My first experience with this wonderful organization is when our daughter adopted a horse through the rescue about 5 years ago. Since then, along with many other dedicated trainers, she has partnered with Heart of Phoenix and Appalachian Trainer Face Off to give unloved, abused, neglected, or feral horses another chance of finding a forever home. I have also adopted my own horse through Heart of Phoenix and couldn’t be happier about it. So much blood, sweat and tears is poured into this rescue by all of the volunteers and trainers and there have been so many heartwarming stories of “unadoptable” horses finding wonderful and loving homes. A huge thank you to all the hard working and dedicated people at Heart of Phoenix!
Amazing people doing amazing things! We’ve been working with Heart of Phoenix for almost 5 years and can vouch for their professionalism and tireless work on behalf of abused and neglected horses. Nobody is working harder for horses!
I have been both client served and foster. Hop is the most gracious and professional rescue one could hope for. Tinia and her trainers like Aubrey Adkins, Nelson, vania, and Susan Sunday share a passion for helping both horses and owners in various situations needing help. So many volunteers and hours spent on mountainsides, or in the mud, late nights and long days. It is amazing to watch and a privilege to be a part of!
I have both adopted from and worked with Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue and have had an amazing experience both ways! The staff are so kind and understanding and truly put in so much work to make sure that horses end up in the right homes and are well taken care of. I recommend HOP to all of my friends when they are looking for a new horse!
HOP helped me find my dream horse in a rescued 19 year old former Amish Standardbred. They were so thorough during the adoption process and very encouraging. They've also been super supportive anytime I've needed anything after the adoption, too! I can't recommend this rescue enough. You know exactly what you're getting in your horse from HOP.
I adopted a horse from Heart of Phoenix at their 2022 ATFO. Everyone at Heart of Phoenix was personable, helpful, and clearly has the best interests of the horses as their top priority. If I ever plan to add to my herd, HoP will be the first place I turn to find my next equine partner.
I had been looking to get a new horse after losing both of my elderly horses passed. I knew I wanted to rescue a horse, and began to look at all the local equine rescues in states near me. I found Heart of Phoenix and immediately fell in love with the rescue. They are so caring to not only all of their animals, but the people who choose to work with their group. I’ll never forget after my application was approved, I received a text saying “welcome to the family!” which perfectly sums up this it feels to work with this group. These people are doing amazing work and really, truly care about the animals they rescue as well as the people who adopt.
I have adopted a colt from Heart of Phoenix and the adoption process was very thorough. They have the best interest for the animal and were there to answer any questions I had. I definitely would adopt another HOP horse.
Super organization, I’ve adopted 3 horses with them. They have been open with the assessment of their horses, and have given top notch advice when posed a question. They have made themselves available whenever I’ve had any issues.
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I have adopted 2 ponies from heart of Phoenix. The rescue had been more than helpful when I had issues with the first pony. They were willing to take her back at any time. We worked together to achieve the best outcome for her. The second pony I adopted through the AFTO and he has been a joy to work with.
I was looking for a new horse and had been researching as I had decided on adoption. I found the Heart of Phoenix through myrighthorse.com and learned that they held a training event each year for a group of fortunate horses. I diligently followed the trainers and filled out my application. I was impressed by the process as a whole as they truly cared about the horse’s future. They stayed on top of potential medical issues during the program no matter the expense. They do their best to match horse and person to have a forever home. I was lucky enough to get to adopt my heart horse through this program and she and I have developed a wonderful partnership! Tinia and all volunteers and trainers are saving horses that would have not had a chance at a good future by giving them basic to advanced manners and skills. Highly recommend getting involved with this organization.
Heart of Phoenix is just that fantastic to work with. I honestly got the horse of my dreams from them- After they called my Vet and my references and checked out the barn. Then they asked me Why? Why do want This horse?? Are you planning to show, will he be in a stall? What will you Do with him?? LOL, I just wanted to goof around on the farm with him. And I was so happy to be chosen for him. I recommend HOP without reservation.
