’s up to 38 now, and gives each and every one of them all the care they need. This involves veterinary care, farrier work, rehabilitation both physical and mental, special feed when necessary, shelter and turnout, and training as needed so horses may eventually be adopted. He gives permanent homes to horses that are too old, too ruined, too hurt to be adopted. His acreage is pristine, the horses have everything they need including love. Because of the volume of horses taken in by IHR, Mr Bruno is constantly building more shelters, an additional barn, round pens, holding pens for the newcomers to settle in, etc. Mr Bruno has his own full-time construction business and yet spends every minute of his “spare” time doing things for the horses, planning rescues, building, mucking stalls and so on. He even rescued a horse chest deep in snow via a helicopter! And he coordinated that incredible rescue! He does this all with the help of a few volunteers and with the help of generous donors. His rescue operation is extremely organized and making donations is very easy. I wish I could put into words how wonderful this man is and how splendid his efforts are, the end result being safe haven for a multitude of beautiful equines. I would give him a Purple Heart if I could and what he does brings tears to my eyes. The world needs many, many more people like Robert Bruno and his rescue operation. The dedication it takes to do what he does is mind-boggling. Thanks go to donors as well, for without public support, whether it be monetary, hay, feed, blankets, construction supplies/labor, veterinarians, good souls who contribute simply by grooming the horses, mucking some stalls, picking up donations, etc, this phenomenal refuge for these spectacular animals might not continue to be possible. He is one man doing the most incredible work for multitudes of equines in need. Thank you Idaho Horse Rescue. Lori Moore
I moved to Idaho around 2015 to be near my son who was in a boarding school there at the time. Having owned , ridden and showed horses most of my life I was looking to connect with some horse related venues. I also took a training program in equine assisted therapy , which is a wonderful and growing form of therapy to help veterans, the abused, and grieving etc. I came across IHR and started to go once a week to just help in anyway Robert needed ....mucking the paddock, cleaning the barn, and just being around such sweet horses who had found a safe haven. It was amazing to me that IHR was basically a one man project! Robert’s blood, sweat, tears, heart and soul formed the core of what I am thrilled to see is a growing facility. Non-profits are a constant effort and require continual support and can be overwhelming . I hope this is a fire that spreads through the state and beyond as there are way too many abused and neglected horses by people who have no idea of the money and devotion it takes to care for a horse. Horses are mans best friend, intuitive and at our mercy. I love IHR and it’s heart ❤️
We recently became sponsors, and were invited to visit the horses. No problem that we are horse illiterates; can tell the head from the tail, but that’s about all. Robert kindly took the time to get us up to speed on all things horse. Heather did, too. Meeting Jack, our sponsored horse, was amazing. My sister, a dedicated horsewoman one state over, highly recommended Idaho Horse Rescue from what she could find online as her job as a reference librarian. Based on our experience, we heartily agree.
What a great organization! They really have a heart for the horses and the public. I was having some trouble with depression and asked if I could go out and help one day to 'get some therapy' from the horses. They were thrilled to help me and to have the help. Robert is an amazing human being (although I think he may be part horse). He was so encouraging. Therapy session went great! I can't wait to get into a regular routine to help out with this group! I encourage everyone to donate to and volunteer with Idaho Horse Rescue!
I became involved with Idaho Horse Rescue over 6 months ago in a developmental & administrative capacity. Mr Bruno has transformed these horses with his attentive care. His concern for all creatures whether they be mammals, birds or insects is of utmost importance to him. -I've seen him relocate spiders & help a song bird after it was hit by a car.
The IHR barn facility is one of the most beautiful places you'll see - Most of it created from re-purposed materials.
Many of these horses were severely damaged both mentally as well as physically & he has spent every spare moment gaining their trust & healing their wounds.
I contacted Idaho Horse Rescue to arrange volunteering my time training the rescued horses. I came out to the barn and met all the horses and immediate feel in love. It was amazing to hear the individual storys and to see the huge changes that had taken place in these horses lives. I spent the day scratching, brushing and feeding! The following weekend I went with the truck and trailer to pick up two surrendered horses about an hour from the Rescue. Bringing the horses from that situation to the rescue and watching them settle in and dive into the hay we put out was so memorable.