Thunder Mountain came to the rescue when my 8 month old colt, Wade (formerly named Apollo) came down with a severe kidney infection. I was at my financial limit with my vet, and almost had to make the worst decision imaginable, because I couldn't afford to take him to WSU to get the additional care he needed. That's when Thunder Mountain came in. They were able to help with the finances so that I could get Wade the help he needed. He's still not in the clear, but he gets to come home thanks to them! Thunder Mountain stayed in touch the entire time and kept my spirits on the positive side, which helped more than they will ever know. Truly angels!
These folks are very caring and top notch horse folks.
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In my role I had the unfortunate experience to encounter less than reliable equine rescues. I thought maybe they were all that way. Then I met Thunder Mountain Farms Equine Rescue. They helped me realize there are rescues that are real and caring and truthful and helpful and always put the horses at the top of the list. My life has been forever changed by my chance first encounter with Thunder Mountain. The administrator is one of the most caring and wonderful people I have ever met and I thank my lucky stars that I made that phone call all those years ago. Without her guidance I don't believe we would have survived
The love and care this no profit organization shows to the rescue horses goes above and beyond. The big hearts that run this complex and compassionate operation, at times with scarse resources, sacrificing all they have, are incredible and humbling.
I became a volunteer only a couple of months ago, but was completely captiveted the first day! I live my week waiting for Saturday, when after an hour drive I can be of help to these kind and well kept sweet creatures. I can be with people that teach me and are genuinely caring.
The handful of volunteers take this work very seriously and they are all amazingly generous with their time, responsible, committed and compassionate. The atmosphere makes you want to spend more and more time there!
These noble animals are teaching us kindness, forgiveness, patience, and resilience.
This organization is true to its mission statement "To provide shelter, care, rehabilitation, and adoption services for abandoned, abused, neglected, slaughter-bound, or unwanted horses." It helped hundreds of horses and provides also opportunities for people to be involved feel helpful, and reconnected with nature. I witnessed magnificent sunsets, in the background of grazling happy horses. Last night a stunning full moon in a crispy cold night, when the frost was forming and the many eyes lit by my flashlight were waiting for their hay, patiently.
Just magical, fulfilling, peaceful.
Thank you Thunder Mountain Farms Equine Rescue!
Simona
I started volunteering at Thunder Mountain shortly after retiring from a long career as a horse professional. Having no horse of my own, I was happy to do the work required. I was impressed by how gentle and trusting their horses were, proof of a soft place to land.
Marla and her people are wonderful humans!!
They give their all for these animals. I have 2 rescues from Thunder Mountain, pretty sure it won't be my last. thank you for all your care, sleepless nights, hard work to get these horses the care they need.
I started Volunteering at this horse rescue in Jan. 2022. I realized the need for volunteers to keep these beautiful horses comfortable and so many just needed a person they could connect with. The owner of this has such a deep compassion for the horses and for the many people who have no choice but to give up their beloved animals.
This place has been a safe haven for so many in need! They provide the best care and the best people to give that care!
So manny of the unwanted old or tossed away souls that find their way here are given a life worth living and hope for a great future!!
Thank you thunder mountains!!!
A awesome place to adopt, rescue and volunteer, a great group of people to work with, doing the best they can with what they have, I have adopted from them and still volunteer
I’ve been a volunteer at Thunder Mountain for almost 2 years now and love it there. They’re truly caring of the horses and do whatever it takes to take the best care of them and find them good homes. A great place to be!
I have been with this rescue from the beginning. Marla pours her heart and soul into the rescuing and care of the horses. Funds are not always available and she has had to use her own money for hay grain and vet bills. She has spent many a night up with horses to make sure the are okay. If this is not love I don’t know what you would call it. This is a rescue that is operated on love.
I have enjoyed many visits to Thunder Mountain Farm Equine Rescue. Marla is quite knowledgeable about the horses in her charge. My gr’kids enjoyed feeding the horses carrots & mucking the Stables too.
I donate cash to Thunder Mountain each month as I’ve always loved horses, but never had one.
TMFER/Marla is very knowledgeable when it comes to the animals needs, whether it be veterinary/feed, etc, she’s on top of it! Always looking out for new bodies to rescue and she has the right facility to accommodate! Everything by the book, great rescue!
I have donated and followed Thunder Mountain Farms for the last 10 years, since it was approved as a non profit. They have helped thousands of Horses. I highly recommend this nonprofit.