I have Spinal Stenosis and my body has been failing me with lots of falls and unable to walk or do things I used to. I had 2 horses Smoke an AQHA stallion & Miss Daisy a Tennessee Walker mare. I had Smoke for almost 11 years and Daisy for 8 since they both were young he 8 months old & Miss Daisy 11 months old. I had some of my other horses that people lied to me and took them straight to kill buyers and I sure didn't want that happening to them. Heart Of Phoenix was the perfect solution. They came and picked up my 2 beloved horses and even sent me pictures after they were safely there. I have never had a doubt or moment of worry because I know they're as much loved and well cared for there as I had cared for them here when I was physically able. HOP was an answer to many prayers. They are a great organization and I have already been recommending them to people who are looking to buy a horse. I pray maybe that I can recover enough in the future to possibly adopt an older (18-25) horse to fill this empty spot in my heart. It is empty but I don't ache with grief as I did over the ones who went to kill buyers because I know Heart Of Phoenix is a wonderful organization and it was the best thing for my 2 babies
I am so proud to have a horse from Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue, I have had Phoebe for two years now. When I first heard about the concept of letting trainers take these horse's for 100 days , show there progress along the way. Allow you to come meet the horses at any time through the training. I thought wow this is fantastic. How many times when you gone to buy a horse, have you thought why are they selling this horse? I have had friends who have purchased horses that have been extremely hurt, because the person selling horse wasn't honest about the issues the horse had. 100 days of training is by no means the magic bullet. She is a willing partner and I know if I have a question which sometimes in the beginning I did, I knew I could ask the person who started her or the rescue. What a great start for a feral horse or a horse that just needed help. I am proud to say to people when I ride her on the trails of Ohio, and people see her brand for the Heart of Phoenix and they say "Wow look at her brand, how beautiful your horse is !" I say yes she came from the Heart of Phoenix look it up on Facebook ! You can read her story and if you want a horse with a great start, invest your time and learn what they do. They are all about the horse. She will be my last horse. I would recommend this Rescue to anyone looking to adopt amazing horses. The people who run the rescue are easy to work with and answer all your questions.
I got my Kate from HOP when they were just getting started. They saved her from a slaughter auction. She is beautiful and gentle and I love her dearly. She has been rideable from day one. I have watched HOP go from a small organization to an amazing organization that does so much for the horse of Appalachia and to educate people. I can’t thank Tinia and crew enough for all they do.
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Heart of Phoenix Is one of most professional rescues I’ve had the pleasure to work with. Their main goal is to find the best home for each horse. I started following their ATFO training program and was amazed with the dedication of the trainers and the rescue to work together to be able to identify health concerns and get these horses ready for adoption. I will continue to support this rescue in the future as they maintain such high standards for their horses and their staff.
I am so amazed with this rescue. I learned of HOP last year and followed the process through the 2020 ATFO. Although I wasn’t ready to adopt in 2020, I knew I would this year. Again, I followed this year and ended up adopting my dream horse. I’ve never seen another rescue so determined to do whatever is necessary to ensure the adopted horses have EVERY opportunity to find a forever home and a great fit. The determination of this organization to make every effort to improve the life of every single rescue is truly incredible. Our family adopted two this year . I also appreciate all that the trainer, Colby, did before the adoption, during, and after to ensure Juniper and I will have a great future.
I came to Heart of Phoenix after I lost my best riding horse ever after 23 years. I was initially looking for a companion for my older mare that was lonely after losing her buddy. I looked at their website and saw so many horses to choose from that I decided to apply to adopt. Once approved I set out to find a horse that would be a good fit for me. The more horses I looked at, the more wonderful people I met! For the first time since I’d moved to WV I felt like I’d found a community of horse lovers to be a part of! It wasn’t long before I adopted my lovely Miss Rita! She and HOP have taken me on a brand new journey of volunteerism. I’ve participated on the adoption team for several years now and currently I have a foster horse at my barn too.
