When my spotted saddle horse died unexpectedly at Thanksgiving, I
went in search of a companion for my mule. I had been following Lost Meadow on Facebook and reached out to Mattie and her team to begin the search for a companion mule. Waylon, previously known as Cherry, came home with us in April. He is a wonderful companion, very healthy very well trained, and as kind as can be. Patti and the other trainers did a wonderful job working with him and building the trust and skills that made him an a perfect candidate for adoption. We highly recommend working with Lost Meadow if you are looking to adopt a mule.
I've had the privilege of working with LMR and Matti in two different capacities, and both experiences have been incredibly rewarding. My first introduction to LMR came when I was selected to participate in the 2023 Extreme Mule Training Challenge, working with one of their rescue mules. Matti personally trailered Johnny (pictured on the right below), along with his companion mule Josie, to my home so I could take part in the challenge. It was my first hands-on experience with LMR, and it truly exceeded my expectations. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and gained invaluable insight into the training, care, and unique needs of these amazing animals.
The experience reignited my love for mules—something I hadn't felt since my youth—and inspired me to take the leap and find a riding mule of my own. That’s how I found Gracie, who turned out to be a perfect match. Wanting a companion for her, I reached out to Matti again, and we were fortunate to adopt Howie (pictured on the left with Gracie). Howie has been the ideal addition—not only is he trained to trailer, bathe, and be groomed, but he's also a favorite with my farrier thanks to his gentle and cooperative nature.
As an added bonus, I connected on Facebook with one of LMR’s trainers, Patti Porter. I had the pleasure of visiting her last week and was incredibly impressed. The dedication and care that Matti has instilled throughout LMR’s training program were evident in every detail. Patti’s barn was calm and impeccably clean, and her kind, consistent approach with each mule reflected the heart of LMR’s mission. It’s clear these mules are given not only excellent training but also a safe, nurturing environment where they can thrive and get a second chance. Thankful for Lost Meadows and for the Love they have for all of these sweet long ears.
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I started following Lost Meadows Mule Refuge several years ago as I have always had a love for mules with a history of showing mules in my youth. LMMR is an amazing organization that not only rescues but invests what it takes for basic health needs, training with long term goals for adoption if appropriate. I was chosen to compete in LMMR's extreme mule training challenge and had the pleasure to work with Johnny (seen below with the bule halter) then purchased Gracie, my riding mule who was in desperate need of a companion. We were able to work with Matti again and visit several adoption candidates and chose Howie. (in the other picture with the large molly). I can't even begin to explain the level of dedication and care that Matti instills in the entire program providing the most compassionate and professional care for every single mule that LMMR has. I'm very thankful for the training and adoption opportunities! Definitely a FIVE STAR nonprofit!!
This unique organization helped me and my mule when all avenues were exhausted. My mule had extreme foot trauma in his life before me. It got to the point of me having my vet out to sedate him so the farrier could try to trim. The vet had to use so much that they said they couldn't do it anymore. I was at a loss. Trainers, vets and farrier help was exhausted and my heart was broken. Then I contacted Lost Meadows. Even though they were in Texas and I was in Oregon, I knew this was the answer. I wish I could visit Maverick all the time. I did get to visit once and was so pleased. Maverick was making progress even. I will never stop my monthly donations even when Maverick is gone to heaven. This organization truly cares. This is a long story, short. I can't express my gratitude enough.
Lost Meadows Mule Refuge is a warm, caring and loving facility. Matti pours her heart into each rescue. She and her crew take special care of each mule when they arrive at LMMR and the duration of their stay. I have seen so many who look downtrodden with no will to live look shiny and sleek with that sparkle in their eyes in a short time frame. They are affectionate and love their caregivers because of the love and compassion they receive. I am thankful that LMMR gives the mules a respite from the neglect and abuse they have suffered.
This rescue is one of the best I’ve known. Matti and her employees/volunteers do such an amazing job caring for all the longear equine (and sometimes horses other animals).
They put their heart into everything they do. So many hours of blood, sweat, and tears have gone into this rescue and it shows. She uses all her resources and funding as intended and each animal gets top notch care. They dedicate so much to these animals and it shows.
I have visited twice (when they were in San Angelo) and also fostered a mule for a while until she was adopted out. I wish I could foster again but the timing isn’t right at the moment.
I love Lost Meadows Mule Refuge and highly recommend them.
I have been a contract trainer/part time ranch-hand and now receptionist for Lost Meadows Mule Refuge for the last three/four years now. I have seen first hand what Matti does for these mules that other rescues will not/do not do. She has an abundance of knowledge and empathy in rescue, rehabilitation, training/retraining, and rehoming. The compassion and care is visible for each and every mule that finds itself in the care of Lost Meadows. Definitely the absolute best rescue that I have worked for and dealt with by far.
