SUCCESS STORIES
“True love is a hop, skip, and an equine rescue away” - Unknown
As hard as it is for us to see a rescue go, it is also a heartwarming, rewarding experience. For a horse to get adopted means they get “their person”, they will know love for the rest of their life! We keep our rescues in our “Rescued for Life” program, which means we get annual updates on their progress, and love that we get to watch the partnership with their adopter grow.
January 1, 2025
WOODROW NORTHWIND (Woody)
Woody December 13, 2024
Woody’s arrival November 13, 2024
Woody found his forever home!
Woody, came to us as an owner surrender on November 14, 2024. He came to us due to no fault of his own, but his owner is getting out of horses, and felt that he should have a “job”. Woody is a 9 year old quarter horse that his owner had saved from an abusive situation. Woody is very sweet and willing, with a very level head. On Thanksgiving morning Matthew and Shelly came out to meet Woody. The connection with Matthew and Woody were immediately apparent. Matthew gave Woody a new name- to fit his showing future.. We can not wait to see the Dappled Duke make his debut! Congratulations Matthew and Shelly!
December 21, 2024
NWR ZERA LOUISE (Zera)
Zera’s progress photo from June 7, 2024
Zera’s listing photo from Kill Pen July 2023
ZERA FOUND HER FOREVER HOME!
Zera came to us July 31, 2023 from a rescue in Wyoming. We had originally paid for Zera from the kill pen in Colorado, but we were instead sent a horse that we were told was mother “Birdie” now known as Athena. In this mix up, Zera was instead sent to the rescue in Wyoming that had originally paid for Birdie. We were contacted as informed that the two have been together all their lives and may be bonded. Zera was supposed to be bred, with an unknown due date. Zera finished quarantine in Wyoming, and we arranged for her transport to us for evaluation and rehoming. Zera we found was not pregnant, and had some very strong opinions that without the right management could have turned very bad for the handler. Her “go to” was trying to bite or kick when she was pushed too far from her comfort zone. We spent a lot of time working with Zera WITHIN her comfort zone, and with patience and understanding. Then Kersten came along. Kersten said she has extensive horse experience, and was not afraid of the challenge, so after informing her of Zera’s FULL behavior history, she said she still wanted to meet her! When she came, Zera responded to her in a way that we didn’t experience much. She was so relaxed around her! You could tell that both Kersten and Zera felt a connection immediately, and Kersten said “this is my horse” immediately! While they still have a long way to go, in building their bond, they spent time together at OUR rescue, getting to know each other a little bit more. Now Zera is officially at her new home, and we can not wait to watch them be successful together! Congratulations Zera and Kersten!
December 8, 2024
LUNA DEE POCO RR (Luna)
Luna’s progress photo December 7, 2024
Luna’s arrival November 13, 2024
LUNA FOUND HER FOREVER HOME
Luna, came to us as an owner surrender on November 14, 2024. She came to us due to no fault of her own, but her owner is getting out of horses, and felt that she should have a “job”. Luna is a 6 year old registered quarter horse. She is a very smart, very level headed, easy going mare. She is unphased by most things, and is very smart, sweet and social. She loves her attention, and kids. Kaitlin and Luna hit it off immediately, and we knew this was the perfect home for her! Congratulations Kaitlin and Luna!
December 6, 2024
GEORGE BAILEY (Bailey)
Bailey’s progress photo November 30, 2024
Bailey’s arrival September 11, 2024
BAILEY FOUND HIS FOREVER HOME
Bailey, came to us as an owner surrender on September 11, 2024. He came to us due to no fault of his own, but his owner was getting out of horses, and loved Bailey enough to surrender him to us, so we could find him a forever home. Bailey is a 23 year old paint gelding. He is not officially registered, but we know he is out of “Painted Canyon” (Stallion) and “Poco Peggy Sue” (Mare) and born in 2001. When we first got Bailey in he was very anxious and took over a month to settle in. Once he settled in, he showed his affection side. He loves his people, and he loves his ladies- other geldings, not so much. John and Catina came to meet him, and immediately fell in love with this big boy! We are so excited he found this loving family and can’t wait to see him come out of his shell even more. Congratulations to all of you!!!
