Non Profit & Charitable Organization 501(c)3 Equines & Education
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Welcome
Our Mission
Equine Safe Haven, providing education by using saved-from-slaughter equines.
The nonprofit, 501c3 charity outreach provide education which benefits the community, visitors, and guests that visit. The nonprofit purchases Equines from a specific Texas kill pen. A "kill pen" is a place that ships directly to Mexico to slaughter. Equine Safe Haven then rehabilitates and, repurposes those Equines into a program that teaches all ages horsemanship skills. For the community, visitors, and out of town guests, the non profit program teaches life-skills, leadership, fitness, healing & compassion, and also focuses on carriage driving skills that can be used by those that no longer ride, or have disabilities that would not allow them to ride otherwise. We benefit the community by providing a recreational outlet for economically disadvantaged persons of all ages.
We provide educational instruction in various equine activities and disciplines. We provide this to all Veterans and those that may have a disability which prevent them from riding.
Basic horsemanship, driving a carriage/buggy basics, and general horse care, all using our horses, mules and donkeys as teachers. These animals usually have over 10 years' experience, highly trained, and still have much to give. They are deserving of a second chance. They provide this community of the Southwest much needed outlet, and healing potential for underprivileged, persons with disabilities, educational opportunities & endless smiles.
What? You're not a rescue? I thought you were a rescue???
We are not a rescue or a sanctuary - we are a unique charitable, educational organization.…and here is why…Rescue, Rehabilitation, Retrain, Repurpose, Rehome, Retire
We do all the above! In addition, we are a public charity, 501(c)3 as designated by the IRS and our contributions are tax deductible.
We only rescue/save horses that are at their last week before shipping across the border to Mexico to be slaughtered. We then rehabilitate, (provide medical, retraining, nutritional care), evaluate, and repurpose equines to be used for educational purposes, therapeutic purposes, and into the Equine Safe Haven programs. We sometimes adopt/rehome to qualified homes. Some Equines are retired permanently.
Here is the difference between a rescue and what we do:
Equine rescues are designed (and some required) to receive horses surrendered (from the public), save them from extreme situations of abuse, neglect or danger, then rehabilitate and/or retrain to be adopted/rehomed on a regular basis. Sanctuaries will keep those horses permanently, those that are not usually adoptable.
It is a circular operation, and usually high volumes of turnaround are in their goals.
Equine Safe Haven does not take in owner-surrendered horses, and has a limit of how many can be taken in. ESH saves specific horses, from a specific “kill pen”, to be used for specific purposes, and will only have private rehome/adoptions.
We are not a circular operation, we are multifaceted.
We are not limited as rescue and sanctuary would be. Education and community outreach are our main focus. Rescue is our secondary focus, (a means to achieve the end results).We are an educational organization, a public outreach, at facilities that provide Equine education, general horsemanship and carriage driving. We educate people about slaughter pipelines and how they can help. We educate the Public regarding Equines that are older and can live extraordinary second-chance lives! All our programs are low cost or free to the public for those that are economically and physically disadvantaged.
We partner with individual Veterans, Veterans associations, Standardbred rescues and Standardbred Incentive programs, Community Foundations, and many other groups. Equines have been proven to help with physical trauma, mental health, substance abuse, grief/loss, anxiety, depression, PTSD and more. We have seen improvements in individuals with cognitive disorders, and improvement in motor skills, concentration and short-term memory. We use Equines to teach mindfulness, patience, focus and responsibility & leadership skills.
At low or no cost to the individual, we provide education and training to anyone 65 and older, economically and/or physically disadvantaged. We partner with medical professionals for health and therapeutic wellness. We have training, classes, competitions, and events for those in our programs.
PLUS:
Our organization operates out of two seasonal locations. By appointment only, the Ranch in Deming, New Mexico, provides camping, RV overnights, and day use for guests. Most of these guests are what contribute to the success of Equine Safe Haven. The North Texas location is new to us, and we will be offering programs Summer of 2025.
Grants funding is in our reach! Since we are an educational, charitable organization, we can obtain more grants and funding from more organizations. We are not limited to animal welfare funding. We provide human welfare, education in addition to animal welfare in our mission. This opens so many more opportunities for funding. We have a large, unique diverse board of directors, that come from all walks of life, backgrounds & education. We encourage inclusion and diversity on our board.
I hope this clarifies our amazing 501c3 charitable nonprofit and the difference we make in the community and those that visit us from around the world. Join us in our multipurpose mission!
Activities
2025
Two locations:
Deming New Mexico - Open Oct 15 to May 15
*NEW* Whitesboro Texas - Open May 15 to Nov 1
Driving classes and practices - See SaddleHawk Ranch's website: www.saddlehawkranch.com for upcoming fall/winter classes in 2025/26.