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Heart of Phoenix horse rescue is an amazing group that is tirelessly serving and saving the less fortunate horses of Appalachia. Volunteers are out at all hours of the day and night with law enforcement to pull horses out of deplorable conditions. They transport, feed, house and provide skilled rehabilitation and top vet care to these horses. Every horse is then evaluated to determine what type of rider they might be best suited for. Often they are even able to provide extensive training to the horse through their partnerships with professional trainers! I support the organization for all these reasons but I adopted a horse from them because I couldn’t have found a better partner from anybody at any price! Miss Margarita’s mom was pregnant with her when she was seized. There was a stallion on the property that was already dead and this starving pregnant mare was standing tied to a trampoline without food or water. Shortly into her rehab it became evident that she was pregnant. HOP saw to it that she received all the care and nourishment she could get to have a healthy baby. Rita (as she became known) was born premature but otherwise perfect. Unfortunately something happened when she was just weeks old that broke this tiny filly’s leg. These incredible people raised the money to take her to Rood and Riddle where top orthopedic surgeons were able to successfully repair her leg!! After she was fully healed she was given great nutrition, care and socialization and allowed to just be a horse and grow up. I adopted her this summer and I am positively over the moon for her! She is hands down the sweetest, smartest horse I’ve ever been privileged to work with. She is my perfect partner and I plan to have her in my life for all of hers. But here’s the amazing thing, if it wasn’t a perfect fit, or if something happened to me that prevented me from keeping her, they take her back. They are committed to her for life. They will make sure that she never faces the starvation and neglect that her parents faced. I have the joy of her company, the pleasure of riding her and the security of knowing that she will always be provided for.
My son and I followed a few horses for the 2019 ATFO. So many beautiful horses! I filled out the adoption application. Brittainy, a Heart of Phoenix volunteer, was so helpful through the process. We were approved to bid on our favorites! Talk about excited!!
After an all day marching band event we drove through the night arriving at the ATFO at 4:30 on Saturday morning pulling a borrowed trailer. We closed our eyes but didn’t sleep much. When the sun came up the fair ground started to come to life with horses and horse people. Soon there were horses and people everywhere as more folks showed up to watch the horses and trainers demonstrate all they had learned together over the past 100 days.
Horse and trainer pairs could be seen wandering around all day amongst the crowds of people. I was hard pressed to find a pair that acted even a little bit like they had only been training for 100 days. During the entire day I did not see a single horse with bad behavior. Given that these horses were in a high stress situation with only 100 days of training to say I was impressed is an understatement. Certainly there were horses that were higher energy than others and even some who had nervous tendencies but their trainers handled them with nothing less than professional calm guiding the horse back to a state of calm peace.
Since I am not made of money it won’t come as a big surprise to say that I made this trip on a shoestring budget keeping as much as possible so that we could go home with two perfect horses. My son fell head over heels for a big grey horse named Whistler. We stalked him and his trainer Erin throughout the day watching how she handled him and how he reacted. We talked to Erin at length about Whistler. He was beautiful but not for the faint of heart. My son’s love didn’t waiver. I only had eyes for a little bay named Pepsi. She was only four years old and hadn’t had a full 100 days with a trainer because sometimes life takes a turn that can’t be followed. It didn’t matter to me though. I loved her already!
When it came time for the bidding Whistler was one of the first few horses out. His price went higher than my budget for going home with two horses. I shook my head when the bid came back to me. The auctioneer kept going and with watery eyes my son looked at me and said, “Please, mom, I really want him.” I raised my card and spent my whole budget on Whistler. It was worth it. My son’s face lit up and he followed Whistler and Erin to the barn to claim his #RightHorse!
I wouldn’t be going home with my beloved Pepsi but it was ok. My heart was full just watching my son. Some time later Pepsi was in the ring. No one was bidding! I didn’t have the money to meet the minimum bid amount. I have to be honest, I felt a little bit ill.
When all of the bidding was over the paperwork had to be done. Checkbook in hand we went to the office to sign and pay for Whistler. Brittainy was there and asked me about Pepsi. I’m sure there was sadness in my face when I told her getting Whistler had drained my budget and I thought perhaps another horse at another time would come up for me. She sent me to talk to Tinia “because sometimes she can work things out”. Tinia didn’t have to but she did it anyway. She let me post date a check for Pepsi for my next payday. I would be able to go home with both horses!
