Horse Shelter Heroes – S7E23

Hello, Horse Plus family! Settle in and get ready for an emotional, action-packed update straight from the front lines of rescue. From massive industry shifts to heartwarming adoptions, we have so much to share with you this week!

🎥 Watch the full episode here: From California Surrenders to Alabama Forever! | Horse Shelter Heroes – S7 E23

A Turning Point for Horses

Right now, there is massive chaos within the horse slaughter pipeline. Due to a screwworm outbreak in the United States, export lines are gridlocked. Kill buyers, auctions, and feedlots are holding an estimated 2,000 horses in transit with nowhere to send them. 

Because these buyers are only in it for the money, these innocent animals are in immediate jeopardy of being dumped or worse.

But here is the silver lining: horse slaughter is on its final leg. We have spent nearly a decade mentoring other organizations for this exact moment. Now is the time to step up! 

We need your support more than ever for our buyout rescue missions. Let’s stop supporting kill buyers and start flooding actual, open-admission rescues with the resources they need to save these lives!

Quarantine Clearances & Florida Sunshine

The morning began with rechecks for several horses completing soft quarantine. After health evaluations, Scarlet, Hugo, Rocky, Socks, and Patunia all received positive reports.

Scarlet and Hugo were cleared to enter the training program while Rocky, Socks, and Patunia prepared for an exciting move to the Florida facility. Seeing horses progress from rescue and quarantine into brighter futures is always a rewarding milestone for the team!

From the Racetrack to a New Purpose

We had a very exciting adoption appointment with Miss Deborah, who runs a therapeutic riding program! She came to meet Holding Her Ground and Lady Comet, two gorgeous mares rescued from the racetrack.

While these fast girls have only ever been race-trained, they possess the perfect intuition for a therapy program. Deborah’s summer camp kids came along for the field trip and fell absolutely in love. 

We are thrilled to report that both mares found their forever home! It was a perfect reminder that every horse has a purpose beyond racing.

Supporting Horses Through the Gelding Grant Program

Did you know Horse Plus does way more than just physical sheltering? Our Gelding Grant program is a massive success! This initiative helps private owners and 501(c)(3) nonprofits cover the cost of gelding, which directly combats horse overpopulation and helps these stallions become perfect gentlemen.

Thanks to our absolutely incredible donors, we completely shattered our monthly budget goal to meet an unexpected surge in grant requests. 

We can never say it enough: our community is the best in the world!

A Second Chance for Bella & Dolly

Horses aren’t the only animals getting a happily-ever-after. Back in the fall, we took in 2 severely terrified, abandoned dogs: Bella and Dolly. Because they were so skittish, we knew a standard adoption was unlikely.

Over the months, they became incredibly attached to our team member Nicole, whose office sits right across from their stall. This weekend, Nicole is officially fostering-to-adopt them! They are heading to her large, securely fenced yard where they can watch the world go by at their own pace. 

For Bella and Dolly, what started as a rescue became a lifelong commitment filled with patience, understanding, and love.

Home for the Brave Adoption Event!

Mark your calendars for our upcoming Home for the Brave Adoption Event! Our team has been working hard to get every animal looking and feeling their very best. Join us on July 1 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Horse Plus Humane Society and meet an incredible variety of adoptable animals, including horses, cats, dogs, and more. 

Space is limited, so all attendees must have an approved application and scheduled appointment. If you’re ready to welcome a new companion into your life, call us at 888-474-7077 or email info@horseplus.org to reserve your spot. We can’t wait to help these deserving animals find the loving homes they’ve been waiting for!

Thank You for Standing With Us

Whether it’s rescuing horses from the slaughter pipeline, helping owners through grant programs, finding homes for retired racehorses or giving abandoned animals a second chance, every success is made possible by supporters who believe in the mission.

Your support helps ensure that vulnerable horses and animals receive the care, protection, and opportunities they deserve. 

Together, we can continue rescuing, sheltering, and protecting those who need us most!

Every day at Horse Plus Humane Society brings a mix of triumphs, challenges and second chances. This week’s episode of Horse Shelter Heroes showcased the dedication of the team as they cared for animals in need, celebrated progress and made difficult but compassionate decisions!