This is a fantastic nonprofit! I have seen so many horses get rehabilitated and find safe, loving homes thanks to the work of Thunder Mountain Farms Equine Rescue!
In 2014, I got a wild Yakima Indian horse. I named her Zoe and trained her. She turned out to be a great riding horse. I sold her to one of my students who loves her very much and she has a forever home there. She is black and beautiful. Then in 2015 the rescue found a pregnant horse in the slaughter killpin and got her out of there. I got her from the rescue pregnant. Didn't know when the baby was going to pop out. Had her for several months before the baby was born. I named her Jasmine. She was bright red. She was a very nice little riding horse. Once the baby was weaned, I sold her to one of my other students and she has a great forever home in Enumclaw, with two little girls who love her very much. I kept the colt. I named him Jasmine's Sunny surprise. He was red, just like his mom. One of his other surprises, besides the day that he popped out, is that he turned gray at around 2 years old. He is now 6 years old and is a great lesson horse for my riding program, and he also does very well on the trails. In this year, I got just a month ago a horse that the rescue had named Mike but I call him Titian. He came to the rescue last December and was Skin and Bones and closed to death. But the rescue nursed him back and he looks wonderful today. I'm hoping that he'll work out as a lesson horse. All in all this rescue does the best they can with the resources they have. And they have the horses best interest at heart.
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With the help of this rescue, I have gotten three horses. One was a six-month-old Wildhorse from Yakima, who is now a lovely riding horse at 6 years old,and the other two were a two for one deal, the pregnant mare was in the kill pen, and this rescue bail her out and I got the mare and had the baby. The mare turned out to be a delightful little horse, that now a 9 year old little girl owns, and loves to death, and wouldn't trade for the world. And I still have the baby who is now two-and-a-half years old, and we'll be broke to ride soon. They are an awesome rescue that helps so many horses. Without this rescue those three beautiful horses would have died.
Thunder Mountain is an exceptional rescue, they have given me heart felt, professional, knowledge of every stage of ownership, Never have been turned down of knowledge, concerns, emergencys, even in the middle of the night.Thunder Mountain strives to help 100% of everyone in need, whether its needing to rehome, or find ing that special fur baby.
I know for myself I couldnt ask for a better group. They been there 10 folds for me.
I have had the pleasure of working with and helping this rescue for a very very long time. The heart, soul, tears, love, heartache and so much more that feeds through this rescue leave you in awe. Not only do I have several TMFER horses, but I have transported hundreds to their new amazing homes. Rescue takes a village and this village is strong!
This place cares more about horses then you would ever believe. With the little help you won’t believe what they can do. I feel so bad for them I wish they could get more help on a daily basis. They deserve so much more in donations and so many other things. No idea how they do it. Amazing place.
This Rescue goes beyond helping horses in need including wild horses too They provide the basics plus additional training for the horses.
The horses get all the vet and farrier that they need to get them healthy again.
One of the most amazing non profit organizations in the country. They are 100% about rescuing the horses and keep you posted afterwards. I have personally donated for the rescue of 10+ horses and know where they all are and how they are doing. Marla and team are top notch.
They truly care about all the horses that come across their door, taking the best care of them possible. Beautiful place!
From the first day I went to the Rescue, my heart and since of believing in a higher purpose has finely happened. With each horse there is a need and a opportunity to make a difference. My heart says, “one horse at this moment, I have to do my best to help.” At the end of the day. The horses help me and rescue me…
I have donated my money and my time to help this awesome non-profit save thousands of horses from slaughter.
My fiance and I had THE BEST time visiting Thunder Mountain Farms in the end of August. I was absolutely smitten with Pixie and just seeing all the incredible things that Marla Ward is doing just made my heart overflow. I wish we lived closer so we could volunteer more often - but there is one thing for certain - Marla loves with her whole heart and does everything she possibly can to save as much lives as possible, and change a lot of lives in the process. I am honored to play any role in helping support the work that she does and so thankful we were able to visit. It is so sad to see how many people can be nasty in the horse rescue world & prevent people like Marla from having the impact she is meant to have - and I'll do whatever it takes to help these rescues save all the lives they can.
I donate to this rescue because they really care about the horses! They are well fed and cared for. If they have an injury it is dealt with. The owner Marla Ward has her heart and soul in this rescue along with her "right hand help" Helen Ardire! Two very amazing women!!! This rescue also has an amazing "village" and are able to rescue so many motherless foals and have rescued many many horses from the slaughter pipeline.