November 13, 2024
TONY THE PONY (Tony)
Tony’s arrival October 16, 2024
Tony’s arrival October 16, 2024
TONY FOUND HIS FOREVER HOME
Tony, came to us as an owner surrender on October 16, 2024. He came to us due to no fault of his own, but his owner was having trouble managing his weight and worried that he would founder sooner than later. They loved Tony enough to surrender him to us to find him a forever home. After almost a month of a few applications, and a couple meet and greets, Tony finally met his forever home. Tony will spend his days being loved, and with his new friend Whinnie (who is also a pony). Congratulations Bryan, Joanna, Whinnie, and Tony on finding each other! We can not wait to hear how much Tony loves his new home, and all of his scratch-ies!
November 5, 2024
BELLA LUNA (Blue)
Blue’s Progress June 7, 2024
Blue’s Arrival April 8, 2024
BLUE FOUND HER FOREVER HOME
Blue came to us on April 8, 2024 as an owner surrender. She was surrendered due to no fault of her own, it was due to her owner’s health. Blue is approximately 8 years old, and had 30 days training when she was about 3 years old. Blue was very loved, and is super sweet, with such a kind eye and sound mind. She was very level headed and takes everything in stride thus far. She had high ringbone around 3 years old, and we were told it fused naturally. When she came in, we did xrays, and it turned out her right side was not completely fused. Blue went to a foster home for a few months from July to October, and when she came back one of the families we had adopted to in the past asked to come talk adoption. It is really hard not to fall in love with Blue once you meet her. We are so thankful she is going to a family who always puts the horse first. Congratulations Kaylie and family!!!
October 20, 2024
EYES OF JEWEL (Jewel)
Jewel’s Progress October 8, 2024
Jewel’s Arrival September 13, 2024
JEWEL FOUND HER FOREVER HOME
Jewel, came to us as an owner surrender on September 11, 2024. She came to us due to no fault of her own, but her owner was getting out of horses, and loved Jewel enough to surrender her to us to find her a forever home. Jewel is a registered, 23 year old quarter horse mare. She comes from the foundation bloodlines of Two Eyed Jack, Zan Parr Bar and Doc Bar! She is said to be kid safe, and just a lovely girl. After getting Jewel into consistent work again, we confirmed that - she was such a sweet girl, and so good under saddle! Carol had been looking for the right horse for a while, and KNEW Jewel was for her, before she even met her in person. The meet and greet just confirmed what she already knew. Congratulations Carol! We know she will be fantastic for you!
September 8, 2024
LAKOTA SAGE (Chief)
Chief’s Arrival August 13, 2024
Chief’s Arrival August 13, 2024
CHIEF FOUND HIS FOREVER HOME
Chief, came to us as an owner surrender on August 13, 2024. He came to us due to no fault of his own, but his owner was getting out of horses, and loved Chief enough to surrender him to us to find him his forever home. Chief is an easy keeper, great for vet and farrier, and just a super sweet boy. He is very level headed and takes it all in stride. He is going to his new little boy very happy! Congratulations Cash (and family)!
September 4, 2024
PEPTOS STYLISH LAD (Pep)
Pep’s Progress Photo July 23, 2024
Pep’s Arrival June 24, 2024
PEP FOUND HIS FOREVER HOME
Pep, or Pepito as we call him, came to us as an owner surrender on June 24, 2024. We are not 100% on his story, but we do know that he was surrendered due to some behavior issues that he current owner’s trainer couldn’t work through, and didn’t have time to work through so the owner no longer wanted him. They asked if we would take him, and when we fundraised enough for his surrender fee we took him in! Pep IS REGISTERED, and is Great Grandson to Peptoboonsmal - who happens to be one of the all-time top cutting and reined cow horse sires, who has been immortalized as a Breyer Portrait horse! How cool is that!!! Rose and Avery brought their daughter to meet Pep, and Pep absolutely loves her. Rose does a wonderful job connecting with Pep, and we can not wait to see how far he comes! Congratulations to all of you!