🎥 Watch the full episode here: Every Step Hurts: Traveler’s Battle with Laminitis I Horse Shelter Heroes – S7 E22

Building a Better Future

The day started with the important task of feeding horses throughout the shelter. Proper nutrition plays a critical role in helping rescued horses recover from neglect and regain their health. 

Thanks to generous supporters, every horse receives the care and feed they need to thrive!

Shoutout to our incredible donor, Gail! Thanks to her generosity, Trey finally got to tear down our old, falling-apart round pen and set up a gorgeous new one. With a little teamwork, the new panels, bottom boards, and mats are officially up. 

Trey is raring to go and can’t wait to show you guys some horse training magic in this new space!

Annie’s Surprise Arrival

One of the shelter’s newest canine residents, Annie, arrived with an unexpected surprise. After X-rays confirmed she was pregnant, the team prepared for the arrival of her puppies.

Over the weekend, Annie delivered an incredible litter of 11 healthy puppies. The proud mama and her babies are doing well and the puppies have already been given herb and spice-themed names. 

The team also discovered evidence that Annie had been shot multiple times in the past, making her journey to safety even more remarkable!

Lewis Shows Off His Talent

The team evaluated Lewis, a trained dressage horse, with the help of guest rider Addison. Lewis impressed everyone with his calm demeanor and training.

While Lewis has some special considerations including melanoma and a history of pulling back when tied, the team is committed to finding the perfect home where he can continue to thrive.

Saying a Hard Goodbye to Traveler

As shelter heroes, we have to separate our feelings to stay strong for the animals but some days are incredibly heavy… This week, we evaluated Traveler, a 7-year-old horse with a severe, chronic history of founder.

X-rays revealed extensive damage to his feet and after careful review, the veterinary team determined that his condition was beyond recovery. He was in immense, unmanageable pain. To save him from further suffering, our team had to make the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye and let him cross the rainbow bridge. 

Sleep tight, Traveler.

Sawyer is Back!

We want to end on a high note, and that note is named Sawyer! Thanks to our unbelievably generous supporters, we raised the funds for Sawyer’s incredibly complex cryptorchid castration surgery at Tennessee Equine.

The surgery was a bit complicated because things were tucked up right next to his GI tract but he nailed it! He is back safe and sound in our best stall, rocking a belly wrap. He has 30 days of strict stall rest ahead with plenty of hand-walks and endless pampering.

Thank You for Making This Possible

From funding Sawyer’s surgery to buying grain for horses who have never tasted love, YOU make this circle of life possible.

Thank you for being part of these journeys. Your support helps rescue, shelter, and protect animals in need every single day. If you’d like to help horses and other animals receive the care they deserve, please consider supporting Horse Plus Humane Society and becoming part of their lifesaving mission!

Want to help more horses like the ones in this episode? Visit the Horse Plus Humane Society website to learn how you can support rescue, rehabilitation, and healing.

🎥 Watch the full episode here: Every Step Hurts: Traveler’s Battle with Laminitis I Horse Shelter Heroes – S7 E22

Your donations and shares truly make a difference — one horse, one rescue, and one story at a time.

DONATE HERE

Horse Shelter Heroes – S7E21

Another busy week at Horse Plus Humane Society brought everything from long-distance horse transports and successful adoptions to preparations for one of the most important advocacy events of the year. The team worked across multiple states to help horses in need while continuing the fight against the Big Lick industry.

🎥 Watch the full episode here: The Horses Can’t Speak – So We Do I Horse Shelter Heroes – S7 E21

Traveler & Nova Begin a New Journey

The episode began with Traveler and Nova loading up for their trip from Florida to Tennessee. Traveler, who has battled chronic founder issues since he was just two years old, traveled with special support and medication to keep him comfortable. 

Nova, a sweet mare dealing with recurring summer sores also made the journey in hopes of finding an environment where she can thrive.

After a long drive through cool, rainy weather, both horses arrived safely at the Tennessee shelter and settled in for the night. Their successful transport shows the growing partnership between the Florida facility and the Tennessee shelter, allowing horses to receive the care and placement opportunities that best fit their needs.

Arlo’s Progress Report

Baby Arlo had a rough patch with a high respiratory rate and a stubborn tummy. Thanks to rectal fluids, antibiotics, and electrolytes recommended by Dr. Jess and Dr. Lydia, he is officially on the mend! 

