WV Horse Network has rescued dozens of abused and neglected horses. The volunteers give their time and love to each and every one of these horses. They rehabilitate them with training, exercise, attention and the correct amount/kind of food. They ensure proper vetting and farrier care. West Virginia Horse Network is truly one of a kind!!!
Previous Stories
This rescue continues to go above and beyond all expectations! Heart of gold! Nicky, the director, puts her heart and soul into the safety and health of these horses. She loves what she does and is very creative in training the horses as well as the volunteers who love working with these animals. I cannot say enough good things about this Rescue.
Nicky helped me rescue 2 horses in Charleston WV 13 yrs ago, before she started her non profit rescue. The horses were so bad the mare could barely stand. I lost that mare on Christmas day 2022, she was 38/39 years old. I have watched Nicky, start, build and love what's she's doing with her rescue. She's beat alot of odds, personal and professional and I dont know of many deserving the recognition of her work. She's the real deal. Blood, sweat and tears go into every horse, pony, donkey or mule she takes in. I'm honored to call her friend.
WVHN is a small but mighty rescue. They have excellent fosters and volunteers.
Previous Stories
WVHN is the best horse rescue. Me and my mom foster horses and I train them through the trainer incentive program. The program allows fosters that train and meet the requirements recieve half of the adoption fee.
-Kenzie Lockard
They are fantastic! Each and every member puts their hearts and souls into taking care of the horses in their care
I volunteered for this organization. Was highly impressed with their level of love and compassion for the horses. Everything I saw was very well kept and organized. This organization really loves their cause.
West Virginia horse network always goes above and beyond for their horses, potential adopters and adopters. I can’t say enough good things about what they do for all involved. We adopted a pony from them. Unfortunately we have lost him but we look forward to adopting again!
Fantastic rescue that does a fabulous job both rehabilitating horses and finding them awesome homes!
WVHN is wonderful and really does an amazong job of helping horses. They do their best to work with owners to avoid surrendering, but if it is unavoidable they truly go above and beyond for the animals. Nicky works tirelessly to get more work done than is humanly possible. It is an amazing group of people that make a huge impact.
We adopted a pony from West Virginia Horse Network 8 years ago, and were so impressed with how the organization is run. They help horses and people, utilize resources responsibly and are innovative with fundraising.
Previous Stories
West Virginia horse network is an amazing organization dedicated to rescuing horses in need! They work very hard in West Virginia to help horses and their owners and do so much on a limited budget! They truly care and are well respected in our community! Please support this organization if you are a horse lover or an animal lover!
Great rescue that is always striving to rescue as many horses as possible. WVHN even holds events to help educate the public, teach children, fundraise, etc. Always welcoming of new volunteers and anyone willing to help!
I have fostered 4 horses for this group. Everyone cares so much about the horses and goes above and beyond to give them a save place to land
excellent work, they work hard on every horse they bring in. Weight, training, and putting them with correct fosters to help the horses succeed.
I have worked with WVHN for a little over a year now and they have been great. I have adopted two horses from them and their policies and practices are top tier. They hide nothing about their horses and go above and beyond when it comes to the initial vet assessment. I also recommend them to anyone who will listen.
I have been involved with the West Virginia Horse Network for a year and a half now. I can honestly say that the individuals involved in the day to day operations make this cause their life! They have saved so many horses with their never ending ambition, strength, and lots of sleepless nights. I have been honored to adopt 2 horses through them. I have a one eyed late teens pony and a 30 year old mare. While many would pass on these two horses upon first glance, we love their individuality daily on our farm. We feel blessed to work with such an amazing organization!
I have volunteered for 5 years and adopted a horse through them. I have seen some amazing rehabilitations over those 5 years. This rescue strives to give every horse a chance regardless of their age, health status, or behavioral history. Potential adopters are also educated on how to care for their horse. All aspects, from cost to health and emergency first aid are covered.