August 7, 2024
LADY SAPPHIRE (Lady)
Lady’s Progress Photo July 23, 2024
Lady’s Arrival May 14, 2024
LADY FOUND HER FOREVER HOME
Lady came to us as an owner surrender on May 14, 2024 as a 6 year old mare. She was surrendered due to no fault of her own, it was due to her owner’s health. She does only have one eye, her left eye was removed due to infection years ago. Don’t let it fool you though, this girl has heightened senses, and it does not inhibit her at all. She is very body aware, and aware of her surroundings. She loves to connect with people, and is very social with a silly personality! She is a beautiful mover, and she likes to show that off! Zoey came to meet her and her willingness and desire to connect was clear. Lady even gave her a glimpse at her sassy side, she just wanted to make sure that Zoey knew what she was getting. (Which made us happy!) This is one pair we can not wait to see grow together! I expect we will see great things from these two! Congratulations Zoey (and family!)
June 24, 2024
ROY ROGGERS (Trigger)
Triggers Arrival June 19, 2024
Triggers Arrival June 19, 2024
TRIGGER FOUND HIS FOREVER HOME
Trigger came to us on June 19, 2024 as a 22 year old, quarter horse cross, as an owner surrender. His owner had contacted us the month prior about surrendering him, but we did not have space at the time. His owner agreed to hang on to him until we could find him the right home, or if a spot opened up. Fast forward to June, and a family reached out that they were looking for a pasture buddy for their 19 year old horse who had lost their pasture mate. We knew Trigger would be a great fit, they agreed so we made it happen. We did give Trigger his full name prior to leaving - Roy Rogers, for the actor/musician, as he had a horse that he named Trigger! To everyone’s amazement, Trigger and his pasture buddy Diesel became instant best friends, and acted as though they have been friends forever. It makes our hearts so happy, Congratulations Tonya we couldn’t me more excited that Trigger found his forever home with you!!!
June 21, 2024
FOREST RANGER (Ranger)
Ranger’s Progress June 7, 2024
Ranger’s Arrival April 23, 2024
RANGER FOUND HIS FOREVER HOME
Ranger came to us on April 23, 2024 as an owner surrender. He is was said to be 19 years old, and surrendered due to no fault of his own, but for his own health benefit. Ranger came to us from North Carolina. He was diagnosed there with heaves (like COPD/Asthma for people), and the weather/environment down in North Carolina was not conducive to his health. The heat, and humidity, and possibly the allergens all were contributing to his not being able to breath. When horses can’t breath well, they don’t eat, and Ranger lost a lot of weight during his episodes. His owner, and the rescue his owner originally got him from, all felt it was in his best interest to move to the Northern States. Ranger is just the sweetest boy! Ranger did have an asthma attack during the very humid days. We put him on Dexamethasone, and maintenance dose of Cetirizine. Although Ranger is said to be broke to ride- trail rides even, we believe he would be best suited for pasture life. Chief’s owner had brought him back to visit the rescue, while he was nursing a wound that occurred at no fault of theirs, but an accident at his boarding facility - and they quickly fell in love with Ranger too! Ranger and Chief had the opportunity to bond while here as well- before moving to their NEW boarding facility. Ranger is going to be a very loved pasture mate!
May 3, 2024
NWR WYATT RIPP (Rebel)
Rebel’s Progress Photo December 7, 2023
Rebel’s Listing Photo November 7, 2023
REBEL FOUND HIS FOREVER HOME
Rebel came to us November 8, 2023 from a pen in Minnesota. Rebel was said to be 5 months old, who came from a South Dakota Reservation. He seems to have had limited contact with people and is very nervous, in fact, he just hid behind his “brother” Chief. We seperated the two for a little while, and Rebel quickly became attached to Gregory (Valorie’s son). Gregory was the first person he touched, and Gregory was the first one that he took a treat from. After that Rebel became VERY social. He loves attention, and he loves to smell your breath. When we listed Rebel for adoption, Gregory was very upset and we discussed him adopting Rebel. Another horse had always been “in the cards”, but not a baby. But when you see that type of bond - you can’t NOT nourish it. So, Rebel is now part of our forever family. He will be part of the North Winds Healing program, and Gregory’s horse. Welcome to the family Rebel!!