The team celebrated a very glamorous milestone: confirming he is pooping normally and actively nursing from mom again.

Residents & Goats Prepare for Florida

Several resident horses and goats underwent health checks as they prepared for travel to the World Horse Welfare Center in Florida. The veterinary team carefully monitored temperatures, checked for signs of illness and ensured everyone met travel requirements.

Most animals passed with flying colors while a few goats were given extra time in the shade after elevated temperatures were likely caused by the hot weather!

Nova’s Overnight Miracle Adoption

Remember Nova, the mare who just arrived from Florida? Well, she didn’t stay a “shelter hero” for long! Former Horse Plus team members Shelby and Caleb came by looking for a safe, level-headed horse for their family. Trey tacked Nova up to show what she could do and it was love at first sight!

She’s been with us for a long time but her big moment has finally arrived. Just like that, Nova found her happily ever after with top-tier adopters who will spoil her rotten. Talk about a perfect match!

Witnessing the Reality of Big Lick

The emotional climax of the week took us to Columbia, Tennessee, for our 11th consecutive year protesting the horrific practice known as the Big Lick where Tennessee Walking Horses are subjected to painful, forced gaits using heavy stacked shoes and chemicals.

Because our team was physically attacked by pro-Big Lick attendees last year, we had to take the extreme step of hiring 5 security guards just to feel safe entering a public horse show.

Inside the arena, the reality was heartbreaking. The show actually had to stop at one point because a horse’s mechanical stack was falling off. Our volunteers watched in tears as horses stumbled, sweated profusely after just a quarter of a lap and showed visible agony in their eyes.

We will never stop being the voice for horses who cannot speak for themselves but we cannot do it alone. The abuse thrives when people look away.

We need passionate volunteers to help coordinate and stand at protests at horse shows all across Tennessee. If you are ready to help us end this cruelty once and for all, please reach out to us!

Thank You for Supporting the Mission

From transporting horses across state lines to helping Nova find her forever home and standing up for horses who cannot speak for themselves, this episode shared the many ways Horse Plus Humane Society works to rescue, shelter and protect animals every day.

Thank you for making this lifesaving work possible. Your support helps provide medical care, transportation, rehabilitation, and second chances for horses in need. Together, we can continue changing lives and giving vulnerable animals the future they deserve!

Want to help more horses like the ones in this episode? Visit the Horse Plus Humane Society website to learn how you can support rescue, rehabilitation, and healing.

🎥 Watch the full episode here: The Horses Can’t Speak – So We Do I Horse Shelter Heroes – S7 E21

Your donations and shares truly make a difference — one horse, one rescue, and one story at a time.

DONATE HERE

Horse Shelter Heroes – S7E20

Hey, Horse Plus Family!

Life at the shelter moves fast and this past week was an absolute whirlwind of emotions, hard work, and powerful reminders of why we do what we do. From welcoming fresh faces to saying bittersweet goodbyes and preparing for a major stand against animal cruelty, our team has been running on pure passion… and maybe a little bit of pizza!

🎥 Watch the full episode here: They Were Just Numbers in the Pipeline – We Changed That! I Horse Shelter Heroes – S7 E20

 9 Precious Lives Saved!

Our intake facility was buzzing with anticipation for our May buyout rescue mission. We successfully brought in nine horses and the good news is that eight of them are incredibly young, smart, and healthy! 

They flew through their vaccines and health checks like total pros.

We also welcomed a beautiful mama and her brand-new baby boy. To keep things extra sterile and safe for the little guy, we moved them down to our specialized vet barn where we can keep a close eye on them.

Among the rescues, our hearts broke a bit for one very old gray gelding. Covered in scars, he spent his first hours trying to hide in the corner. A quick dental check revealed he has zero bottom teeth and severe erosion on his upper jaw, making it impossible for him to chew properly. 

He has clearly had a rough life but his days of suffering are officially over. He is safe now and we are customizing a soft diet to get him feeling his best.

Nova Welcomes the Ocala Sunshine

Over at our new facility just outside of Ocala, Florida, we had a very special surrender. Meet Nova! Though her previous family realized they could no longer care for her, they loved her enough to ensure she came to a safe haven. Nova arrived super excited, wearing a clever custom double-fly mask to help protect her sensitive mouth sores.

