HOPE Rescue & Rehabilitation, Inc.

15/05/2024

5 years ago today, we were officially licensed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture as a horse rescue. Many phone calls, messages, miles and horses later and we are still here thriving to serve our community. We have been blessed by groups and volunteers, clubs and organizations that have assisted us and allowed us the opportunity to share the need for such facilities throughout not only our local community, but state and country as well. Today as we mailed all of our numerous documents for renewal, it was a time of reflection for what we have been able to do, but also what is to come. The brochure that is shared is just a very small piece of what has been accomplished. We would encourage you to continue to follow us in the coming months as we share updates and information. But, most of all, "Thank You" for the continued support and encouragement.

16/03/2024

Last year brought more investigations & working horses running at large so it’s been awhile since we’ve been able to share a rescue. Today we brought this beautiful mare in as an owner surrender. She’s a 21 1/2 year old blind bay. She has a white blaze on her face & fetlocks on her legs. We were told that she lost her sight in an accident & has resided with her current owner as a pasture pet since. She is very gentle, halters, leads, loads & trailers well. She will be available for adoption in 2 weeks. Introducing…May.

09/08/2023

It’s been some time since we’ve made a post and I felt the best update I could give is to thank the service people who work with us. We’ve had several new faces both resident and professional and while our posts have been quiet, we are still here and busier than ever. To just say Thank You, isn’t enough so let me preface by saying this…

The Rescue presented a new opportunity for us just over 3 years when I became certified as an Approved Humane Investigator. I was encouraged to take the training to better assist me with assessing horses thinking I wouldn’t use the skills on much, often or on anything beyond horses. However, that certification has taken me on a very adventurous path allowing me to work with law officials and pet owners not only in Wayne County but several others as well. I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had and like to think I bring a proactive approach to the circumstances. Always know that if you initiate a complaint, there is usually another side to the story or explanation of which you are not entitled to know. In the past few weeks, I’ve worked several animal issues and met some pretty great people who truly love animals. While I can’t always resolve a situation the way the you might like, meeting the 4 criteria in the best interest of the animal is foremost. Patience is the key allowing pet owners and animal control the opportunity to resolve issues as opposed to impoundment which we all know is overcrowded.

We truly live in an area where people come together when needed. I am eternally grateful for the team that have stood behind me, assisted me when needed and are true Christian people. To know last week that I could pick up the phone and 2 of you show up to assist with securing a horse headed into Fairfield on the highway during morning work commute was truly amazing. So to conclude this post, I’d like to give a shout out to those who have been so supportive in the past several months; Lexi Tripp-Equine Dentistry, John Ray-Ray’s Backhoe, Dr Larry Best-Crestview Vet Clinic, Steven Bunnage-Bunnage Farms, and my cousin, David Buchanan. Most of all, thank you to my family for supporting my dream.

PS…Steven, thanks for the unexpected delivery of hay today. Not many women would appreciate the gesture but it melts this gals heart.

10/10/2022

We’ve been a bit remiss in posting quite as often the last several months. For that, we apologize. It just means we’re busy with the horses. Today we welcomed this beautiful gal, Olivia Lou, through owner surrender. She is a 14 year old thoroughbred who came in clean with complete vaccines, Coggins and registered papers in hand. While we are always happy to have new residents, she needs a forever home. If you or anyone you know would be interested in adopting Liv, please reach out to us.

21/09/2022

We proudly lend our support to Miss Brooklyn Hazel!

29/04/2022

It’s been awhile since we’ve made a post & for that our apologies. Great things are still happening here at HOPE which are keeping us busy with the horses. Yesterday we were honored again to work with the Wayne County CEO program sharing what we do, how to start and operate a nonprofit organization. We love visitors and sharing with our community. Visits are still welcome by appointment. We will be sharing some further posts in the coming days along with our then and now adoptions so stay tuned!

17/01/2022

Yesterday we said goodbye to one of the sweetest spirits that ever walked through our gates. Burt’s Bar “Buster” was approximately 28 years old. He came to us from a young lady as a retirement after a life of both trail riding and barrel racing. During his time here, he was the gentlest, kindest, old gentleman. He was a favorite among our visitors and a valued friend to not only the other Rescues, but my son, Tyler. He was gracious with the other horses always waiting last to be fed and stepping aside for another. As we lay him to rest today, we know that he will forever be in our hearts and that his time here with us was so very special.

07/01/2022

09/09/2021

If you are a follower of our page, progress, friend, supporter or just a horse enthusiast, please take the time to nominate us. You're welcome to pull down a favorite photo from our page. Help us help the Rescue!

Our Rescue Your Rescue contest is BACK! We’ve partnered with Canidae Pet Food to grant EIGHT animal rescue organizations $25,000 each. Today thru 9/12, nominate a favorite 501(c)3 animal rescue organization for a chance to win $25,000!