We slept in our hammocks that night getting up with the sun On Sunday morning to load and head back to New Jersey. Pepsi wasn’t having any of it though refusing to get on that trailer. Without hesitation Brittainy and Pepsi’s trainer came out and gently coaxed her onto the trailer. It was a magical process!
From the time we arrived until the time we left we encountered friendly people everywhere with smiles and greetings and lots of conversation and anticipation about the horses. Our dogs had traveled with us and even they were greeted with friendly enthusiasm.
In my 54 years I have never been to a horse event where not a single horse was mistreated or forced to do something it wasn’t ready to do. Not a single person was rude or uncaring. I walked away knowing that this group of people had a collective knowledge and ability greater than anything I had ever witnessed. I will be a lifetime supporter of Heart of Phoenix, and I will forever be grateful to Tinia and her volunteers for my perfect horse.
Heart of Phoenix does an amazing job of matching horses and potential adopters! Their partnerships with trainers are also impressive. It is wonderful to be able to provide a horse in need with a good home, knowing that the horse has a solid foundation from a reputable trainer and that the rescue “has my back” as an adopter should I run into any trouble. My last two horses have been rescues (including from the Trainers Face Off). It’s been a much better process than purchasing. So positive, in fact, that I now give back to HOP as a volunteer!
Heart of Phoenix helped me in one of the darkest, most desperate times in my life. I owned 2 beautiful horses that I had to re-homed because my farm was selling and they were endangered by a neighbor. Tinia could not take them because they weren’t neglected or abused. She helped me in so many other ways. At the time (about 7 yrs ago) you could not give a horse away in WV and the auction was no option ever. She gave me so much support through that journey and she shared my horses all over the Internet that led to a perfect home for them. A woman saw the HOP post of them in Texas, contacted HOP w a trainer/breeder in WV. Garry Gwisdalla finished their training and immediately found them the perfect home. My horses were my ❤️ and I don’t know what would have happened to them if not for HOP. I am thrilled how they have expanded and done so much for horses in Appalachia.
I have adopted twice from HOP and promote rescue immensely!! What a great group of trainers , the rescue is always there to help with any questions even after the adoption.
One of the best rescues I’ve been associated with. Their ability to rescue and rehabilitate the most vulnerable horses is just short of a miracle. They give these horses a second chance at life and a happily ever after. They provide continuing education and support to so many, with a network of horseman that is incredible!
For quite some time I searched for a trail horse. I am 65 & have MS so I really needed a dependable ride. I spotted Serena through her foster, Vania Carr. I knew Vania through a mutual friend and knew of her integrity. I discussed adopting Serena with Vania & Tina Creamer. I submitted my application and they thoroughly investigated my references. This proved to me the Heart of Phoenix definitely has the best interest of their rescues as a primary goal. Serena has opened up my trail riding world.
I adopted my first horse 2 years ago. I wanted a horse all my life, once my kids were grown and on their own I looked at adopting. The heart of Phoenix is a wonderful resecue. I was impressed with the application and reference process. Two years ago I fell in love with Drogo from just his picture, at first I was told he wouldn't be a good match for me because if my limited experience and he had another adopter. I was disappointed, but grateful they were protective of the horse. That adoption fell through, Drogo had more training and I received the best email ever. The trainer thought Drogo and I would be a match now. I couldn't wait to meet him and bring him home. He has brought me so much joy. We work on tricks together, we take walks together and sometimes we will take a ride together. He is a very loving horse, he's smart and willing to learn.
He is also patient as I learn. I am very thankful for the Heart of Phoenix and what they did for Drogo. And for what they do for many horses.
Heart of Phoenix does a fantastic job rescuing horses and advocating for their humane treatment. This is a top notch organization making a real difference for equines of all breeds (including a few off-track thoroughbreds) in the Appalachian region.