The Florida facility continues to grow as a place where rescued horses can educate visitors, heal, and eventually find the right homes.

Fueling the Force (Shoutout to Bonnie!)

Rescue work is heavy lifting, especially on buyout days. Luckily, we have the best supporters on the planet. A massive thank you to our wonderful donor, Bonnie, who completely funded our team’s lunch! 

We annihilated a stack of pizzas before heading right back out into the rain to finish building and reinforcing our wild horse pins. 

Bittersweet Goodbyes for Buster & Ben

Horses aren’t the only ones getting a new lease on life. If you’ve visited our dog barn, you definitely know Buster Brown, our lovable 9-year-old chocolate lab “bear”, and his clingy, adventure-loving 4-year-old son, Ben. 

They’ve been with us for a long time but their big moment has finally arrived!

Through the power of shelter networking, we are transferring this dynamic duo to a specialized lab rescue in Ohio with an incredible adoption track record. They are heading to Alabama first, then making the trip up North to find the forever families they so richly deserve. 

We’ll miss Buster trying to eat our microphones but we couldn’t be happier for them!

Standing Up Against the Cruelty of the “Big Lick”

Finally, we want to talk about something incredibly close to our hearts and something that demands our collective courage.

Next week, our team is heading back to Columbia, Tennessee to protest the horrific practice known as the “Big Lick.” For those who don’t know, this artificial, exaggerated stride in show horses is achieved strictly through agonizing abuse… using heavy stacks, chains, and chemical soring that literally cooks the horses’ legs. 

When the horses take those high steps, they aren’t performing, they are flinching in pain.

Last year at this event, our family and team were brutally attacked and physically assaulted by people trying to silence us. Despite intimidation and threats, the mission remains unchanged: be the voice for horses who cannot speak for themselves.

Those horses have no voice, so we have to be theirs. Corruption has kept this abusive industry alive for too long, even reaching into the halls of Washington D.C. It will only stop when people like you stand up with us.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support the rescue missions, protests, rehabilitation efforts, and daily care that make these lifesaving moments possible. Your support truly changes lives every single day.

Whether we are buying horses out of the slaughter pipeline, rehabilitating seniors, or standing on the pavement protesting cruelty, we cannot do it alone. Thank you for being the heartbeat of Horse Plus Humane Society. 

Together, we will always rescue, shelter, and protect the helpless!

Want to help more horses like the ones in this episode? Visit the Horse Plus Humane Society website to learn how you can support rescue, rehabilitation, and healing.

🎥 Watch the full episode here: They Were Just Numbers in the Pipeline – We Changed That! I Horse Shelter Heroes – S7 E20

Your donations and shares truly make a difference — one horse, one rescue, and one story at a time.

DONATE HERE

Horse Shelter Heroes – S7E19

It’s just another action-packed week here at Horse Plus Humane Society and we are so excited to bring you behind the gates for our latest episode of Horse Shelter Heroes. Another unforgettable week unfolded as the team balanced emergency care, rescue prep, adoptions, training and exciting updates from the new World Horse Welfare Center in Florida!

🎥 Watch the full episode here: Welcome Home! Our Resident Horses Arrive in Ocala I Horse Shelter Heroes – S7 E19

Shiloh’s Eye Emergency

First thing in the morning, our focus went straight to Shiloh. While working in the round pen the previous evening, he got a little too excited and ended up with a nasty gash right over his eye. 

Luckily, the amazing Dr. Dee was already scheduled to visit. With a little extra sedation to keep him calm in “happy land,” Dr. Dee successfully stitched him right up. Despite being nervous, Shiloh handled the procedure surprisingly well, showing just how much progress he has already made through patient handling and training.

Puppies Find Forever Homes

Lakota headed to PetSense in Columbia with a group of puppies hoping to find adopters and the day turned into a huge success! Every puppy was adopted and the store staff generously donated food and supplies to help support the rescue. 

The partnership may even expand in the future to help cats find homes too.

Saying Goodbye Opens New Doors

If the barn feels a little quiet lately, it is because some of our long-term residents, including Admiral and Amelia, officially made the big move down to our new welfare center in Ocala, Florida.

 Saying goodbye to animals we have bonded with always hurts but it is the best kind of sad. With residents settling into their new Florida home, more space is now available to rescue horses in need.

