Search by Region: West North Central

Once a wild spirit of the Nevada range, Sundance the Mustang’s journey is one of resilience and transformation. As a young colt, his life took a turn when he was captured and trained in a prison program in Nevada. After that, he found himself working as a ranch horse, but his fortunes shifted again when his owners relinquished him due to a divorce. Fortunately, his previous owner reached out to Horses & Heroes, hoping to give Sundance a new home at our facility, which was just around the corner from them. We welcomed him with open arms, and he quickly blended into our therapy herd, showing off his friendly, adaptable spirit. However, one day, his owner noticed Sundance was having trouble breathing and took him to the vet. The diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) was a heavy blow. With plans to ride him on trails, the owner faced a tough decision-She aimed to euthanize him. Euthanizing a horse that was actively bringing joy and comfort to a soldier battling their own health issues was not an option. The act of taking Sundance away during such a critical time in their counseling was unfathomable. Today, Sundance is thriving in his new world! Although he carries some extra weight due to his breathing limitations, he is living his best life with the help of nutritional guidance, daily medications, and breathing treatments. He roams freely within his new herd family, a testament to his indomitable spirit and the connections that make us all stronger. Learn more about Horses & Heroes Inc here .

Emanon was part of a large number of "kill pen" horses, bailed by well-meaning individuals, from a facility in Colorado. Those who provided bail had NO ABILITY to offer homes, just money. He, along with over 70 others, were given to a Kansas facility claiming to "rehabilitate" horses but instead they were either sold or sent on to another auction. Emanon was the "last horse standing" once a number of others found homes with rescues across Kansas, Colorado and Missouri. As a result, Rainbow Meadows stepped up to ensure he was safe. He has responded well to slow and quiet training. He is now curious and friendly. Emanon carries the saddle quietly but is highly apprehensive when being ridden. Rainbow Meadows is continuing to work on his confidence to help him overcome his concern with a rider. Learn more about Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue and Retirement, Inc. here .

This handsome Gypsy packs all the personality and power! Who's the first to investigate a new object? Climb into the trough? Leave the herd to come running when called? No other than Ghost. He's a character and a favorite of many, not only because these playful traits effortlessly turn into moments of profound benefit, by helping participants feel at ease and inspiring a depth of engagement not otherwise stirred. Ghost's innate enjoyment of his surroundings and ability to respond accordingly makes him a valuable partner in therapeutic settings, where his presence alone can have a calming and uplifting effect. Ghost's exceptional qualities make him an outstanding ambassador for equine-assisted services. His ability to demonstrate the positive impact of equine-assisted services, combined with his approachable personality and darling features, helps to raise awareness and ignite a passion for horses and helping others. Whether he is interacting with kids, teens, adults, or seniors Ghost embodies the transformative power of the human-horse bond, showcasing the nature of equine-assisted services to all who have the pleasure of meeting him. Learn more about Ride On St. Louis, Inc. here .

Dude is a 31-year old Haflinger who was the first blind horse to come to This Old Horse. He was part of a cart team. His team mate helped him navigate his familiar surroundings after Dude lost his sight to uveitis. His partner died, then Dude's owner. The surviving family members surrendered Dude to us and he taught us what we needed to know about loving and caring for a blind horse. Because of him, we have successfully welcomed and cared more than 40 blind horses to the This Old Horse family. Dude is our ambassador who taught us to 'see' the potential and power of horses who can function perfectly well--if the organization has the vision to make it happen. Learn more about This Old Horse, Inc. here .