I was lucky enough to find my soul mate from Forget-Me-Not in 2018. I am so happy to provide with her first chance in almost 20 years to live like a horse among other horses. Thanks to FMN Horse Rescue and Sanctuary for saving her.
The volunteers and team members at MFMN are always kind, inviting, and a pleasure to work with!
I have taken riding lessons there, as well as volunteered myself, and it is absolutely incredible to learn about these Horses and their stories, and see hands on everything the rescue does for them. Truly a sanctuary :)
Absolutely stunning establishment! Mindi Sales got my son hooked up to be able volunteer this past summer at the rescue. He participated in riding lessons and he currently joined 4H and started participating in horse shows. Mindi and Donna are currently working with us where we hopefully soon will be adopting a horse from the rescue for my son. Highly recommend checking out this rescue.
I’ve been a donor to numerous nonprofit organizations over the years, but MFMN ranks among the very top when it comes to dedication, compassion and competence of its leadership and volunteers. Rescuing and caring for horses is an expensive, labor-intensive endeavor, and MFMN has managed to do that for hundreds of horses over the years by making the most of its limited funding, and by relying solely on volunteer help. Being around horses is still very new to me, but I’ve come to learn that they are wonderful, gentle animals who—like dogs and other household pets of which I’m more familiar—just want to be cared for and loved. Being around horses has also helped me understand why everyone at MFMN is so devoted to helping them. The bond between horses and humans is magical. (The growing use of horses in therapeutic programs for people with disabilities or special needs takes advantage of that bond.) If you’re looking for an organization worthy of your support, you need not look any further than MFMN. Need more convincing? Visit their facilities, meet their people, and see for yourself the great work that they do.
I am now starting my 10th year as a volunteer and donor with this amazing organization. I’m continually amazed at the dedication and accomplishments of the founders, board members and fleet of volunteers.
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On May 4, 2013 my husband and I met Jewel. She had just arrived at MFMN from a rural Missouri property where her owner was unknowingly deceased. She was emaciated and had no teeth as they had been worn away from chewing bark off of every tree she could reach. And she was old. Was she too far gone to help? Had she given up? Could she ever trust a human after what she had been through? It was the possibility of her not being too far gone, her not giving up and her being able to trust again that gave us all at MFMN hope.
Shortly after her arrival, we discovered her fondness for bananas (a treat requiring no teeth to enjoy) and this became the starting point of a bond and trust that formed between Jewel and my husband that was quite remarkable. Within 2 months of her arrival she was putting on weight, her coat began to shine and, most importantly, she held her head up high.
By early September she came right up to the fence when she heard his voice, ready for her banana and the adoration he bestowed upon her. We truly began to believe in the possibility that Jewel had not given up and she was beginning to trust the human touch.
Fast forward to April 2014, Jewel’s attachment to my husband became evident when she would stay close to his side and warn off other horses when he was around. He was experiencing exactly what has been said many times, “If you have gained the trust of a horse, you have won a friend for life.”
And that is why it is the possibilities, not the guarantees, that keep us going as volunteers at MFMN.
Volunteers and sponsors since 2012
We have volunteered with this group for almost 5 years. We have also adopted our best friends from this group. They have great compassion and do what is best for the horses to provide the best forever home, even if that means staying at the Sanctuary. They all receive love, care and compassion.
What an amazing place with the most caring volunteers. The new arena and stables are wonderful. A donation from an secret donor made the new facilities possible. The programs provided by the rescue have grown and serves the community. The rescue horses have amazing stores. Some have been neglected while others have just gotten old and their forever owner can no longer take care of them. Many rescued horses find new homes with loving owners. Others live out their life with love and good care at Forget-Me-Not.
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The Horses at FMN are wonderful examples of the love that Connie and the volunteers can give to them when they have been rejected by others. You can see a horse come in that is in such bad shape. Suffering from neglect and abuse. These beautiful animals begin to grow in trust and health under the careful care of the volunteers. Often the horse, that came in so bad, changes almost before your eyes. You can tell that the horse now knows love, and has developed trust for humans. If I ever come back as a horse, I hope I live at the Forget-Me-Not Sanctuary.
We have been supporters of the Horse Rescue for years. It warms my heart to see how they have grown and expanded over the years. The one thing I feel will never change is their dedication to the animals that they are helping!