I have supported Lost Meadows Mule Refuge for several years, including two annual sponsorships. I was thrilled when they opened their doors to support these often misunderstood animals, and they do a fantastic job! I also own two rescued draft mules. Two large ears up for LMMR!
I’ve watched Matti grow this mission from her very first mule. I’ve never known a more able, determined, compassionate or tenacious individual. Matti is a visionary. This rescue sets the example for the kind of care and unconditional love all animals deserve.
I adopted my mini mule Ponkey from Lost Meadows a few years ago. I loved walking among them with Mattie to find the right one for me. It turns out, he picked me! As I was walking, petting and looking, Mattie said, “ I can’t believe it”, my response was “can’t believe what?” She says, “ ponkey has been following us everywhere you go and he doesn’t do that! He is usually very shy and standoffish”. Guess who came home with me? My point is, that Mattie really truly knows her mules! I have never regretted bringing that boy home. Up to then, I had never owned a mule. Love him! Thanks Mattie and Lost Meadows Mule Refuge for all you do for these wonderful animals!
This is an amazing organization with a wonderful vision. I started following them about 2 years ago. Mules rescued from horrific situations. Trained and re-homed where possible through a network of committed individuals. I donated the funding for a stall in the new barn in memory of my first horse. Maddie and her associates and contacts have a viable plan for the future and I consider any donation to be money well spent.
Jeremiah came to me from Lost Meadows on my birthday in 2022. He loves learning and has a lot of fun! Thanks, Matti and Lost Meadows!
I have been following Lost Meadows Mule Refuge for the past several years and I highly recommend them. They are worthy of your generous donations, your volunteer hours, your attention on social media, and your blessings and prayers.
Matti and her team work with passion and compassion to change the lives of each mule who is rescued. They have literally worked wonders with many mules who seemed beyond saving.
Each mule in the sanctuary is carefully placed in an appropriate social situation with other mules and provided with excellent nutrition, veterinary care, hoof care, and dental care. This is a herculean task, as many of the mules need special handling. Careful and mindful training is undertaken to help the mules feel safe to interact with people.
Those mules who are candidates for training are rehabilitatated to be solid citizens who will be safe to handle and ready for adoption into a loving family.
If you are looking for a new long eared best buddy, visit Lost Meadows Mule Refuge. Your new best buddy is waiting to meet you. ♡
We were recently searching for an equine in need of a loving home, when Lost Meadows Mule Refuge was recommended to us by a previous adopter. Matti worked with us kindly & promptly, finding us the PERFECT fit for our little family. We are absolutely in love with our little 12 year old mule, Julie. We are so thankful for the hard work of the refuge for keeping her healthy, socialized, and trained, setting her up for success when being adopted. Who knows, maybe we will adopt again in the future. We will be donating this fall, & my husband’s employment will be matching our donation. We are so thankful for a transparent refuge who always puts the needs of these animals first!
I have began following them on Facebook a short time, but I am so impressed by their great care and love of these mules. I also donate when I can.
Lost Meadow Mule Refuge is a great organization started by a caring and tirelessly working indulividual Matti. She has provided refuge to mukes in need, brough education and understanding to her refuges followers and provided a place where we can donate and feel like part of the mule family.
I followed their cause since 2019 but was able to help donate and sponsor the rescue of a little mule in dire needs. Odin gained a special place in my heart as well as many others.
Lost Meadow provided him a safe refuge and a good home. Its what Matti does and will continue to do. A great organization all around. And yes... that's Odin.
As a contract trainer who specializes in gentling and training mules for adoption, and has worked with numerous equine and canine rescues, I can confidently say that Lost Meadows Mule Refuge is simply the best. Matti, the director, goes above and beyond in every aspect. The facilities are impressive, but what truly sets this rescue apart is the unwavering commitment to each mule’s well-being. The sanctuary provides lifetime care, guaranteeing that no mule is ever left behind.
What I appreciate most is the perfect blend of compassion and practicality. Lost Meadows doesn't just rescue; they are a lifetime sanctuary to the mules who are not adoption candidates and they invest in the future of the adoptable mules by providing excellent training to ensure that adopters are set up for success. This level of dedication is rare and speaks volumes about their mission.
I’ve personally adopted a mule from them, sponsor a mule at their sanctuary, and I’m proud to support their work. If you’re looking for a rescue that truly cares and makes a difference, Lost Meadows Mule Refuge is the one!
Matti created this rescue in 2019. She is an amazing person and runs the rescue with her first priority always being what is best for the animals. I was employed here previously and getting to learn and work with these animals from such a strong leader was truly amazing. I regularly check in to see the progress and love watching this organization get the recognition and growth it deserves!