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Thunder Mountain does more than rescue horses that would otherwise be sent to the slaughterhouse. They do everything they can to save the pregnant mares, foals and studs from a terrible fate. And, for the lucky ones that are adopted, their new family are actually the luckiest as they will have a relationship with a wild heart that is like no other. The rescuers life will also be changed for the better. I know how owning my horse got me through some of the toughest times of my life. I donate often knowing that saving these precious horses deserve to live and will in turn add so much to the adopters life. The efforts of this rescue are truly worthy in all aspects.
I have seen first hand the dedication and love Thunder Mointain Farms Equine Rescue and their volunteers have for the horses. It is evident when you look in the eyes of the horses and also in the eyes of the staff and volunteers that the lives of each have been enriched. I am attaching a photo of my husband, Gary who volunteers and of his special rescue Sunshine!
I can't Thank these folks enough for all they do. I have so much respect for them, the Heart of a Rescuer and the Heart ache of a rescuer , a never ending roller coaster ride, they were Gifted with a Heart to Save , they may fall at times, but Always Rise. Thank you all so much for the Precious Lives you have saved and the ones to follow, God Bless you all ������
I have my sweet Monarch thanks to Thunder Mountain Farms Equine Rescue. It's a love at first sight story, from the moment I saw his picture I couldn't get his face out of my mind, my handsome ex-rodeo bronc that I rescued from a kill buyer lot, where his time was running out. He came with a mountain of trust debt and emotional trauma, completely untouchable, he had no idea what apples and carrots were. Those first few weeks I sat outside the pen with my arm supported by the fence rail holding an apple slice for 20-30 minutes before he would get brave enough to stretch as far as his neck and lips would go to knock it off my hand and eat it off the ground. I have spent hours sitting patiently, calmly with him to earn his trust since he got here almost 4 months ago. Routine and baby steps help build his confidence slowly, but this big boy is finally starting to emerge from his cocoon. Just the past couple of days he has started to reach for me, nuzzling my hair, arm, leg and playing with my fingers. He will let me stroke his nose now, but that's about all at the moment, we're slowly working up his face now. I'm very proud of him for trying so hard to trust, I love this sweet boy more and more every time I look in his eyes, and I'm so very grateful to Thunder Mountain for helping me save Monarch's life and add him to our family. I wish I could save them all, lol, but the volunteers and the village of Thunder Mountain Rescue work day and night to save as many as they possibly can, keeping them from being shipped off to slaughter and giving them a second chance, they're angels!
I got my rescued “family” of horses from Thunder Mountain, and these are the most caring and supportive group of people. They care deeply for the best interest of their rescues, and love these animals so much.
I recently adopted two mare's thru Thunder Mnt Farms Equine Rescue. Helen and Marla worked hard to make the process happen! They both have amazing hearts and have a true passion for placing horses in the perfect situation. I am thankful for their dedication and honored to support this rescue!
Thunder Mountain Farms Equine Rescue is one of the most honest, hard working, and consistent equine rescues in WA state. They work 24/7 to get help, vetting, training, and rehoming to hundreds of horses each year. Poverty cases, horses headed to slaughter, neglect cases, etc. They take them all. They are also one of the most honest, with outstanding records of monies taken in and how spent. Safety is a priority for horse and people. So many lives saved and rehomed. They work tirelessly to make sure all horses rehomed, go to responsible people. I cannot say enough good about them.
Thought it was very nice to get a donation set up for a horse caught in a fire. Successful. Needed $3000 for vet care a pilchuck vet hosp. Made it easy to donate.
I have been a long-distance follower and donor for several years; I have observed their tireless efforts to save horses, rehabilitate them if needed, and find good homes. They clearly love horses and take care of them once rescued. They also have raised awareness and gathered support for many horses that would otherwise have gone to slaughter.
These folks go well above and beyond to save as many slaughter bound horses as possible, often just the babies are allowed, so they work to find homes and safety forever for these souls.
Three years ago there was one horse around 5 years old captured who got injured on the truck before it left, so they pulled her off. She is now my trusty steed Scarlett, and in my rarely humble opinion, the prettiest little Appaloosa ever. If it weren't for their knowledge of me and the efforts I had made to help others, I would not have been approved to have her, a greenbroke horse and a greenbroke owner. They trusted me to make good decisions for her, and here we are now, in love with each other like nothing else could match!