I am happy to write a 'review' and to give Missouri Forget-Me-Not Horse Rescue and Sanctuary a glowing recommendation for all the good work they do. They truly are caring, dedicated people, and devoted to the horses whose lives they touch. In 2016 I found myself in a bad family and financial situation while living in Missouri. I needed to extract myself from the situation and move back to Nevada. I was living only on social security and could barely afford to move myself. Moving the horses was beyond my reach. My horses, Lillie, a non-characteristic, registered Appy, 25 year-old sorrel mare that I'd "rescued" from a lovely woman who'd had her over ten years and loved her dearly, but could no longer ride due to medical issues, and Nelly Belle, a 5 year-old, Appy/TB cross, dark bay filly that was a complete surprise after rescuing her black and white Appy mother from starvation and mistreatment. (Nelly Belle's mother, Roxy, found a wonderful home with a doctor and several other horses in California, where she remains today.) Due to lack of facilities, lack of funds, and my bad knees, poor Nelly Belle never got past the point of being friendly. She was barely halter broke and had no real training at all. To be honest, she'd become a bit of a problem to handle. What was I to do? I knew that selling either one might put them straight into the slaughter pipeline. I could not live with that thought. At one low point, I thought it might be better for them if I humanely put them down to avoid a bad fate. Then I learned about Missouri Forget-Me-Not Horse Rescue and Sanctuary, thank goodness! Initially, MFMN only had room for Nelly Belle. Three brave women came and loaded her into their trailer without incident. I was very sad to see the surprise baby who almost didn't make it roll away. I was very fond of her. I found a therapeutic riding facility that was willing to take Lillie, but only two weeks later was informed that Lillie "was not fitting in with the program." Now what? The, supposedly reputable therapeutic riding place suggested "giving her to someone who somewhat reluctantly agreed to take the aged mare and would be turning her out in a pasture with goats." It sounded like code for "come get her or she'll be shipped to slaughter." To my great relief, MFMN agreed to go rescue Lillie from what turned out to be an awful place. Lillie won the heart of one of the MFMN volunteers and remains with her and a couple other "oldie but goody horses" to this day. (THANK YOU!!!) MFMN provided Nelly Belle with the training she so desperately needed. Nelly Belle was returned to MFMN only a few months after her first adoption. But they did not give up on her. A second adopter seems to have found a "forever horse" and I could not be more grateful or appreciative to Missouri Forget-Me-Not Horse Rescue and Sanctuary, the volunteer, and the adopter. (Nelly Belle is featured in the head shots. She's in the top row, third from the right, in a red halter.) Even though I still miss them both, I can sleep at night because I know they are safe. Thank you Missouri Forget-Me-Not Horse Rescue and Sanctuary for all you do. (Sorry, was unable to upload any of the dozens of pictures I have of them both.)
I have visited this wonderful rescue several times and have volunteered there as well. Connie and all the volunteers put their heart and soul into the care and rehabilitation of the horses that live there. They do whatever it takes to meet the unique needs of every horse that they care for. They also work tirelessly to raise money for the rescue as the cost of taking care of the horses can be very expensive. They work even harder to find perfect forever homes for the horses! They have saved countless lives and created lots of happy endings!
I have 35 years experience with horses starting with my pony on my 11th birthday and went on to rescue and train on my own. When I moved to the area 4 years ago I had been told that there was a rescue here. I have severe PTSD, social anxiety, and depression. I hit rock bottom last year with the depression and knew that the lack of horses in my life the last couple of years was part of the cause. I contacted Connie and I have been volunteering for about 5 months. I love what they do. When you see a horse come in that can hardly stand and is so thin you just can't understand how it is even breathing then top it off it has already spent a month at the vet's before coming here you are just amazed at the resilience of these beautiful creatures. All of these horses are loved and better fed than most people. Each one has it's own horror story but they each get to have a life worth living when they arrive at the ranch. We love them all and would do anything for them. They all have a different personality and are awesome in their own right. This place wouldn't exist without monetary donations and the entire crew that comes out to help. The funny thing is they don't just save horses they save people too. I'm proof of that. Stop by sometime and visit. We can always use more volunteers, donations, and sponsors. This mare is the one in the story above. She still needs a little weight put on her but as you can see she is well on her way. Clover here is just one example of the great work Missouri Forget Me Not does.