I adopted my horse from Heart of Phoenix back in February 2018, at 8 months old we drove to Kentucky to meet him and bring him home! The application process was easy and the same day we submitted our application we were contacted by Suzanne at Heart of Phoenix, and she was wonderful! She updated us with pictures and videos and was always available and still is to ask any questions or give any advise we may seek. She still keeps in touch and has watched from afar Lawless go from shaggy colt to stunning yearling. We love everything this rescue is about and the work they do not only for the horses but educating horse owners is amazing! I would adopt another horse from Heart of Phoenix at any time and would encourage anyone looking for a new horse to try and find your match through them. We love our boy Lawless(Boston) and are so thankful to Heart of Phoenix to allow us to be his forever home!
Cannot possibly say enough about how GREAT this rescue is!! All aspects of my adoption process were amazing ... the people who volunteer and run this rescue are so knowledgeable and professional and generous and will do so much to ensure these horse get amazing forever homes. They are so upfront and honest and so so helpful. There are sooo many great advantages to adopting a horse ... I couldn’t be more pleased with my horse and my experience with Heart Of Phoenix!!!!!
I cannot say enough good things about this rescue and the people that they are. We have adopted two amazing loving souls from them that wouldn't be if not for Heart of Phoenix. I wish I could add before and after photos of our two loves but I can't seem to upload them from my iPad. Shetan and Sangria. HOP took them out of life threatening circumstances and gave them a chance at a happy healthy life. HOP does this on a daily basis and has saved so many souls from horrific circumstances. They are an amazing group of people with sincere and loving, kind hearts. If only we had more people like them in this world.
Not only does this organization help our equine partners in desperate need, this group strives to prevent unintended neglect! They have offered educational clinics, gelding clinics, health-care clinics, networking opportunities and countless other resources that aid in the prevention of neglect. This group is by far one of the best organizations in the Appalachia region! With their broad vision they not only address the immediate, their dedication prevents future neglect.
My beautiful mare Splenda came from HOP. I had been following their rescue for a while and keeping an eye out for a horse that would be a good addition to my little herd. I saw her video and filled out an application. The process went quickly, and I soon went to meet her. I was impressed that there was no pressure at all for me to make a decision. It was clear that the priority was making a good match, and they were totally upfront with me about issues she had because of her past. I didn't bring her home then, but when I realized I couldn't stop thinking about her, I knew she was the one. When I went to pick her up, I met many of the horses that were being loved and fed back from the edge of death, and seeing them was heartbreaking, but I have followed them on Facebook and rejoiced to see them regain health and move on to their happy ever after families. HOP members are fiercely loving advocates for animals, and I find hope in their efforts.
I had never been involved with any type of rescue until Heart of Phoenix. I was astonished by how much this organization cares about animals and by the dedication the volunteers have to save "just one more." If not for HOP, I wouldn't have my dream horse, Dozer.
I have been following Heart of Phoenix since 2011 after the rescue of my mare/foal combo. They do amazing work and all of these people are extremely dedicated to what they do. Without them in our area many more horses would not have been helped and who knows where they would be right now. Thank you Heart of Phoenix!
This rescue has done so much good, they've helped network horses they had no room for find good homes, taken in one more after that last one more to make sure they could help all of them. Their hearts are huge and warm and I've never met such a group of people so dedicated to doing the right thing. My own mare was networked from them and I'm so happy to have her!
I was looking for the best Equine Rescue I could find, and I am so thankful that I found HOP! I am now the proud and happy adopter of Schmidtty- a 14 yo Tennessee Walker who was rescued and beautifully rehabbed by Heart of Phoenix.
Three years ago we adopted a beautiful, Arabian mare from this organization. They provided extensive information on her capabilities and personality. She was in excellent health when she came to live with us and my teenager fell in love with her. Although a few people object to the adoption contract that comes with each animal, we find comfort in knowing that they are concerned with how Teza is doing for her lifetime. It is no hardship to provide pictures and updates so that they can continue to monitor her well being. Since our adoption, my children and I have volunteered for Heart of Phoenix and made numerous donations to them. The fact that they provide continual updates on their current and past rescues, by picture and in word, let us see exactly where our money is going. Heart of Phoenix exemplifies the gold standard that all rescue organizations should strive for!!!