So much of what this rescue does is not seen by us the public, but always for the horses good and at great financial costs often shouldered by the rescue until the "village", as we are called, comes through with the needed funds and a home offer. In my opinion there are few other rescues that meet this standard, for the horses.
I have been affiliated with Thunder Mountain and havw followed for years, This year we hit a hard time with a barn fire one horse badly burned. Without even asking for help Thunder mountain got my mare to a great Vet. That was equipped to handle her burns. They helped us knowing we couldn't have done it alone! This is a true rescue that deserves Top standings. Crystal's on her way to a full recovery. @Crystal's Recovery (FB)
Thunder mountain has become a beacon of rescue in the pacific Northwest. The many young lives they have saved and rehomed are a testimate to the example they set on a daily basis for rescue.
Thunder Mountain Farms Equine Rescue
What a great place this is helping in so many ways,
they handle & care for each of the horses as individuals so very well, Feeding, Medical, Dental,
handling & training with an emphasis on a "positive perfect placement" for each individual horse & their specific "Gifts Talents or Needs"
"Thunder Mountain Farms Equine Rescue Far Exceeds expectations"
Thunder Mountain has a fully operational sanctuary and is hands on facilitating adoptions and foster programs for their rescues. They also actively fundraise to rescue slaughter bound feedlot horses.
Thunder Mountain Farms Equine Rescue saved this beautiful young Appaloosa Mare from imminent death when a neighbor of mine informed me there was a hole dug for her & that she was receiving a bullet the next day. They took & cared for her & were able to give her the training she needed to be able to successfully help fulfill a teens dream of partnering with her in our local high school WASHET team!
They also took my heart horse, Eddington, out of a local kill pen, saved him from strangles, & blessed me with a new member of our family, an incredible trail partner, & a true gentleman. #forevergrateful
Need to vett foster farms a LOT more diligently. Foster farms need to know what they're doing and not neglect the foster horses. Rescue didn't follow up or know anything about the fostered horse. Foster was not honest about horses being fostered. I could go on and on. But, one particular foster farm should not be allowed to foster anymore horses. Let alone run an equine farm.
This rescue puts their heart and soul into rescuing horses who have been sold into the worst fate possible for a horse--slaughter. They advertise, advocate, fund raise and shelter as many horses as they can to give them a second chance. They are amazing!
Thunder Mountain has helped my family and I to save several horses over the last two years. I have been given the opportunity to enjoy some of the best horses I have ever known.
We have fostered numerous horses (Around 74) for this organization and couldn’t be more pleased with their passion and commitment to not only us but the horses as well. They are responsible for saving the lives of HUNDREDS and working with them has been an honor
I worked with Marla Ward and Helen Ardire on a rescue in my area of some very emaciated horses. These two gals are the most dedicated and most selfless people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Their dedication to saving and rehoming SO many horses is unsurpassed. Their love for the horses, for what they do is so touching. The rescue has saved hundreds and hundreds of horses bound for slaughter. This is truly one of the most incredible non profit rescues I have been around and I feel that they so deserve this recognition.
Thunder Mountain Farms Equine Rescue does a great job of vetting the homes the rescue's go to. They don't just take any body, if they find out a horse is in need or hasn't been cared for they take them back. They fight for the brown horses too not just the pretty ones that are easier to place. I have adopted and fostered 21 horses since 2015 and each time the process has been easy, horses were ready for pick up and some were fosters and were paid for. The people in village are true horse lovers and believe that all horses should be given a fair chance. Thunder Mountain Equine Rescue should be number #1 they have given ever waking minute to the rescue, care, and rehoming of many horses.
Thunder Mountain saves horses that deserve to live from a horrendous trip to Canada or Mexico for slaughter. They rescue foals and pregnant mares. They buy horses from the catcher's pen, find adoptive homes that are vetted and save horses. Can you imagine being pregnant and being herded into pens and then your fate is slaughter? Thunder Mountain is for real and trustworthy.
I've worked with them on two occasions. They are professional and have the very best interests of the horses they rescue at heart. They work tirelessly and I truly commend them for their hard work.
I love this rescue...it is all about the welfare of the horses that they pull from kill pens... The foals that they save that have been through horrendous experiences in their short lives, are given medical attention, food, love and hope... These beautiful animals are rehabilitated and given new lives by people who care...
They work so hard to save so many animals' lives, no matter the cost to them, financially or time-wise. They allowed me to adopt my mare, who was left on the feedlot to go to slaughter, and she is safe in her forever home for the rest of her life. They do amazing work!!