West Virginia Horse Network is a volunteer-run organization providing services for horses in need of rescue throughout the State of West Virginia. The organization also teams up with other rescues when needs arise to assist larger rescue efforts. My miniature horse lost his companion and I had been following this rescue group for a few years. I reached out via their Facebook page after seeing several ponies and miniature horses they had available. I explained what type of companion horse I was interested in to match my mini. After completing an adoption application and having my references interviewed, as well as myself, via phone by a volunteer, I was approved as an adopter. They made suggestions of which horses they felt would make good matches and invited me to visit the horses in person. I was able to take my young nieces with me to see how the recommended horses interacted with them. I ended up chosing Amara a miniature mare. They completed additional vetting and included her x-rays and vet records with her adoption packet so I could share with my vet to continue the care she needed. They have very thorough follow up requirements after you bring the horse home so they can monitor that the horse remains safe and well-cared for. Also if anything ever happens that the horse needs returned, they accept them back which ensures the horse can always have a safe place. Another thing this rescue does is that they provide education and assistance to horse owners struggling to provide care or who get in a tough situation to help them manage to keep their horse(s), if possible. The also have youth programs to teach children the basics of equine care, handling and riding. They also organize local horses shows for the children, as well as adults, in which to participate; creating a full-circle learning experience. At one point I had an issue with a neighbor's rogue untamed stallion getting loose and busting fences getting into our fields. I reached out to ask the rescue for advice and assistance on the State/County laws regarding this issue. The president of the rescue called my county's Sheriff's dept to provide education on handling loose feral horses. Education is often over looked but seems to be at the forefront of this rescue; no matter the topic, to help ensure the horses involved will benefit. For West Virginia Horse Network being a volunteer-run rescue in the small, mainly rural state of West Virginia, this group accomplishes such a variety of things to provide care and support for horses as well as education for the people involved with them.
This year my world turned upside down. I lost my gelding January 4th due to colic. my mare was extremely bonded to him and vice versa. I needed a companion for my mare quick as my horses are kept at home. I applied for a pony for my kids. WVHN reached out saying they thought they had a pony that would be a better fit for our family. Andy came home with us. February 6th i lost my mare on the operating table at virginia tech. Her colon ruptured. I needed a companion quickly for Andy. Pocahontas (the pony we initially applied for) came home with us shortly after. I lost my whole world. I needed these ponies more than they needed me. A few
months later Thunder popped up through WVHN. After a few visits he was on his way home with me. After losing my everything in one short month WVHN gave me hope, a reason to get out of bed every day and push forward. I owe a lot to this little rescue. They kept me from going to a dark place. I currently donate raffle baskets for fundraisers the rescue has, do reference calls when needed, and attempt to raise donations for the rescue. WVHN not only cares about the horses in need, they treat the owners with respect. they do their best to place each horse in the best home and keep up with them throughout their years. The next time we look to add to our family WVHN will be our go to place. In the next few years we hope to be able to take in some fosters for WVHN as well.
This group is always on top of whats best for the horse. Can't say enough good about what happens there. They are always on their "A" game whether it be transporting a delicate horse (emaciated/hurt) or teaching a reactive horse to settle and maintain after they rescue. With a great foster group and well screened adopters we find the answers to help the horse become the best it can be. "FOR THE LOVE ❤F A HORSE"
I have been a transport volunteer with West Virginia Horse Network for a while. More recently, I have also become and adopter and a foster. The adoption process was easy even with our first match not being the best fit and trying again with a different pony. The pony we ultimately adopted is a one in a million and has boosted my son’s confidence 10 fold!
We were so pleased with our adoption process, we decided to also foster a young pony. This has been a great experience also. Our foster is now adopted and goes to her forever home in a few days. We will certainly be signing up for another training foster!
I find this nonprofit Organization from Facebook. Not to soon after finding their page we adopted our mini Ozzy from WV horse network. My little girl absolutely loves and enjoys her horse so much. We went to a camp they put together my girls had a amazing time. The most amazing ppl are in this organization. I started volunteering back in the summer time feeding and the ppl that work at the barn and do stuff for the horses are amazing. Truly is a great thing and everyone chips in a hand to help the horse’s get the love and care they need.