All Veterans, and/or economically and physically disadvantaged are encouraged to participate - at little or no cost
For more info see our "program" tab in the menu. Let us know which classes you like to take and we can sponsor you for the class(es)
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see more on the Events tab
TAX EXEMPT, CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION
TAX EXEMPT, CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION
TAX EXEMPT, CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION
Equine Safe Haven is a nonprofit 501(c)3, tax exempt organization as determined by the IRS. Your donations are tax deductible
EIN: 88-4218548
We always need your help. Equine Safe Haven supports 9 to 11 horses in the driving, riding and horsemanship programs for the disadvantaged. We need monthly donations of at least $2500 to support our hay/feed/farrier/vet bills for those horses. We often only receive half that amount, and then Ken and Katrina cover the remainder with their own funds. We thank our current monthly sponsors & contributors for continuing to help support
Past Events
TAX EXEMPT, CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION
TAX EXEMPT, CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION
April 2025 - Alyssa's fundraising trail ride in Radium Springs, NM
Ronin was back with his wheelchair buggy and Alyssa, and over 75 horses participated in the ride. Robbie came with us also; Chelsea rode him English style amidst al the Western riders!
Hurley NM Pumpkin Festival - Saturday Oct 26th 2024 - Ronin drove people around the main street of Hurley NM from 10am to 2pm nonstop!
August 2, 2024 Midpoint events and City of Deming Rodeo - Ronin and his buggy gave free rides to folks around the roping arena grounds in Deming. Even gave the Mayor a ride!
August 24th, 2024 - Deming Duck Parade - Our first parade where we decorated our first float!
Corsair Riding, Driving and Social club & JMJEnterpriZes- Horse show April 20, 2024, at Rio Grand Valley Ranch, Canutillo, TX
Ronin and Katrina participated. Ronin won 2 first places in obstacles and a second place in reinsmanship.
The Chambers - Holiday In the Park - Ronin gave buggy rides in the wheelchair accessible carriage
Sunday Dec 17,2023 11am to 2pm
Luna County Courthouse Park
Holiday at the Ranch Dec 10 2023- 11am to 3pm
Ronin and Kona gave buggy rides around the ranch, Music, snacks and Santa was with us for pictures!
Dec 2nd, Deming Lighted Christmas Parade - Ronin and Alyssa took to the street and lighted up Deming!
Saturday Nov 11, Celebrating our Veterans - SaddleHawk opened the Ranch to all veterans and families. No Cost to Veterans - Discover the world of horses and carriage driving - 11am to 3pm - at SaddleHawk Ranch
Carriage rides to Veterans and their families. We have a wheelchair accessible carriage for those that come in wheelchairs, or are not able to climb into the other carriage.
photographer, Kristina Cundiff took wonderful pics and had a holiday display set up. https://www.facebook.com/kristinacundiffphotography/
FESTIVAL OF DRIVING PLEASURE SHOW 2023 October 28-29, 2023 at Horseshoe Park, Queen Creek, AZ
https://www.arizonacarriage.org/2023-festival-of-driving
Ronin competed on Saturday Oct 28th with Ashley & Katrina.
Southwest New Mexico State Fair Parade - Saturday Oct 7 - 10am - Ronin and Alyssa drove with Lucero family riding - Deming NM
Old Hurley Store Harvest Day Festival - Hurley NM Harvest Ranch Day - Ken and Ashley gave rides with Ronin, Saturday October 14th
Saturday September 2, 2023 Hatch Chile Parade - Hatch, NM - Ronin was in this parade, Colors are green and red. Hatch Valley High School Pecan Orchard | 170 E. Herrera St.9 am - Parade (Franklin & Hall St.)
August 26, 2023 -Deming, NM: The Great American Tournament of Ducks Parade - Ronin and Kona were in the large parade! please see our pictures in the gallery.
July 4th - Glenwood, NM 4th of July parade - Ronin,driven by Alyssa Lucero & Ken Wendel, with the Lucero family riding 6 horses behind the buggy - in support of Alyssa "Lulu" at her first parade driving.
May 25, 2023 - Equine Safe Haven's Ribbon Cutting
THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT ATTENDED!
EQUINE SAFE HAVEN's RIBBON CUTTING - at the Ranch 4930 Franklin Rd SE, Deming NM 88030
THURSDAY MAY 25th, 11am to 1pm
Special thank you to SaddleHawk Ranch for purchasing the food, snacks and drinks from Apache Homelands Café & Chiricahua Apache Plaza!