March 24, 2024
NWR WAYLON WILLIAM (Chief)
Chief’s Progress Photo December 7, 2023
Chief’s Listing Photo November 7, 2023
CHIEF FOUND HIS FOREVER HOME
Chief came to us November 8, 2023 from a pen in Minnesota. When we got Chief he was about 6 months old, and believed to come from a South Dakota Reservation. He came to us scared, unhandled, and untouchable. When we got him to the rescue, it took us a while to even get him off of the trailer. He very quickly showed us that he was curious, and very smart. He was the first to let us touch him, and we quickly gained his trust. From that day on, he decided he absolutely loved attention. He is usually the first to meet us at the gate, and the first to come for his neck scratches (his favorite scratch spot!) Autumn met Chief when she and her family came out to volunteer, and it was love at first sight! We are so excited to watch the two of your grow up together, we are so happy you found each other!
March 8, 2024
NWR ATHENA RAE (Athena)
Athena’s Progress November 2023
Athena’s Arrival June 28, 2023
ATHENA FOUND HER FOREVER HOME
Birdie (who we are calling Athena- she did not know her name) came to us June 28, 2023 from a kill pen in Colorado with Maverick. We had actually paid for a different horse with the kill pen who we were told was her daughter (Zera), and when the 2 horses arrived, we had in fact received Birdie instead of Zera. Through DNA Test we found out that they are NOT mother and daughter. She was said to be a 12 year old, we do not have any reason to believe otherwise, as teeth seem to be fairly consistent. Coming from a kill pen we did not have any information on her. What we have seen, she is very sweet, but stands her ground with other horses, especially around grain. Once she settled in, she was the first to meet you at the gate, and loves to just be in your presence. Christina said that she fell in love with her through our telling of her journey on social media, and she knew immediately when she met her, that she was the one! We can not wait to see their relationship bloom!
November 11, 2023
LIVE IN LOVE (Libby)
Libby’s progress September 2023
Libby’s Arrival May 2023
LIBBY FOUND HER FOREVER HOME
Libby came to us May 31, 2023 from a private owner in Michigan. She is an 18 year old, 16H Standardbred, ex-racing mare. Her registered name is Live in Love. She won her people over $156,000, had a couple babies (two of which also raced), and then went to the Amish for a while. The Amish sent her to auction, and she ended up in a kill pen. Her previous owner pulled her from the Wisconsin kill pen, she was very skinny and said to have been exposed to a ‘Morgan’. The previous owner said she was so skinny she didn’t think it would take, but it did, and the owner did not have a facility with the means for a mare to foal. She lost her baby between March (when the previous owner did an ultrasound) and May (when we received her). Libby is very calm and well mannered, she takes everything in and not much bothers her. We started riding her and she did really well, just needed to work on her flexion. She was doing great when her adopter, Lindsay came and met her. She immediate fell in love with her sweet demeanor. We can not wait to watch them grow together. Congratulations Lindsay and Libby!
October 12, 2023
NWR MONARCH MERRIT (Archie)
Archie’s Progress September 2023
Archie’s Arrival March 2023
ARCHIE FOUND HIS FOREVER HOME
Archie came to us March 25, 2023 from a private owner in Mississippi. He was said to be a 12 year old, 15.1H Appendix gelding. The vet said he was probably closer to 15. He did not seem to be an abuse case, but did seem like a neglect case. He was kept in with goats who fought him for food and chewed on his tail. He was as docile as they come, and is willing to do whatever we asked of him. With some groceries and patience his foster mom in Florida nursed him back to health. She worked with him until building muscle, and endurance over a couple months and it wasn’t long before he was ready for his forever home. Becky and Linda met him and loved his sweet and gentle personality. We can not wait to see him continue to improve, and what enjoyment you bring to each others lives. Congratulations Becky, Linda and Archie!!
