help. Somehow fate intervened and we were contacted to transport Bella to a rescue that agreed to take her into their care. Upon pickup, the love between Jessica and Bell was unmistakable, but she wasn’t in a position to have a horse. The tears flowed, and final good byes were said, it was all so bittersweet. Bella would live, but that meant separating the dear friends.
Upon delivery to the rescue that had agreed to take Bella to, our hearts sunk. Due to our background and very high standards of care, we knew we couldn’t leave Bella there. And so, it started, Bella would be coming home with us. We contacted Jessica and explained the situation. We told her after graduation if she was ever in the position to be able to take Bella we would do whatever it took to help make that happen. We agreed to stay in touch and visit whenever possible.
The rescue was formed, with the start of Bella, in 2014
Since then, Hosanna Horse Haven has helped over 30 horses in need to find their forever home. HHH strives to find horses their perfect match, not just a home, regardless of how long the process takes. If for some reason the horse is deemed unadoptable they become a sanctuary horse. Currently, HHH has 10 horses in their care with a number of additional horses in foster care. Like many rescues, much of HHH’s work involves networking with other rescues to find homes or transport.
We honestly do face huge donation challenges. This is due to the fact that the majority of HHH horses are sanctuary horses. Why is that a factor? They aren’t the latest and greatest Facebook or Instagram story, they aren’t the most urgent case anymore. Donors aren’t as motivated to support a horse they feel is out of danger. In fact, several un-reputable rescues only take in certain cases because they know it will increase donations. They prey on the heart of well-meaning people and take advantage of them. It’s a business for them and not their life mission. Another issue that effects Sanctuary horses are their adoptions do not generate revenue because they stay forever and are safe.
Nonetheless, it’s about the horses. Remember the beautiful horse that started it all? This isn’t the end of her story. After four years with us she got her happy ending. Remember the college kid stable hand? Jessica has grown up to be a responsible caring adult. She never lost touch with us. Jessica always dreamed of being reunited with Bella, even making a 7-hour trip one year on her honeymoon to visit her.
Bella recognized Jessica immediately and they went for a ride. It was beautiful to see them reconnect. A plan was made to reunite them for good. Jessica and her husband would begin saving and making plans, as they intended to adopt Bella as soon as they could.
In the summer of 2018, a year after that visit, we were thrilled to transport Bella back to Michigan. This too was bittersweet, as we had grown close to this sweet mare and loved her much. But after all, Jessica was Bella’s person. Even though she loved her new family with HHH, she had clearly picked Jessica. They are reunited forever. Their bond and friendship have stood the test of time and flourished. Bella needs a lot of special care including dental because of how her teeth have formed from the broken jaw. Jessica had to search for the perfect farrier, vet, dentist, chiropractor and massage therapist that would continue to help Bella stay productive and live a long life. Additionally, she has a fused cervical vertebra in her neck and it is also thought that she has a genetic anomaly resulting in a missing cervical vertebra. The fused vertebra limits Bella’s mobility to graze and requires her to assume a grazing stance similar to a club foot horse with one front leg way out. She can only eat grass from one side of her mouth since she can’t turn her neck a certain way. She is however, according to the vets okay for light trail riding, as it will keep her in shape and more flexible.
HHH needs help. Like most rescues HHH does not receive any state or federal funding. Nor, have they been able to secure any grants to aid in their mission. If there are any grant writers out there HHH would love to work with you. With so much time spent in the barn and working to support the horses this small rescue could use some help with fundraising, events and social media. If you have some spare time and the skills HHH requires please consider donating some of your time to assist us.
To learn more about Hosanna Horse Haven and how you can help, donate or advocate please visit our website at www.hosannahorsehaven.org
Above, equine therapy with Boone and Todd
Below, director Lisa Allomong with Yadah, saved from slaughter