I first found West Virginia Network when we were looking for a mini to add to our Reining Warriors Program. We acquired about one they had for adoption named Blueberry nka BB. Everyone we talked to was very professional and helpful. We have since adopted 7 horses from them and most are used in our veterans/riding programs. We also have a Horse Powered tutoring program that some are used in. I love all the hard work that these guys do at the rescue and they truly love the horses. I have since become a foster for West Virginia Horse Network. It has become a mission of mine to educate the students that come through our programs the importance of responsible horse ownership and promote West Virginia Horse Network. Nicky and all involved work so hard and are very dedicated to the horse.
I was lucky to have found the West Virginia Horse Network. They have helped me achieve a long time dream of having a horse. They provided the support I needed through educational activities such as the Adoption Academy, which provided great information on horse ownership and hands on activities with horses. I also volunteered at the rescue to learn more. When I was ready for my own horse, they worked with me on finding the right horse with my special request of a Tennessee Walker (a long time dream). The process of adoption through WVHN was what I call “user friendly”. They still provide support when I have questions. I love the fact they offer continuing education for horse ownership such as clinics and fun shows. I have had Shadow for almost 2 years and I am extremely happy with her. The West Virginia Horse Network found me a fantastic partner and I cannot wait to see how far we can go in trail obstacles.
I was referred to West Virginia Horse Network by the office of Equine welfare for the ascpa. From the start of my communications with wvhn, I was welcomed and asked about my preferences for helping. I was matched with a 20 year old mare, Ginger, as a foster with my own hopes of adopting her. This was a welcomed arrangement! I am so happy with my Ginger and love taking care of her as much as I love learning from her.
I met Star through West Virginia Horse Network. They had rescued her and I decided to foster her. I adopted her in September 2021.
I started volunteering for West Virginia Horse Network in 2015. I met Hope at the barn when I was feeding horses one morning. She was a neighborhood horse. She kept coming to our barn with her little goal. She was very neglected. So I fostered her and then adopted her.
This nonprofit has completely changed my life!! By volunteering for almost 3 years now I have learned so much about the horses and myself. It has shown me a side of me I didn’t know I had! Through all the hard times this of the place I want to be. Spending my time there helping save the lives of more horses. It has given me a new confidence as well. I’ve made so many long lasting new friendships that I will cherish forever!
Previous Stories
I became a volunteer for West Virginia Horse Network in 2015. I met Mercy and decided to foster her. We fell in love. She was very scared and she just felt right at home at my little farm. I adopted her in October 2016. We are still together.
I got Kayah from them a few years ago and he was a great little horse. But after a while it became apparent that I was going to have another knee replacement plus some other problems I had, It would be very hard for me to be able to take care of all my horses. I contacted WVHN Deb Pennington and she drove all the way from WV to Illinois to take Kayah back home to WV> He now has a new home and does very well! My computer crashed and I don't have any pics to post of my boy Kayah:-(
The West Virginia Horse Network not only recuses equines at risk but rescues people too! This organization is amazing. We have been volunteering for the last 3 months. We have witnessed sick and/or emaciated horses transform into rambunctious healthier horses. We were taught what was needed to get those horses to that goal. By volunteering we have become happy and healthier. Nicky Walters is an amazing lady who will attempt to move a mountain if it meant an at risk horse could be saved.
The WV Horse Network is an amazing rescue that does amazing work with the horses and the volunteers. My daughter and I have volunteered for over a year now and it has been the best thing that has ever happened for us. My daughter has learned so much about owning a horse and what it all entails. Her passion for the horses has helped her through the roughest times this past year. The dedication of the rescue to not only rehabilitation of the horses but to the humans is not even describable in writing. Seeing the progress daily of a horse that comes in that is so skinny and hooves so overgrown to what they become in such a short amount of time makes a heart sing with joy. This rescue deserves to be recognized for everything they do.
WVHN is a great Horse Rescue, not only do they rescue the horses and find them better homes, they make every effort to educate adopters and potential adopters in all aspects of horse ownership, through seminars, volunteer work and earned lessons. I am a riding instructor and have helped WVHN by supplying free or reduced cost lessons to their volunteers and participants in their yearly learning programs. They have several other partners, such as Vets and Farriers who also donate time to teach potential adopters. They are an extremely worthwhile Nonprofit that works really hard with all their resources to give back to the Equine Community.