Sawyer’s Big Win

Remember Sawyer? We intercepted this sweet little colt from the slaughter pipeline back in September 2025. After months of monitoring, veterinarians determined he required a specialized cryptorchid surgery to remove an undescended testicle, something too risky to perform at the rescue facility itself. 

Thanks to overwhelming support from more than 80 donors, the team successfully raised $5,000 to schedule Sawyer’s surgery at Tennessee Equine Hospital. Once recovered, Sawyer will finally have the chance to find a forever home!

Sunshine & Sweat in Florida

The team also welcomed several horses arriving safely at the World Horse Welfare Center after a long trip from Tennessee. Volunteers gathered for a successful meet and greet event, giving supporters a chance to connect with the horses and the growing Florida facility.

Meanwhile, Jason and Garrick have been braving the intense Florida humidity to put up 100 feet of new fencing.

Between melting in the heat and working with Thunder, a stubborn new resident who is slowly learning how to lead and back up, the Florida crew is working hard to expand our capacity!

The Buyout Intake Process

Back in Tennessee, Chris, Payton and Olivia took us on a rare, step-by-step walkthrough of exactly what happens when a rescue trailer arrives. From unloading critical horses and performing diagnostics to providing immediate food, water and medical care, they showed just how much coordination and compassion goes into every rescue day!

A Special Birthday Celebration

The episode wrapped up with heartfelt birthday wishes for Tawnee, honoring her more than two decades of dedication to rescuing horses and building one of the largest full circle of life shelters in the world. The entire team shared their appreciation for her leadership, compassion and unwavering commitment to helping animals in need.

Happy Birthday Tawnee and thank you for dedicating your life to helping animals in need!

None of this is possible without our incredible community of horse heroes. Whether you donate, share our videos or volunteer your time, you are helping us rewrite the futures of these beautiful animals. 

Be sure to follow along for more updates and please continue supporting the lifesaving work of Horse Plus Humane Society!

Want to help more horses like the ones in this episode? Visit the Horse Plus Humane Society website to learn how you can support rescue, rehabilitation, and healing.

🎥 Watch the full episode here: Welcome Home! Our Resident Horses Arrive in Ocala I Horse Shelter Heroes – S7 E19

Your donations and shares truly make a difference — one horse, one rescue, and one story at a time.

DONATE HERE

Horse Shelter Heroes – S7E18

We are bursting with excitement to share what’s recently been happening here in Horse Plus Humane Society! From heartwarming adoptions to massive milestones in Florida, our team is moving full steam ahead to rescue, shelter, and protect.

🎥 Watch the full episode here: A New Chapter of Horse Rescue Begins I Horse Shelter Heroes – S7 E18

Biscuit Finds His Perfect Match

The episode started with the sweetest goodbye. Our boy Biscuit has officially found his forever person! Fresh out of quarantine and still needing some weight gain, the little pony quickly charmed his potential adopter with his calm personality and gentle nature.

It did not take long before Biscuit had a new name too: Raja!

His new mom plans to give him a life of pure luxury alongside a quirky crew of goats, cows, capybaras and even lemurs. Watching Raja quietly connect with his new owner was a reminder that sometimes the perfect match happens instantly.

Vet Days & Training Wins

Dr. Lydia and Dr. Jess worked side by side performing castrations on young horses Arrow and Sunny while also training and sharing techniques throughout the process. The episode shares the behind-the-scenes look at the careful monitoring, anesthesia safety, and teamwork involved in equine surgery.

It was also a bittersweet moment as Dr. Lydia prepared for her upcoming move overseas, leaving the horses in capable hands.

Meanwhile, our gentler has been making incredible breakthroughs with Posie, a 13-year-old pony who arrived timid and malnourished. Still fearful and unsure around people, Posie made huge progress during her training session. Trey patiently introduced handling of her hooves and even her first saddle pad experience.

Her transformation is only just beginning.

The World Horse Welfare Center Takes Shape

Down in Ocala, the new World Horse Welfare Center is quickly coming together! We’ve been busy hanging signs at our brand-new facility. 

This incredible space features 14 spacious stalls, each one standing ready to welcome a new resident or a horse in need of rescue. 