Submit a photo of your rescued pet or a pet from the organization plus a quick summary of why this rescue should win one of the eight $25,000 Grand Prizes @ https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/cms/rescueyourrescue. We’ll have 25 finalists move on to the voting round starting on 10/11.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Only 501(c)(3) animal welfare organizations in the 50 US/DC. Nomination period ends 9/12/21. Voting ends 10/17/21. Rules: TractorSupply.com/RescueYourRescue.

29/06/2021

ADOPTED! We are thrilled to share the adoption today of one the Rescue’s favorite residents, RJ. RJ came to us just over a year ago at the age of 20 as a retirement surrender. He is a handsome mustang/bay gelding that was the alpha to the herd and a friend to all during his time here. He was adopted and rehomed today to the Jordan Obrecht family. We were blessed and honored for the time that RJ was with us and know that he is being placed in a wonderful home!

18/06/2021

A huge “Thank You” to Doug Anderson for allowing us to be a part of this year’s program!

19 teachers from Edwards, Wabash, Wayne, and White Counties participated in the 2021 Summer Ag Institute (SAI) program on June 15-17. The program was an opportunity to “teach the teacher” about various agricultural industries, and to help them identify opportunities to incorporate that information into lessons they can implement in their classrooms next school year.

On Day #1, teachers received an update from the team at Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom. After lunch from Vick’s Bread & Brew, they toured Broster Farms, where they use solar energy to power their grain bins. We made a stop at Buchanan Market, a local farmer’s market, as well as learned about grass-fed beef at FoxGlove Acres Ranch.

On Day #2, teachers learned how to make the perfect cup of coffee at Bold Goat Coffee Company. They learned about equine care at HOPE Rescue & Rehabilitation and then learned about local timber production at Pond Creek Forest Products. They learned about the business of agri-tourism at Shreve’s Pumpkin Patch, made a quick stop at Curd Farms to visit some turkeys, and then finished the day learning about industrial h**p at Illuminent Extracts.

On Day #3, learned about organically grown pork at Wiseman Farms, discovered our natural resources at Beall Woods, and had lunch with Illinois’ Miss Rodeo Queen. They learned about bee farming from Charlie Trimble and drone technology from Wabash Valley Service Company. They finished the day by visiting Marriott Goat Farms and Walker Tiling.

Teachers received continuing education credits from Wabash Valley College.

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of our partners who made this event possible. We would also like to recognize Country Financial for sponsoring the meal each day.

The 2021 SAI program was funded in part from a grant from the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom.

04/06/2021

See Buddy’s beautiful gait! Hope to catch more of this footage to share in the near future.

04/06/2021

Buddy is the new guy at the ranch and came in yesterday as an owner surrender. He’s a 24 year old spotted sorrel/Missouri Fox Trotter cross and in emaculate condition for his age. He does have a medical condition called stringhalt on his right rear leg from an injury and is blind in his left eye. He has a beautiful gait and tail pitch when in a trot. Buddy will be available for adoption in a few weeks once he receives his services. He is extremely well trained and still a possible riding option. If you’d like to meet Buddy, visit or meet any of the other rescues, contact Rhonda at 618-599-6749.

27/05/2021

Girl Scout Troop #8779 led by Mrs. “J”, Jessi Vaughan, recently paid us a visit. The girls, ages Kindergarten through 5th Grade, met HOPE Team Member and Equine Therapist, Brooklyn Hazel. She spoke with and demonstrated some basic therapy techniques, showmanship tips and her experiences as Miss Rodeo Illinois. She also took time to sign autographs for the young ladies. Troop members were able to have hands-on time with a few of the Rescue residents including grooming, feeding treats, sitting on and/or riding Buster. They closed the evening with a wiener roast sponsored by HOPE. Special thanks to Brooklyn for taking time out of her busy schedule to make the evening a hit. We’d also like to thank volunteers Tiffany Beard, Chloe Britton, Sara Hazel and Shelby Potts for their assistance.

05/05/2021

We were privileged to host the Wayne County CEO class on Monday, May 3 sharing how to establish a 501c3 nonprofit organization, team building and outsourcing. We were joined by Wayne County Farm Bureau manager, Doug Anderson, who spoke on their organization, available resources, policies and their involvement and support of HOPE Rescue. Andrew Smith, Youth Advisor, and Rhonda Buchanan, CEO of HOPE hosted the event. Alyssa Short, CEO instructor and her students were even given the opportunity to enjoy some hands on with a few of the rescue residents.

02/05/2021

More photos from yesterday’s blessing!