I was stressed and looking for an outlet that would give me some much needed time to relax my mind when I saw a business card in the library. I emailed and Connie quickly arranged a time with me to come out and help. I began with little knowledge but a love for horses and have learned so much. Its now been just over two years since I found MFMN and I am so thankful I did. I adopted my handsome horse that i connected with through MFMN and have found an extended family in the other volunteers. Plus you get to see the amazing stories that come with the horses and see their happy endings! Everything donated goes to the horses to make sure they get the best of care and the volunteers make sure they get plenty of love.
I have adopted SIX miniature horses (so far) from Missouri Forget Me Not Rescue. I have a spinal cord injury and can no longer ride so I have formed and train the minis for my therapy horse visitation ministry. Redeeming the lives of these at-risk/rescued horses by being a blessing to lives in need of emotional support.
My experiences with Missouri Forget Me Not and the awesome people who work together to rescue and care for the animals who are lucky enough to land there for care/sanctuary/adoption has been long. Visiting their facility is heartwarming and will put a smile on your face as you visit all the horses in various stages of intake and care and treatment. Truly a great rescue with wonderful, caring animal loving people supporting and guiding it for the good of the animals who have no voice.
We’ve been supporter of Forget Me Not for many years and truly believe in the great care they provide for these animals. Their love of horses and belief in what they do is visible in these animals who are nurtured back to health in a safe and caring environment. Our hats off to the dedicated volunteers who keep this important sanctuary going.
I adopted three ponies from Missouri Forget Me Not Rescue. They take wonderful care of horses that have fallen on hard times. They match people to horses based on the needs of each. They were a pleasure to work with. I am enjoying the ponies an love them very much. They are a very special organization.
I was impressed with their application process. they contacted every reference i gave them and was gracious and professional. They interview in depth to match up the right person and horse
My granddaughter wanted to buy a horse she saw on line in Portland, Maine! I convinced her to look at Missouri Forget Me Not and just see what was available there first. Well, the first horse she saw, she fell in love with and she has been barrel racing and trail riding with him for the past three or four years. She suffered from anxiety but has blossomed into a confident woman around her horse, Johnny Cash.
I went to the rescue looking for a schooling horse for my grandsons and found one right away that is perfect! She is incredibly well trained and patient, young and stocky enough to carry those boys as they grow. What a prize! As I had recently lost a beloved pony to old age, Connie thought my empty stall could go to use housing a little pony that had foundered badly. Tinkerbell came to us in poor shape from being poorly managed in her past. Her feet were badly rotated and she had mineralized lipomas all over her body. Two farriers and a vet and I worked for almost two years to help manage her pain and get her walking better. We had periodic success and gave her an improved life in a home with lots of love and care. Sadly, she passed recently as her feet just kept causing too much pain. "It is better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved at all." She was worth every minute.
I can't speak highly enough of Connie and her crew. They are wonderful people who are able to match the right horse to the person. Whether you want a performance horse or a pasture companion, look there first!
Connie and the group have such a heart to help these wonderful horses. I’m pretty sure they would give up their own meal if they could feed/get care for one more horse. This would be the place I’d go if I were looking for a horse...a place where they’ve been loved and cared for like family —because they are. :-)
Love-compassion-dedication-the list can go on and on to describe this group, their volunteers and supporters. I am a supporter of this amazing group and Missouri is blessed to have a group like this available to help horses and small animals in need.
My adopted horse, Flash, is a wonderful addition to my life. I thank MFMN for connecting him to me. He is a special-needs horse and I'm a special-needs-giver to him. He will be spoiled as long as I'm around (72 years young). He's at least 15 years young, foundered, so should not be ridden based on some rotation of coffin bone. I'm trying to keep him as healthy as I can for the rest of his life. Hope MFMN will continue to help horses that have a chance of recovery.
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The Missouri Forget-Me-Not Horse Rescue and Sanctuary is the finest sanctuary and has an all-volunteer staff. Dedication to these animals that have been abandoned, abused, starved, etc. is an understatement. They treat these rescues with both heart, soul, and every energy they can give. The compassion, love, and caring is above anything I've ever seen.
I adopted my wonderful horse, Flash, from them and love him beyond measure! He was a foundered horse and now has a spoiled life with all the care he could ever have dreamed for!! They matched me perfectly with my precious Flash.
There is just not enough room to say all I'd like to say about the board, the volunteers, the dedicated foster-care givers who help, and the donors who help keep the sanctuary able to feed and care for those wonderful, and sometimes unadoptable senior horses just needing some basic food, health care, and love for it's remaining days after serving owners who may have deserted them, starved them, abandoned them and only God know what else. The sanctuary would be where I'd want to be if I were a horse under such awful circumstances.