Our Welcome Center is nearly prepared to greet its very first visitors and we’ve even installed “Buy Me a Treat” stations. These special windows allow guests to share a snack and a moment of connection with our friendly residents.

 It is more than just a building, it is a true sanctuary in the horse capital of the world!

Speaking of residents, Cody, Amelia, Admiral, Lincoln and Jolene are prepping for their big move down to Ocala this weekend.

 The facility is designed to help connect the public with rescued horses while creating educational experiences and long-term support for the animals!

Puppies, Kittens & Chaos

It’s not just about the big guys! Our small animal specialist, Lakota, has her hands full with a litter of rowdy puppies including Loretta, a beautiful blue-eyed “chomper” and a clowder of cats like Pickles and Golden. 

Whether it’s administering antibiotics or just giving a clingy cat a cuddle, our team ensures every paw and hoof gets the attention they deserve!

Looking Ahead

By the end of the episode, the excitement surrounding the new Florida facility was impossible to miss. With signage installed, volunteers preparing to visit and the first surrender expected soon, the next chapter for the World Horse Welfare Center is already underway. 

This episode was a reminder that rescue is not just about saving lives. It is about building futures.

Thank you for supporting the work of Horse Plus Humane Society. Every adoption, every medical procedure and every new beginning is possible because of compassionate supporters like you! 

If you want to see the behind-the-scenes footage that doesn’t make it to the main episodes, come join our Members Channel! For just $10 a month, you get the “inside scoop” and directly help us save more lives.

You can also check out our new site: horsewelfarecenter.org

Thank you for being part of this journey. We couldn’t do it without you!

Want to help more horses like the ones in this episode? Visit the Horse Plus Humane Society website to learn how you can support rescue, rehabilitation, and healing.

🎥 Watch the full episode here: A New Chapter of Horse Rescue Begins I Horse Shelter Heroes – S7 E18

Your donations and shares truly make a difference — one horse, one rescue, and one story at a time.

DONATE HERE

Horse Shelter Heroes – S7E17

Life at Horse Plus Humane Society is never predictable. One minute you’re dodging a dust tornado and the next, you’re standing on the front lines of a high-stakes federal investigation. 

This week was a rollercoaster of emotions and we want to take you behind the scenes of the work your support makes possible!

🎥 Watch the full episode here: Trailer of Horror: Critically ill Horses Need Immediate Help I Horse Shelter Heroes – S7 E17

A Princess Mark & a Perfect Delivery

We kicked things off with a special delivery of five stunning Thoroughbreds. Despite a sudden, unpredicted downpour that sent everyone scrambling, the horses arrived safe and sound. 

One beautiful mare even sported a “Princess Mark”, a unique indentation on the neck. According to old folklore, it’s the mark of a truly good horse. We certainly think so! 

These five are now decompressing in our lush pastures, finally getting to just be horses.

The Heavy Reality of the Slaughter Pipeline

While we celebrate the wins, we never turn a blind eye to the tragedy. During a recent buyout, a trailer arrived with two horses down. Among them was an older mare in heartbreaking condition.

 She was severely dehydrated, covered in contusions from being stepped on by other horses and suffering from a grade six heart murmur.

To be clear: this was not a Horse Plus trailer. We pay to divert these animals from slaughter haulers to give them a chance at dignity. In this case, the kindest thing we could do was let her pass peacefully. 

She spent her final moments eating cookies and feeling the touch of a kind hand… a far cry from the horror of a slaughterhouse.

Taking it to the Feds

We aren’t just rescuing, we’re fighting to change the system. This week, a federal investigator joined our buyout to corner a horse trader known for transporting animals in poor condition.

The “good old boy” club at many auctions often protects corruption by kicking out anyone who asks too many questions. By working with investigators and pushing for the SAFE Act, we are working to end horse slaughter in the U.S. once and for all.

New Horizons: Florida and Beyond!

Even in the middle of a demanding week, the team is building for the future!

Big things are happening! We are hard at work developing the World Horse Welfare Center in Florida. Between sponsorship setups and volunteer meet-and-greets, the team is busier than ever.

If you’re in the Sunshine State and want to be part of something meaningful, we encourage you to head over to our website to sign up for our upcoming Florida volunteer opportunities!

Tawnee is pushing through with a broken hand while Jason and Chris are busy with everything from administration to the upcoming Wild Horse Rez.