We gave away 26 door prizes:
10 of the beautiful Equine Safe Haven t-shirts (thank you Karls' Embroidery in Deming, NM for getting these done in time!) Donated by SaddleHawk Ranch
2 bottles of wine (green and red chile) donated by SaddleHawk Ranch
4 pairs of "one of a kind" earrings made by SaddleHawk Ranch and donated by SaddleHawk Ranch.
April 21, 2023
We thank everyone that contributed to making the Southern New Mexico Giving Day successful for us. This was our first online event April 21st. We had 5 donors that gave us much needed funds towards our program, and especially for the medical care (gelding of 3 young donkeys, and a 10 month old colt) for those that were saved from going to slaughter. We were able to raise $300 towards our goal of $500 and then the funds were matched! We will be picking up the $300 (matched funds) check from Las Cruces Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico the week of May 15th.
This money will go towards buying vaccinations for the Spring, providing hoofcare (Farrier) and supplements for CA$H, Louie, and Ronin. We appreciate what you donate to Equine Safe Haven.
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APRIL 3, 2023
The new baby donkey, named Louie, was born April 3rd at 2am. Lynn Gay has graciously sponsored this cute little guy, and he has many admirers. He is so soft and fluffy to the touch.
Our Partners
GuideStar, Wish lists, Chewy, Amazon
What's up?
Our Programs
Two locations:
Southwest New Mexico: Open October 15 to May 15.
North Texas: We have events scheduled throughout the year, trainings, and volunteer opportunities.
Upcoming events
During the year we have several events to addend. Parades, (pictured is 2023, 4th of July, Glenwood New Mexico). Driving horseshows in Canutillo Texas, Festival of Driving in Queen Creek, AZ and more! Click on the event tab to learn more
Your donations are tax deductible as of Nov 15, 2022
Make a difference in someone's life and help a horse
$0.00
Program costs: Your donations make it possible to give back to the community - ability to give economically & physically challenged persons - equine experiences
- We have 11 Equines that Equine Safe Haven supports at SaddleHawk Ranch. (CA$H, Robbie, Hyster, Jo Jo, Whiskey, Isabella, Cappy, Ice, Snow, Jenny & Louie) but every month do we get enough donations to cover their basic needs. There are some months we only receive $300 in donations and that will barely cover feeding our Belgian named CA$H. That is why we need your donations to support all of them in the program!
- The non profit also takes care of additional 9 donkeys
- With your donations we cover feed, supplements, daily care, vet care, hoof care. Our goal is to support the 11 and then help the other Equines still waiting to be part of the program.
- A $30 donation feeds 4 horses a day (horses are fed 2x a day)
- Horseshoeing/Farrier visits are every 8 weeks, and a trim costs $55 each. Set of shoes (for Ronin, Kona, and any other that is used in parades) is $135
- We provide teeth care (floating) when they first arrive, and any follow-up treatments. Average is $250 per horse
- Vaccinations 2x a year $70 each horse
- Gelding ($250 to $450)
- We need driving bridles, driving equipment, Heavy team harness, grooming supplies/equipment - carriages etc
- We need to have a pole fabricated/welded for the wheelchair carriage so we can hook a team to it.
- We need supplements, and medications which are always needed and can be costly. Vaccinations are always needed and we purchase per 10 dose vial ($325) which is ($40) per horse for 6 months.
Program highlights:
- People come to learn about horses, (horsemanship 101)and how horses teach us life skills and leadership
- We use Equines that are completely trained and safe for beginners and novice, many have been indentured with the Amish for over 10 years or more!
- Economically and physically challenged can enjoy our Equines for free! We have a wheelchair accessible carriage for those that cannot climb into the other buggy, they now can wheel into this carriage
- Activities like; reading to a horse or donkey, brushing or kissing a donkey, grooming a horse, walking a horse, leadline bareback riding or simply hugging a huge Belgian horse can make a lifelong impact on the child or person
- Weather permitting - we give horse & buggy rides and teach beginning carriage driving, and horsemanship to visitors that come to the Ranch from all over the country and Europe.
- We have a horse driving school, Farrier Opportunities, board member & volunteer opportunities, and RV workcamping opportunities
Believe it - Donations help and are very much appreciated and needed
Nonprofit, 501(c)3, Charitable Organization, saving by purchasing horses from slaughter, specifically: driving horses
About Us
Saving Equines From Going To Slaughter
Saving Equines From Going To Slaughter
Saving Equines From Going To Slaughter
We save Equines that would be going to slaughter in Mexico. How? We purchase horses, donkeys, and mules from a "kill" pen, and some are used at the Ranch. There they rehab and are repurposed into our educational programs - we offer them a second chance in life!