This is one of the most wonderful places a horse could end up. These people are compassionate, caring and truly love the horses. They put their hearts on the line with each rescue a many times hearts are broken. But they will go to the ends of the earth for their horses recovery.
I’d like to extend a huge Thank You to Missouri Forget Me Not Horse Rescue and Sanctuary for the excellent work they do to save horses. I have adopted six horses from this amazing rescue and have observed for years their tireless efforts in horse rescue and rehabilitation. MFMN has a great group of hard working volunteers with no-one taking a salary. It is all done out of their love for horses. Well done MFMN!
I only recently began volunteering on a regular albeit limited basis when I moved back to this area. I absolutely love caring for the Horses. My friend has been doing so volunteering for 5-7 years. She along with many other volunteers truly care for the well being of these beautiful animals. As others have said, some of the Horses arrive in horrible health from horrible conditions. They are all given as much love, care, specific medications as needed, and attention as humanly possible. I am constantly amazed when I see some of these beauties that arrived barely alive & unable to stand on their own that are now georgeous Horses roaming in the fields living the life they deserve. The Rescue is of course always In need of donations, adopters, & volunteers. The owners are not wealthy ladies doing this as a hobby. They truly love the Horses & other animals that they take under their wings. They literally max out their credit cards buying horses slated for slaughter. Any monetary donations are used only for the care & nurturing of the Horses. You would be hard pressed to find another organization as deserving as this Rescue.
My daughter and I have been volunteering with Missouri Forget-Me Not Horse Rescue and Sanctuary for about a year and a half. We drive 2 hours to joint this wonderful group of people provide the love and care that these amazing animals need. There is not a more hard working or caring group I could ask to be associated with. We are truly a family...animals and people.
This non profit does everything well. I can't even think of an area where they could improve. Everyone that is involved gives one hundred percent. We all hate to see and animal abused. But when they wind up in the care of this group there life is forever changed.
Having 45 years experience in the world of horses ,and working as a humane animal investigator for HAHS ,I have seen some of the best and worst circumstances our equine friends find themselves in ,no fault of their own . MFMN is an amazing place . The animals are in good hands. They are well cared for . They could use extra help and support from the community. ASPCA backs this rescue and its by far one of the best I have ever had the privilege of visiting. Friendly ,and welcoming environment .
This is Horse Heaven . They are loved.They are Vetted . Im overwhelmed sometimes when I walk out and I have 5 of them to care for - what if I had 120 like Connie ??? Oh My .... How does she do it ? This sanctuary is top notch . Its worth the drive to visit . Connie Donna, and the rest of the staff are so kindhearted . Please go for a visit ,you wont be disappointed . They have restored so many lives ,animal and human.
I have always loved horses...think that I was born with this love. Many, many years ago I volunteered at a local animal shelter and starting answering calls from people wanting to report abuse or neglect of a horse. I knew that there had to be somewhere or someone locally that could help these horses, but unfortunately there was not. I vowed that if, as an adult, I was ever able to move back to the country I would try to help at least one horse have a better life. Well, we moved and one horse led to another and another. Sad stories from people no longer able to care for their horse pets, horses neglected and starved.....all of this came to me and the more I delved into it the more shocked and the more my heart hurt. That was 18 years ago and now we have about 120 horses under our care, operate a volunteer only organization that has helped and rehomed hundreds of horses. I am so grateful to have found friendship with other horse loving people that help me and our board keep this going. We love the horse.....don't care how old, how sick ......we love them unconditionally and that is why we wake up every morning and care for them, feed and water them, brush them, and give them the love that some have never had. We want to make their time with us the best times of their life and to those that are adopted into their own forever homes, we send our best wishes to them and our heart is full that we did what we were all meant to do. At this point in my life I am often reminded that not only do we save the horses that need a helping hand and a soft place to land, but I think that they, in turn, save us!
I have worked with this group and they are very great people that really care about the horses and saving there lives. I have adopted one very nice horses as well as do limited volunteer activities. The ranch is very nice but as with all volunteer run groups there are always needs. I have been involved with other rescues but this one by far surpasses every one I have been involved with. I consider it truly one of the best organizations that is completely run by volunteers, no one gets paid for there efforts, My thank you goes out to all those dedicated to this cause.