Every step forward means more animals can be helped.

A Note of Gratitude

As the day winds down, the reality sets in…long hours, tough cases, and a team stretched thin but still pushing forward.

It’s not just about saving horses in the moment. It’s about showing up every day, doing the work, and making sure each animal gets a chance.

Not every story ends the way we hope. But every animal is given care, compassion, and dignity.

And that makes all the difference.

This work is only possible because of support from people who care. Every donation helps provide medical care, feed, and a second chance for animals in need.

Be part of our mission and help make more rescues possible!

Thank you for being part of the Horse Plus family. Whether you’re donating, sharing our stories, or advocating for the voiceless, you are a hero to these animals.

Want to help more horses like the ones in this episode? Visit the Horse Plus Humane Society website to learn how you can support rescue, rehabilitation, and healing.

🎥 Watch the full episode here: Trailer of Horror: Critically ill Horses Need Immediate Help I Horse Shelter Heroes – S7 E17

Your donations and shares truly make a difference — one horse, one rescue, and one story at a time.

DONATE HERE

Horse Shelter Heroes – S7E16

What a week it has been here at Horse Plus Humane Society. Our hearts are absolutely full and our barn is a little quieter in the best way possible after our annual Spring Fling Adoption Event.

From waived adoption fees to a life-changing surprise in the Sunshine State, this episode of Horse Shelter Heroes is one for the history books!

🎥 Watch the full episode here: 20 Animals Found FOREVER Homes! I Horse Shelter Heroes – S7 E16

Finding “The One”: Spring Fling Highlights

Our shelter manager, Miss Lynn, and the rest of the team were working overtime to match our amazing rescues with their perfect humans. The goal? Clear the stalls and find forever homes for every animal, big and small.

Fastest Connection!  Buddie was available for less than two hours before a loving family snapped him up for a therapy program.

One wonderful family came looking for a companion for their horse, Diamond, and ended up falling for both Spirit and Millie. 

Spirit, a “saint” of a horse who has been handled with love since he was a foal and Millie, a gentle soul perfect for leisurely pasture rides, are officially set for life.

In one of the most touching moments of the week, a family fell in love with Teheya, a mare with arthritis who survived the slaughter pipeline and needed a slow-paced life. Just as they were sealing the deal, they met Peanut, a sweet boy blind in one eye. 

Discovering they once had a mini horse named Peanut who passed away, the family knew it was a sign and decided to give both Teheya and Peanut the retirement they deserve!

Behind the Scenes: Prep & Training

Ever wonder how we get our horses ready for their big day? 

Our gentler, Trey, walked us through his specialized process which begins with a much-needed makeover where a good brush and some genuine TLC help these rescues build their confidence. 

From there, it is all about the “Vibe Check” to assess their unique attitudes and behaviors, identifying whether they are naturally calm or a bit more stubborn. That leads into groundwork, beginning with haltering and progressing through key steps like moving the hindquarters and eventually introducing the saddle.

Finally, the most critical step is “The Match,” using his understanding of each horse, Trey helps pair them with the right adopter, making sure it’s a safe, comfortable fit for both and setting them up for a successful future.

20 Lives Changed in Just Days

Every horse that enters Horse Plus goes through a full journey of care.

From initial intake and quarantine to medical treatment, training and evaluation, each step is designed to give them the best chance at a successful future. By the time they’re ready for adoption, they come with medical records, vaccinations and a team standing behind them.

It’s not just about rescue, it’s about setting them up for a better life.

By the end of the event, 16 horses and 4 cats had found their forever homes.

That’s 20 lives changed in just one week!

Behind every number is a story. A fresh start. A future that looks completely different than it did before.

A Historic New Chapter Begins

Tawnee and Jason just dropped one of the biggest announcements in the 23-year history of Horse Plus!

Thanks to an incredibly generous donor who wanted to see their legacy in action, we are opening the World Horse Welfare Center in Ocala, Florida… the horse capital of the world! With beautiful barns, open space and room for rescued horses to live and inspire, this center marks a major step forward in expanding the mission.

We are very grateful for our donor’s extraordinary kindness as her selfless gift has turned a long-held dream into a reality that will save countless lives for years to come!

This new chapter brings incredible opportunity but also a need for continued support.