02/05/2021

What an absolutely beautiful day to enjoy hosting this amazing crew again! Mt Vernon Central Christian Church, Thank You so much for choosing HOPE Rescue as one of your Community Serve Day projects again! Each one of you will forever hold a special place for what you have done for the advancement of our project & mission. Today this team of wonderful volunteers finished setting the remaining half of the pasture for our equine friends to enjoy. They also scrubbed down and painted the propane tank, moved and reset the corral for upcoming events, and also got time to enjoy our equine friends. Thank You doesn’t seem enough for all you have helped us accomplish. We would also like to thank Gary Hamerski, our Country Companies agent, for donating bottled water to keep us hydrated. Shari Winter for picking up and delivering sandwiches from our friends at John’s Butcher Block, Ronnie Wright, our personal Tim Taylor at Kincaids, for keeping us in supplies, and Matt Kinney for his time and work yesterday to set the gates that have been delivered and the remaining brace posts. It was a wonderful pleasure to have each one of you, and we hope that you’ll return just to sit and enjoy what you accomplished. We have been blessed this afternoon and evening watching the horses graze and play in the new pasture addition. May God bless you all!

13/04/2021

Introducing Burts Bar “Buster”! Buster is a 27 year old registered chestnut gelding who was an owner surrender to us today for retirement. He has been trail ridden and barrel raced. He has a beautiful smooth gait, currently rideable and according to his owner can still “fly.” We do our very best to honor the wishes of prior owners and what is the best welfare for the horse. That said, Buster will not be posted for adoption and will remain with us for the length of his retirement. If you’d like to meet Buster or his fellow companions, please feel free to contact us to schedule a visit.

08/04/2021

We are honored to announce that this amazing group of people have once again chosen us as one of their many Community Serve Day locations on Saturday, May 1, 2021. If you’d like to stop by, volunteer & let them share about their mission & God, please feel free. You will truly be blessed and glad that you did. Mt Vernon Central Christian Church, we look forward to your visit and another wonderful day!

11/03/2021

We are pleased to share the rest of Sunny’s adoption story! If you recall, she was a recent surrender from an abused and neglected situation. Sunny was adopted by Halle White of Creal Springs. She chose Sunny to help teach young children to ride. She made her way to her new forever home just over a week ago where her overall health is improving and she is regaining weight. Her adoptive family have also been able to track down some of her heritage including from whom she was sired! She has proven to be a strong girl and well broken to ride. We are so thankful to her wonderful adopter for the photos, and thrilled to see her being so loved!

11/02/2021

We are pleased to announce the adoption of our latest rescue, Sunny! She is the 8 year old “unnamed” buckskin pony surrendered just last week. Sunny is still undergoing services from our team and will be rehomed with her new family in the coming weeks. We were elated by the outpouring responses received financially for her care, as well as, the wonderful suggestions for her name. The ultimate decision was made by her adopters. We will post an update on Sunny once she’s ready to go to her new home.

04/02/2021

NAME THAT HORSE!

This little gal came in to us today as a surrender from an abused and neglected situation. While we have not yet received a horse under such circumstances, they do exist. She had already begun receiving services from a dentist and farrier prior to her surrender. She is malnourished and definitely in need of healing and additional loving care. She is a very sweet mild-mannered buckskin pony approximately 8 years old. While we know very little about her, we do know that she comes to us without a name.

We often ask for monetary support for our residents because of the significant care they require. This post will include a donation button should you like to specifically help her. However, what we would really encourage is suggestions of what we should call her. If you have thoughts or ideas for a name, please comment below. We will continue to update her condition to our page, and will eventually make a post in the near future with narrowed choices for our FB audience to cast the final vote.

19/01/2021

BELLA ADOPTED!

We are extremely excited to share with you our very first “official” adoption! This story has been unfolding now for a couple of months, and we have been patiently waiting to publish it. Aspen, 10 year old daughter of Lanny & Stacey, took possession of her 2020 Christmas wish TODAY. Her big ticket item this year for Christmas was a horse, and we’re elated that she chose us to help grant her request.

Aspen selected and was a wonderful match to our 11 year old Paso Fino mare, Bella, who was an owner surrender in June of 2020. She came to us with possible hip dysplasia where she was seen by several members of our team; Brooklyn Hazel, Equine Therapist, Dr Larry Best, Veteranarian and Dr Stephanie Brewer, Equine Chiropractor. While we still do not have an official diagnosis because of expensive/extensive tests and X-rays, we will continue to work with Aspen to enable Bella can lead as much of a normal life as possible. We know that our sweet gentle Bella has found her loving forever home, and look forward to keeping up with her progress. Congratulations & Best Wishes, Aspen & Bella!

19/01/2021

The very best part of what we do; happy tears! Thanks, Aspen, for allowing us to share your surprise!