The Rescue at Flathat Ranch

A nonprofit organization

$135 raised by 3 donors

100% complete

$0 Goal


ABOUT US

At The Rescue at Flathat Ranch, we believe every horse deserves a chance to be understood. We take in unwanted or misunderstood horses — often those labeled “difficult” — and give them what they need most: time, space, and patient, relationship-based training. 

Through natural horsemanship and trust-focused methods, we help each horse rebuild confidence, learn to communicate, and form healthy partnerships with humans. Our goal is not just adoption, but the right match — pairing every horse with a committed partner so that each new beginning is built on a strong foundation of trust and understanding.

Your support helps us give these horses a true second chance — and the lasting partnerships they deserve.




SAMPLE EXPENSES

  • Each horse eats roughly $100.00 of grass hay per month
  • Horses that require extra grains or supplements can cost an additional $60-$200 per month to feed
  • A basic intake exam with the vet costs around $200-$400 depending on the condition of the horse
  • A dental procedure costs $250 
    Horses only need dentals every couple of years, but rescue horses often come to us overdue for one
  • A hoof trim costs $75 and needs to be done every 8 weeks

A rescue horse is usually with us for at least 3 months at minimum, meaning that we generally spend a roughly $1,000.00 per horse that we take in just for basic food, vet care and hoof maintenance.......and that cost increases the longer that the horse is with us or the more specialized care it needs. This does not include the time that we spend training, marketing, and matching them with adopters.  

With our current herd of rescue horses, we are expecting to spend about $5,000.00 on feed alone over the winter to keep them all at a healthy weight to get them through the cold months.

Mission

At The Rescue at Flathat Ranch, we are dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming misunderstood horses facing behavioral challenges or a lack of training—horses often overlooked due to fear, frustration, or miscommunication.

Through patient, relationship-based methods rooted in natural horsemanship, we focus on building trust, confidence, and clear communication between horse and human.

Our mission is not only to help horses find a second chance but to ensure they are matched with partners who are committed to continuing the language of connection we’ve established—creating lasting, respectful bonds and brighter futures for both horse and human.

Background Statement

The Rescue at Flathat Ranch was founded by Joel, a lifelong horseman with over 15 years of experience rescuing, training, and rehabilitating horses. Joel has a special passion for problem-solving with horses — uncovering the root causes of unwanted behaviors and helping even the most misunderstood horses find calm, confidence, and connection again.

Before founding The Rescue at Flathat Ranch, Joel served as the on-site caretaker and head trainer for one of the largest horse rescues in the region, where he spent five years developing his expertise in handling a wide variety of behavioral and training challenges. Over time, he discovered his greatest fulfillment came from working with the “tough cases” — the horses others had given up on — and watching them transform into willing, affectionate, and capable partners.

That passion and experience form the foundation of The Rescue at Flathat Ranch. Here, each horse is given the time, understanding, and individualized attention needed to uncover their potential and prepare them for a meaningful, lasting partnership with a new adopter.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

The Rescue at Flathat Ranch

Year Established

2025

Tax id (EIN)

39-2097134

Category

Animal-Related

Organization Size

Small Organization

Address

1060 CANTIBERRY RD
DIVIDE, CO 80814

Service areas

Teller County, CO, US

CO, US

Phone

970-215-6757

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