They not only help starved or abused horses, but when possible help owners find a better home for their equine, when things just don’t work out, the pony below is a great example. He had a good home, but just wasn’t a good fit in the situation, with WVHN and it’s support group, he was able to be placed in a perfect situation.
West Virginia Horse Network truly loves and cares for all of the horses they rescue. They rehabilitate and train horses so that they can be placed into loving homes.
Your Rating: 5 stars Role: Volunteer September 17, 2021 This group is awesome! Between rescuing neglected and malnourished horses and teaching aspiring horse people the ins and outs of horse ownership they are making the world a better place for people and animals alike.
Previous Stories
I have adopted a mini from them as well as foster horses for them. They are great at making sure the horse is the right fit for the adopter. They provide education on care for a horse which helps to ensure the horse is well cared for in their new home.
They always find a way to get what’s needed for every horse they get called about. They also make a point to thank any who have been able to help (financial and/or physical) they receive.
I am glad we have them to help with our equine friends when they need it most! ❤️
After a string of losses of our long time horses to old age and illnesses my wife and I thought since we had the room it might help my depression to fill a couple empty stalls. The wife found the WVHN Rescue and we went to visit and pet some needy horses. We met this aged mare that had been rescued and and decided to foster and after a few months adopted her. Her looks and behavior simply melted our hearts. Later we fostered a sweet young gelding in drastic need of care and handling. The nice rescue people keep in touch and are there for help.
West Virginia Horse Network, INC. is an organization committed to rehabilitating and finding fantastic new homes for horses that are in need because of abuse, neglect, training needs or because their owners can no longer care for them. Through a variety of outreach efforts such as Barn Buddies, the Adoption Academy and the Golden Day Club this organization is being innovative and proactive in their efforts to improve life for horses in need. I am beyond proud to be part of the efforts of this incredible team of good-hearted people who use their time and talents to help horses and humans.
WVHN is a great resource for local horse owners and horses in need. They have a unique program called Barn Buddies that my 10 year old son has participated in the last two years. They teach horsemanship skills along with hands-on training with rescued horses.
Previous Stories
This is the single best charity for horses in the state of West Virginia! They have dedicated volunteers that help clean, feed, and rescue horses in need. However, there is always more horses in need of rescue - so their job is never truly done. They do an amazing job with the resources on hand and it is unbelievable how many horses they have saved and put into forever homes. I can't rate this charity high enough.
I have volunteered with WVHN Inc since April 2018. They do an excellent job of rescuing, rehabbing, and rehoming abandoned, neglected, and abused horses. They alsi do an excellent job of educating the public and prospective adopters on the joys, hassles, and expense of keeping a horse. They do everything through volunteers and on a tight budget but always manage to get things done. I adopted a wonderful retired racing thoroughbred I met through my volunteer activites. I watched him transform from a sick, skinny, depressed horse inti a happy, healthy horse I share my life with now. They arecan excellent non profit.
Previous Stories
I started volunteering with this rescue. A couple months ago and they are wonderful. I've seen some amazing transformations already. Not only do they save equine lives, they educate people on the basics of horse care and why careless breeding and sales are bad. Once a horse is placed with an approved adopter, WVHN is always available for support. They have some great teachers who are more than willing to share what they know.
West Virginia Horse Network is the best rescue around. WVHN goes above and beyond to help the neglected, abused, and unwanted equines. Not only do they help horses in need, WVHN also helps owners in need and offers classes to educate people about owning a horse. They have a wonderful program called Barn Buddies that help teach children everything they need to know about horses and owning a horse. The best part is they are the reason we own our rescue boy, Remington, who always puts up with our shenanigans!
I have seen first hand the amazing work this organization has done. They have saved and turned around the lives of horses that had been given up on.