October 6, 2023
NWR RAMILI ROSE (Ramili)
Ramili’s progress September 2023
Ramili the day she arrived April 19, 2023
RAMILI FOUND HER FOREVER HOME
Ramili was pulled from a feed lot in Mississippi in April of 2023. From the feed lot she went straight to her foster family in Tennessee where her foster family worked to put weight on her, and work on training. Ramili’s previous owner had used her extensively for trail riding, and endurance trails. She is broke to ride, but will receive refreshers for training while she is with us awaiting her adoption. While in TN she had a 10 year old riding her, and starting her on the barrel pattern. Ramili came to Wisconsin when her foster family’s situation had changed, and we were excited to finally meet her. When she arrive one of our volunteers (Kayley) and her kids met her, and instantly fell in love with her sweet and affectionate disposition. A week and a half after Ramili’s arrival, and a long time of waiting for her first horse, Kayley (and her husband) decided that she would be part of their family. Congratulations Kayley! We can not wait to watch your bond continue to develop!
July 18, 2023
MAGNOLIA JUNE (Fancy)
Fancy’s arrival June 30, 2023
FANCY FOUND HER FOREVER HOME
Fancy came to us on June 30, 2023 as an owner surrender. Her owner had rescued her years ago, and just needed to downsize her herd. She knew we would find Fancy the perfect forever home to live out her days. When Fancy came in we evaluated her level of training, to find what type of home she would be suited for. We quickly found that she had great ground manners and behaved beautifully around kids. We had met a potential adopter at the Midwest Horse Fair in April that we thought she would be a perfect fit for! Fancy was welcomed with open arms on July 18, to a wonderful family. She will be living out the rest of her days with a horse friend named Lady, and getting love from grandkids and giving pony rides in return.
March 24, 2023
NWR Ranger Luxe (Ranger)
RANGER’S ARRIVAL JANUARY 2, 2022
RANGER”S PROGRESS NOV 2022
RANGER FOUND HIS FOREVER HOME
Ranger came to use while we were in Florida, from a Texas killpen in January 2022. We were told he was 4 and started. Once he actually arrived we learned a lot more about him very fast. He was actually closer to 8 years old (vet said teeth looked like 6-10, so we naturally went with 8), he had been severely abused, and if he was started, he wasn’t started properly. When we tried to pick up his feet, he would literally “hop” out of it. When we tried to go anywhere other than up by his head be would back up, he was terrified of a blanket, and he was convinced that fly spray was absolutely going to kill him. After trying to work through all of the issues, and what felt like 1 step forward and 3 steps back we decided to start at square one. We worked on connection first in the round pen. After what felt like forever in around pen we got him to join up. After that, the rest of the steps went a lot smoother. We learned that being firm with him didn’t always work. He required patience and understanding. In the summer, we body clipped him as his hair was so thick and he was so warm. That body clip showed us that he had a rough start. A big scar on his leg with some other small ones led us to believe he had a run in with barbed wire. A big scar and scar tissue on his neck led us to believe he may have been impaled by something at some point. A lot of scars on his but led us to believe that he had been whipped to submission. This poor boy went through so much, no wonder he was nervous. Over the span of a few months after that we started making real progress. We got probably 30-40 rides on him, and he moved with the rescue to Wisconsin in August 2022. He adjusted to the temperature and continued to work on building a solid foundation. March 2022 we started riding again, and he was absolutely amazing, soft in your hands, and attentive as usual.. That week a sweet family, with a little girl came to meet him and seeing their instant bond, we knew that this was his forever home. Congratulations Addy! We can’t wait to watch the two of you become a team and win ribbons at the shows you attend in the future.
Cool Preview (Dreamer)
February 18, 2023
DREAMER’S ARRIVAL AUGUST 13, 2022
DREAMER’S PROGRESS NOVEMBER 2022
DREAMER FOUND HIS FOREVER HOME
Dreamer came to us in August 2022 as an owner surrender. His previous owner got him from an auction, not knowing anything of his background. All that was really shared about him was that he is papered, his birthday is February 2015, he is sweet on the ground, and willing. The owners realized that he needed more training than they were able to provide at the time. They asked that we take him, work with, and set him up for success with a forever home. After working with Dreamer, it turned out that his left stifle showed mild lateral trochlear ridge lucencies and irregularities consistent with OCD. With his case being so mild he was a great candidate for injections, and it was so mild, that just treating the inflammation may be all he needed. We gave him his injection, and found him his forever home the next day! His new owner is aware of his “condition” and will love him regardless, and can’t wait to work with him. Congratulations Savannah and Dreamer, we can’t wait to watch you grow together!