About Us
Fresh Start Horse Rescue is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization located in Southwest Colorado, on forty acres of pasture and pinon-juniper forest. This acreage is a private residence, so please respect the family and schedule visits by appointment only.
History:
Fresh Start began with the Ryans, a single-income family of four humans who lost their hearts to some neglected broomtails, purchased them, brought them home, and embarked on a great journey of discovery as they loved their way through layers of mistrust, ingrained behaviors, and outright fear. They next made the mistake of visiting the sale barn. Soon, they were in it up to their eyeballs, spending every dime and spare second on feeding, care, rehab, training, and maintenance of their evolving rescue operation. They made a facility out of duct tape and baling twine, and the horses changed their lives.
Fresh Start Horse Rescue, Inc. became a Colorado nonprofit corporation in 2006 and began accepting contributions and volunteer help. The 501(c)(3) came soon after. Because of the economy and Southwest Colorado’s horse overpopulation, more horses become homeless or endangered every day.
Mission:
To provide a fresh start for horses that are abused, neglected, unwanted, or surrendered by loving guardians who can no longer care for them, by rescue, rehabilitation, and placement in permanent, loving homes; and to address the issues concerning unwanted horses through education, action and outreach.
Our donkey:
Tulip, our very first “Program Horse.” She was sharing her healing energy and strength of empowerment with people with disabilities long before the idea of developing an empowerment ministry was ever conceived by Fresh Start’s members. Tulip crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2009, but before she did, her tiny hooves carved a path into our hearts and her soft nose smoothed the way.