From sponsoring horses to helping build out the facility, every bit of support will help turn this vision into something that reaches even more horses and people.

Because at the heart of it all, the mission remains the same:

Rescue. Shelter. Protect.

How You Can Help

The facility was a gift but running it takes ongoing support. Help by sponsoring a stall or paddock, sponsoring an ambassador horse like Admiral George or Cody, or volunteering if you’re in Central or Northern Florida!

Stay tuned for updates on our Florida Open House. Thank you for being the wind beneath our wings and the hay in our horses’ bellies!

Moments like these are only possible because of supporters like you.

If you want to be part of more stories like this… more second chances, more adoptions, more lives saved, you can help make it happen! Every donation goes directly toward rescue, care, and giving these animals the futures they deserve.

Together, we rescue, shelter, and protect! 🐎❤️

Want to help more horses like the ones in this episode? Visit the Horse Plus Humane Society website to learn how you can support rescue, rehabilitation, and healing.

🎥 Watch the full episode here: 20 Animals Found FOREVER Homes! I Horse Shelter Heroes – S7 E16

Your donations and shares truly make a difference — one horse, one rescue, and one story at a time.

DONATE HERE

Horse Shelter Heroes – S7E15

Hey Horse Heroes! This week’s episode of Horse Shelter Heroes was a true emotional rollercoaster. From heartbreaking goodbyes to “right place, right time” hello, the team at Horse Plus Humane Society has been through it all.

Here is the breakdown of what went down at the world’s largest full-circle-of-life horse shelter!

🎥 Watch the full episode here: Her Journey to Safety—and a Difficult Goodbye I Horse Shelter Heroes – S7 E15

A Somber Goodbye to Baby Lucky

The week started with heavy hearts. As many of you know, the slaughter pipeline is a cruel place for any animal but for a pregnant mare, the stress and malnourishment are often too much to bear.

We were all rooting for Diamond and her foal but we are devastated to share that Baby Lucky passed away shortly after birth. 

Despite the team’s best efforts to provide Diamond with the nutrients she lacked for months, the damage done before she arrived was too great. While we are heartbroken, we find peace knowing Lucky’s short life was spent surrounded by love instead of fear. 

Lucky’s story matters. He is a reminder of why every rescue counts.

Training Wins & New Horizons

Our horse gentler, Trey, has been busy in the round pen.

Millie, a 15-year-old mare from a buyout, started off unsure and guarded. But through calm, steady groundwork, something shifted. Step by step, she chose connection over fear.

By the end, she wasn’t avoiding people anymore. She was choosing to stay.

It’s a quiet transformation, but one that means everything.

In a happy twist, a couple looking for riding horses fell in love with both Autumn and Hunter. They’re heading off to a life of trails and Tennessee sunshine!

It wasn’t just horses finding homes this week! We had a beautiful rescue dog with a healing leg fracture find her “furever” family. A family drove two hours on a whim after seeing her on Facebook.

As her new owners said, “You can buy a thousand-dollar dog, but you can’t buy a bond.”

​​These moments are the goal. Every goodbye here means a new beginning somewhere else!

The Silver Lining: Diamond’s New Chapter

The most moving moment of the week? Diamond’s adoption. Even after losing her foal, her adopters didn’t waver. They fell in love with Diamond for her, not just the promise of a baby. 

Seeing her walk onto that trailer, leaving the trauma of the auction blocks behind forever, is exactly why we do what we do. It was a reminder that even after loss, healing is still possible.

Why This Work Continues

This episode is a reflection of reality in rescue.

There is loss that breaks your heart. There are moments of uncertainty. But there are also second chances, connections and lives forever changed.

For every Lucky, there is a Diamond.

And for every horse saved, the fight continues.

Want to help us save the next Diamond? Every like, comment and subscription helps us spread the word and rescue more lives from the pipeline. 

Thank you for being part of this mission. Your support makes rescues like this possible and every donation helps give more horses a second chance at life!

Want to help more horses like the ones in this episode? Visit the Horse Plus Humane Society website to learn how you can support rescue, rehabilitation, and healing.

🎥 Watch the full episode here: Her Journey to Safety—and a Difficult Goodbye I Horse Shelter Heroes – S7 E15

Your donations and shares truly make a difference — one horse, one rescue, and one story at a time.

DONATE HERE