My mom loved her mules very much but age and family circumstances forced her to find them a new home. We were able to place them with Lost Meadows and they have been wonderful! They cared for my mom's two mules as individuals and gave them what they needed. My family will be forever grateful that we had such a wonderful caring organization in which to place them.
I've had my beautiful Bailey Bear for 3 years now. Maddie & Lost Meadows are amazing! I can't imagine my life without my mule. I know I wouldn't have her without all the hard work & efforts of the Lost Meadows team. The best part of my day, every day, is hearing Bailey talk to me when I call her.
I am more of a supporter than a donor, most of the time. But I try and share often to help this amazing non-profit rescue. Matti has made an often forgotten animal her life. I'll admit that when her aunt first shared her calling with me, I thought, really? mules? But Matti has proven to be the best person to champion animals most people just think of as a beast of burden. Her heart is bigger than most & if she could save every single animal in need, she would. If you can't donate, share to others who can. I am grateful to know of this refuge & its wonderful caretakers. Thank you Matti & all of your staff, volunteers, fosters, trainers, etc. for doing what you do!
Mules are very different from horses OR donkeys, and finding support for them is rare. I was so excited to hear about Lost Meadows from a donkey charity newsletter I received in 2020, recommending it to mule lovers. After researching LMMR, and learning how this nonprofit's director, Matti Koester, follows the Rescue-Rehabilitate-Rehome protocol I admire, for MULES, I was IN! In addition to providing a training network for rescued mules that may be adopted, LMMR provides livelong sanctuary on its property near Texas A&M vet school for rescued mules too aged, ill, or traumatized to leave. Matti has the academic and practical equine experience that make her admired by other equine nonprofits and I have seen how responsibly she uses my donations. Go to mulerescue.org and LMMR's facebook page and you'll see, too!
I am a contract trainer for Lost Meadows Mule Refuge, and they are far and away one of the best equine rescues I have ever worked with. Not only does Mattie devote herself to the well-being success of the mules and the rescue as a whole, she is also deeply involved in the journey of each individual mule, and, in turn, each trainer, foster home, and adopter.
LMMR mules receive the best of care, not only when it comes to physical rehabilitation and maintenance, but also in terms of mental care and regard for each mule. LMMR makes sure that mules are matched with trainers and/or fosters who can best prepare them for their futures through innovative programs such as satellite training centers and training challenges. As for the mules who are not ready for a program, they receive top-notch care and attention at the refuge until they are ready for training, and the special cases who are not cut out for retraining have a home for life. In doing so, LMMR not only ensures the future of healthy, adoptable mules, but also those who have fallen through the cracks.
All in all, LMMR is transparent, trustworthy, and incredible to work with, and balances outreach with outstanding care for mules already in the system. I would highly recommend working with or adopting from LMMR to anyone looking to bring some long ear love into their life!
We have followed Matti and Lost Meadows Mule Refuge for quite some time. We recently became involved with the organization as fosters for some of the adoptable mules. For two people that had zero knowledge of mules, we are blown away by the support we receive from the organization. Not only is Matti extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the animals, she is also a wonderful teacher for the people learning about them. She knows each mule and their personalities and does a great job at matching them with potential adopters. Additionally, the organization itself is run professionally and is completely transparent. LMMR truly is a light in the darkness for animals in need, and we can’t recommend them enough. I would encourage anyone to help support this amazing nonprofit. They are doing amazing work.
Matti has devoted herself to Lost Meadows Mule Refuge. The work she does maintaining and managing this non profit goes beyond a simple career aspiration. She is 100% invested in animal welfare and the care of her mules at LMMR. As someone who watches her and takes the time to fully understand the complexities, highs and lows of this non-profit I am in awe of all of her achievements over these few short years. She continues to learn and to strive and advance to make her non-profit and the mules succeed in every aspect. It is not an easy venture or lifestyle and she embraces all of it every day.
I absolutely love Lost Meadows! I got my first Mule from them in May when I began competing in the 2022 Mule Training Challenge. I love seeing all of the work they do to help these mules find their forever homes. Since then, I have now become a temporary foster for several mules and love watching them grow in their training. I will always support what they do and will always love watching the mules grow to love people, and people growing to love mules! ❤️
We contract train mules for this organization, I believe they are one of the most compassionate and easy rescues I’ve worked for. Matti does an amazing job, she is easy to communicate to, supportive, patient and persistent with the animals in her care. Very much admire how they believe that no mule should be left behind. They will jump through hoops to get these mules the resources and homes they need, as well as saving even the smallest one that needs help far away.