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Missouri Forget-Me-Not Horse rescue and Sanctuary is a place where no horse is forgotten, they have great volunteers and have made a large difference in the lives of horses that have been abused, neglected, forgotten and retired. There organization works very hard to meet the medical, and psychological needs of the horse as well as the individual that adopts horses. They provide forever homes for retired unwanted old horses and look for homes for the rest that will never mistreat the horse again. I have been a part of the organization for only 6 months and have adopted one horse. I admire the mission of this group, Money however is always a issue for any animal rescues but horses require so much feed and space that this makes it a challenge but this group puts there whole heart into attaining the resources needed to protect the beautiful horses old and young
The volunteers at Missouri Forget-Me-Not Horse Rescue and Sanctuary are so committed and work tirelessly saving unwanted, abandoned and neglected horses. It is amazing how many horses they have saved over the years. The Sanctuary is such a peaceful place where the horses are protected, cared for and loved. Anyone who cares about the welfare of animals should visit the Sanctuary, and spend time feeding or brushing the horses. Some of the horses are available for adoption, and they make awesome companions. When you go to the Sanctuary it is like you are in another element. For people who have never lived on a farm or in the country, it is a wonderful experience. I would encourage anyone reading this to visit the ranch.
I have been volunteering with the Missouri Forget Me Not Horse Rescue and Sanctuary for five and a half years. The reason that I have continued to volunteer is because of the passion and dedication that Connie Hendrix, President, Donna Ogle, Vice-President and all the board members and foster home owners display 24 hours a day 7 days a week to rescue, protect and care for all the horses. The phone rings hourly with individuals calling to report situations of abused and neglected horses or ask the rescue to accept their horse because they have run out of money or the owners have passed away. The Rescue would take them all if they had enough land, money and/or staff. I have experienced many occasions when horses arrive unable to stand for several weeks and have to be supported by a sling to stand until they are strong enough to support themselves. Only providing love, food, water and medicine gave the horses a chance of survival and this occurred many times. Many times the horses arrive very nervous and afraid of everyone and after several months of care and kind treatment they have made a reversal and become affectionate and friendly. All the volunteers donate their time; there are no paid employees. Besides loving all the horses, the volunteers spend a minimum of 2 hours a day assisting with feeding, cleaning stalls, cleaning water tanks, mending fences, brushing horses, cleaning hooves, assisting when the farriers arrive to help with bringing horses in and holding them for the farriers, stacking hay, assisting with fund raising activities and much more. This is indicative of how dedicated everyone is to supporting the Rescue and it's mission.
This group of people put their heats and time into saving discarded horses.
They take old horses, sick horses and give them a beautiful life. They also buy
horses from auction that are slated for slaughter, many of them pregnant mares.
The sheer amount of time and energy put into caring for these beauties
and fundraising to keep them healthy is staggering. If you are looking to adopt
a pasture horse, or a horse to ride, please consider adopting from Missouri Forget_Me-Not.
If you have some money to spare, please donate to this group, your money will be well used.
My Granddaughter loves to go to the farm and take carrots to the horses. She rides at Donna's and is going to be a true horse person as she grows up. Her love for the horses is supported by Connie and the volunteers who let her help brush horses and help take food to them. This is a fantastic place for kids to learn to love horses and the importance of the rescue.
Missouri Forget Me Not Horse Rescue is the real deal!!! Connie and crew really know how to care for sick and aged horses so that they can either live the rest of their days relaxing in the pasture or they can be healthy again and find forever homes. I have seen seen horses come in so sick and skinny and before long, they are healthy and trotting around. I am honored that this rescue is right in my backyard
I was about one year from retiring when my husband died. My world got flipped upside down. I sold my home and moved to a small town to be near my son. Although I have a wonderful and loving family, there was still an empty spot in my life. Then I met Connie and became acquainted with Missouri Forget Me Not Horse Rescue and Sanctuary. I discovered the miracles they accomplish every day. I was warmly invited to join this great group of people. My life has been forever changed. I am now a foster mom, truck driver, poop scooper and board member. I wish this organization was not necessary but until changes take place, we are all doing what needs to be done. One horse at a time.
Having known many of the Board Members and volunteers for years, I can say this group is sincerely dedicated to the assistance of neglected and abused horses.
They are an incredible group of hard working and dedicated individuals that have contributed countless hours and personal resources. It's amazing what they have done for so many horses!