The Davissa horse refuge

David’s elderly mother, who lived on the ranch, was diagnosed with a

terminal illness. The doctors only gave her a six-week timeframe. This was

devastating to all. A week before her passing, Momma Scottie, as she was

known, asked to see the horses one last time. David brought Jack and

Wyndy (the first two) into the yard of the ranch house where Miss Scottie

was waiting in her wheelchair. For over a half hour, the horses stood

quietly, patiently, and gently sharing the moment with her. She was able

to touch them, speak to them and have them nuzzle her with love and

understanding. For that half hour those horses helped Miss Scottie forget

her illness and contemplating the end that was very near. They took away

that darkness for a time and gave love and compassion and as only a

horse can. At that moment, David knew these horses, who had been left

behind because they were unrideable, were so much more. They have a

purpose, a gift, and a reason. He knew other horses were out there in this

same situation and they needed a place to come, be loved, give love, and

live out their lives in peace. They needed a place to call home.

While in some ways we are similar to a rescue in that we take in horses that are abandoned, distressed or simply unwanted / unrideable, our mission is a bit different.  A rescue is best suited to saving, rehabilitating and re-homing horses to new owners. A refuge is a permanent home for them.  Our horses are most often older, retired, often not ridable horses that may only have a limited number of years remaining. Those horses are often cast aside, sent to sale or worse. They are often simply old and not as physically strong as they once were but the heart and soul is still VERY sound. We knew they deserved a chance to live out their time with dignity and love, and when the time comes, to leave with that same dignity, and surrounded by love and kindness for a life well lived.  Think of us a retirement home for horses. 

The short answer is YES! We do welcome volunteers to help us with the vast amount of work it takes to do what we do. That work includes mucking stables, cleaning the barns, paddocks, corrals and pens. It may include mending fences, washing, cleaning equipment and general labor around the ranch. It isn't always easy or pretty but it is crucial to our mission and the good care of the horses.

While we welcome volunteers we do have orientation, training, waivers and scheduled times for volunteer work. We do provide letters for employers or civic organizations who may recognize the good work of our volunteers. Orientations are normally on the last Saturday of each month and last about two hours. If you are interested in volunteering, contact us to get an application.

The refuge is a registered 501c charitable organization. That means your donations are tax deductible. To that end, being sustainable and ensuring the long term care of these horses is paramount to our mission. With careful stewardship and the help of amazing supporters our goal is to have the refuge around for a very long time. As a side note, the refuge does NOT pay any salaries, bonuses or  expenses for any of the officers or volunteers. Every dime goes directly to the care and management of the horses.

In a perfect world, we wish we could save every single senior horse out there. But, that isn't realistic and certainly not possible. To that end, we have a limited amount of room here on the ranch and so that means we have to be very deliberate with taking on any new horse.  We work closely with the owner or surrendering party to ensure the Davissa is the best fit for them. Once that is determined we have a very specific process to cover all legal, health and welfare concerns for that horse and the horses already with us. We see taking a horse in as a lifetime commitment to that horse so it isn't taken lightly and we strive to provide the most stress free, safe and calming experience possible for that horse. 

If you have questions or would like more information about our mission, volunteering or ways you can help with what we do, feel free to contact us via a message, call or text. 

Email: davissahorserefuge@gmail.com

Phone: 307-220-4148