I've been with this nonprofit as a volunteer and supporter and also as a foster and I must say they go above and beyond to help any horse in need when they get a call of a horse needing rehomed or driving by a horse that needs their assistance or going to an auction for teaching experience and going back the next day to pick up one that wasn't planned this rescue has a very proven record of rehabilitation of health and training to find forever homes as well I just believe from the bottom of my ❤️️ That they are one of the very best well round rescues and anyone should check WVHN out for a future companion and or a regular monetary supporter or volunteer they are very deserving horse rescue
West Virginia Horse Network is an outstanding organization that makes a tremendous difference in the lives of horses in need.
West Virginia Horse Network is an amazing organization. They do fantastic work rescuing horses and rehabilitating them so they are ready for their new homes. They screen applicants thoroughly and make sure each person is the right fit for the horse and vice versa, which eliminates a high rate of horses being returned to the rescue because they didn’t work out for the person who adopted them. We adopted my daughter’s horse, Una from this rescue and she is the perfect match for my daughter. We also volunteer with this organization and find that working with these horses is both rewarding and fun. If you are looking to adopt a horse, a highly recommend contacting them.
Previous Stories
I am a volunteer, foster, and adopter. I love this rescue, it is ran by an amazing group of people. They are easy to talk to when I have a problem, they have a wonderful program for kids called Barn Buddies that my daughter loves, and they care enough to train the horses before placing them in forever homes so they are not immediately returned. Though this group is small, they make up for it in heart. A wonderful rescue completely dedicated to helping the horses in our area. They also allowed us to adopt my daughter's horse, who has been one of the best horses I have ever had the experience of being around.
We adopted a rescue horse from West Virginia Horse Network a few years ago and they are the most dedicated people I know, to the horses they rescue, and the life lessons and responsibility that they teach the young people that volunteer there. They are such a wonderful group of people even after adopting our horse, they are always there to answer any question or if I need advice. Dolly (our WVHN Rescue horse) is an awesome horse she is smart and well trained, we could not ask for a better horse. Thank you WVHN & Thank you Nicky for all you do!
Wonderful group of dedicated, passionate volunteers making a difference in the lives of horses and the adults and children that work with them and love them!
Previous Stories
For any horse lover, this nonprofit is a chance to walk into a barn and hear the whinnies of a bunch of horses, happy for the love and attention.
It is well-run and well organized where everyone gets a chance to groom a horse or clean a stall. But it's so much more than that--it's about giving horses another chance by teaching them how to behave and be respectful. But there's more...the Barn Buddy program--it teaches children responsibility and leadership and how to be a part of something bigger than their immediate world.
The volunteers are constantly dreaming up activities and fundraisers. This organization has a big place in my heart.
I had a pony I obtained due to an unpaid board bill that had been adopted from a terrible neglect case from a local shelter. I didn't need the pony, but didn't want to worry about her ever being hungry or abused again. I contacted WVHN and she was placed through them with their contract in her forever home! Best people in the world to work with!!
Previous Stories
We had a pony come into our barn from an abuse case in Roane Co. We ended up owning the pony later on, and didn't have anyone at our place to become her "person" I went to looking for the best option to find her a forever home. Auction was NEVER an option and selling this little mare was something I was just oppose to because of her background. When she came in our barn, I promised her she would never be hungry again. I contacted Nicky with the rescue and ask her to place her through them. They found her the PERFECT home with her very own girl to always be hers. Her story is also shared on her. The pony was Arizona. :) Terrific people to work with that truly care about all the horses in their care.
We adopted a little pony from West Virginia Horse Network. We are so impressed with this organization, not only for what they do for the horses they rescue, but the life lessons, and responsibility that they teach the young people that volunteer there. They do not take in more animals than can be cared for, and they do not adopt a horse out until they have received training, and are in good health. Their volunteers must keep their grades up, and learn all facets of horsemanship, not just riding. They are SO deserving, and do it all on a shoestring budget in an area that has been hit hard economically. Please consider them for recognition.
Previous Stories
We adopted a rescue pony from this organization. They are so wise; they know that horses and ponies with good manners and training are kept, not surrendered. They do not adopt out horses until they are ready to be in a good home. They also teach their young volunteers valuable life lessons about responsibility, hard work, and giving back. They are also responsible in that they do not take in more animals than they can care for - feed, vet, farrier, etc.. And they do this all on a shoe string budget. Please support them!