Rehab & Repurpose
Saving Equines From Going To Slaughter
Saving Equines From Going To Slaughter
We provide educational instruction in various equine activities and disciplines. Basic horsemanship, Driving a carriage/buggy basics, and general horse care, all using our saved horses, mules and donkeys. These animals have much to give and are deserving of a second chance. They provide education & endless smiles
Learn to Drive
Saving Equines From Going To Slaughter
Learn to Drive
Specializing: Showcasing our many saved, rehabbed and repurposed Standardbred horses, we teach people how to drive a cart or buggy using their foolproof skillset. These horses are such patient teachers! Students learn how to harness, drive, and care for the Equines.
We help economically and physically disadvantaged go to horseshows, trail rides and parades around the area and out of state!
Featured in the Deming, NM News - December 27, 2022
About Equine Safe Haven at SaddleHawk Ranch
Open Ranch Day December 17, 2022
Christmas songs played over a loudspeaker during a Saturday open house at SaddleHawk Ranch on Franklin Road east of town. Visitors were invited on arrival to hop onto a horse-drawn cab for a ride around the property with owner Katrina Lomax.
Pulling the cab was a trotter named Ronin, whom she rescued from a Texas kill pen in January 2022 — just around the time she and her husband, Ken Wendel, moved onto the 38-acre property. After retiring from harness racing, Lomax said Ronin belonged to an Amish community out of state.
“He was probably a school bus,” she said. “He’s really good with kids. He’s very easy to handle. When you go down the street, he asks you about driveways — ‘Shall I turn in this driveway?’”
The cab also moved past a few beehives before making its way down the main driveway past an RV that was boondocking at the ranch. The ranch welcomes RVs to camp without hookups to services, or “boondock.” We have 30-amp hookups are available, too.
Yet Lomax spoke with the most passion about the ranch as an educational center — a place to learn about leading and caring for horses.
“When they come from these kill pens, it’s like the end of the cycle,” Lomax said. “They go auction by auction by auction. They get weaker and weaker and weaker because they’re not fed properly.”
They may also suffer from arthritis, dental problems, worms or other concerns.
A point the couple repeated often, in separate conversations, is how much horses have to teach people of any age.
In November, Lomax founded Equine Safe Haven as a nonprofit through which supporters may sponsor a horse to defray the costs of feed and care, and also learn about equine training and care.
read the full article by clicking the link to the right
Algernon D’Ammassa can be reached at algernon@demingheadlight.com.
Past Events
Equine Safe Haven at SaddleHawk Ranch ribbon cutting
The long awaited and exciting ribbon cutting wasThursday May 25, 2023, 11am to 12pm at Deming NM.
Join our Board!
If you are interested in volunteering on the Board, please drop us an email: info@equinesafehaven.com
Current Board Members:
CEO/Executive Director - Katrina Lomax
CFO/Treasurer - Ken Wendel
Director - Joyce Garrison
Director - Jon Brautigan
Director - Cori Ryniker
Director - Larry McMahan
Director - Lynn Gay
Director - Ginny Sallee
Director - Kenny Sallee
volunteers needed:
horse handlers
driving trainees
groomers
stall cleaners
Parade volunteer
Event Volunteer
Volunteer Coordinator Director is needed!
Board & General Interest Meetings are monthly on a Saturday (unless otherwise noted)from 10am to 12pm virtually or at SaddleHawk Ranch, 4930 Franklin Rd SE, Deming, NM 88030 There is no December meeting as we usually have a Holiday event on most December weekends. Board elections are in the Nov meetings.
Meetings are via zoom link and also broadcast via Facebook live & video recorded
Articles
Top 5: What Horses Teach Us
I have been an Equestrian all my life, and have owned horses for about 25 years. I have transferred some of the skills I have learned from owning, caring and training my horses into my career. Here are the top 5 that I explain to people when they ask how did I learn leadership from the Equine?
- Leadership skills. Horses are ‘herd’ animals, and they follow one lead horse. They trust that one leader, with their whole being. Become that lead horse, and leadership becomes second nature. There is no room for hesitation and indecisiveness in a lead horse. Horses do not ‘smell fear’, they read body language and hesitation/indecision in command.
- Body Language. Horses read body language, and so having confidence transfers into your career, as does hesitation and indecisiveness. Body language needs to be in sync with what the communication is.
- No time off. – Hard work pays off, and the work has to get done whether you feel up to it or not. If the leader misses - so does the herd.
- Horses teach patience. The patience you have learned from working with horses, transfers to your friends, family, and colleagues. Spend time with any animal, and you realize training them takes enormous commitment and patience.
- There are no shortcuts that have long term benefits. Sometimes you must take the time it takes to listen, learn, and do. Do it right the first time, and spend the time you need to do it right. Second time costs money.
Published by
CSM, IT Project Management Published
The Horse Will Teach You If You'll Listen
Ray Hunt