I am a volunteer at West Virginia Horse Network. This organization is amazing. They give so many horses a second chance, and they give people a chance to learn how to train, care for, and ride horses. I've been volunteering for about seven months now, and this rescue is such a huge part of my life. I've loved horses for as long as I can remember, but I never thought I would have the opportunity to work with them. I've formed a special bond with a horse too. Major came in one month after I did, underweight and neglected. Now, he is living a happy life until he finds his perfect home ❤️ The way this rescue treats these horses is an example of how all horses deserve to be loved. I'm glad that I can say that WVHN is a part of my life.
I started volunteering for this rescue in march 2016. I've always had a love for horses but this rescue is the reason I have a bond with them , especially my own horse Arizona that I adopted from the rescue. Everyone on the board and all those who volunteer ( both kids and adults ) are amazing people. This rescue saves any horse they are capable of taking in. I have seen pregnant horses, abused horses, extremely underweight horses, and many others be saved because of the West Virginia Horse Network.
We started volunteering with West Virginia Horse Network about two years ago. My kids are part of Barn Buddies, a program designed to help children. WVHN teaches children in their program how to care for and train horses. They gain so much knowledge on proper care, feeding, training, and riding horses. Not only does WVHN help children they also help their community and most of all horses in need. This group goes above and beyond to aid horses and horse owners in need. I can't say enough about how wonderful this non profit rescue is. Because of WVHN we, as a family, have learned so much about caring for horses. We even became first time horse owners thanks to them and a generous supporter of theirs. A very kind lady saw the love and bond between my daughter and a rescue that came to the rescue in mid-December 2015. She adopted him and gave him to my daughter so their bond wouldn't have to end if he were to be adopted. We are, and will forever, be grateful for that lady and WVHN for making our dreams come true of owning a horse and helping horses in need. I can't put into words how great it feels to see these horses come in and get rehabilitated and adopted! It fills our hearts with so much joy. In my opinion WVHN deserves so much praise and thanks for all they do! Pictured is my daughter, Kadence, with her WVHN rescue horse, Remington. ❤️
I've been with this rescue for over two years. I am a volunteer, foster, and adopter. Volunteering with West Virginia Horse Network is the best thing that's happened to me. This network has brought out the leader in me, made me more confident, and helped me do things I've never imagined doing, like performing in competitions with horses. The people in this program have filled me with powerful and irreplaceable knowledge that I use every day. I'll forever be grateful to West Virginia Horse Network for giving me the opportunity to adopt my very first horse, who I am very proud to call my soulmate. This rescue has changed several horses' lives and peoples' lives and is filled with warm and caring people. I always recommend WVHN to anyone who is looking to volunteer.
WVHN is a great nonprofit rescue. All of the volunteers have so much patience and love for every horse that comes in. This rescue not only helps bring horses back to health but takes the time to work with each horse so that they have respect and trust to be placed in a forever home. Another great thing about WVHN is the barn buddy program that teaches kids the proper way to handle horses and gives them the confidence and leadership skills to help them be good horse owners in the future.
I totally think it's one of the best the board the volunteers and owners do everything possible as a team to care and train these horses to better place them in a safer environment I have seen this organization from conception and I to volunteer when I can but I truly am very proud of how they care and love ❤️ these horses
The rescue is not only helping horses, but also children. Teaching children to train horses is empowering and builds confidence, while the horses benefit from the training and handling. When my daughter and me first arrived I was amazed what all the children could do, they are truly amazing. WVHN is by far the best non profit around, I am grateful to now be apart of something wonderful.
I have been a volunteer for WVHN for over two years now. I have seen amazing things happen as far as rescuing, rehab, training and getting these horses and ponies ready to be adopted out to there forever homes. They also have a Barn Buddies program for the children in the community that they can join and this has been a huge success. They have wonderful success in there adoption system and they screen the adoption very careful to make sure they are going to great forever homes. They deserve to reserve all the help they can get so they can keep saving the lives of these beautiful horses. Thanks