Looking around at the 18 horses, one mule, and six goats, you would hardly know that most of these animals were struggling for life at one time or another. Whether Izzy, the blind horse, Fiona, who was saved from a trip to the slaughterhouse, or Cassidy, who is crippled and needs surgery to repair years of neglect, these animals are thriving at Tina Jo’s Promise. Dawn and Tina Jo Stephens never set out to provide horse rescue, but as fate would have it, a severely suffering horse they named Promise changed everything.
How Tina Jo’s Promise Started
They first spotted Promise while driving through the mountains and couldn’t miss her massive volleyball-sized hernia on her flank! Horrified by her condition, they somehow managed to track down her owner and convince him to sell her to them. Soon, their veterinary friend Dr. Gonzalez came to evaluate her and suggested a hernia removal surgery. Sadly, during the surgery, he discovered extensive adhesions between the bowel and the outer skin tissues; some were too thick and required resectioning the bowel.
Goodbyes Are Always Hard
Most parts of Mexico have no facilities or sterile operating rooms for equine surgeries. You just create as clean a space as possible – so they used a sandy corral and did their best. But the vet could not attempt such a complex and lengthy operation where they were. They had no choice but to sew her up, knowing that she wouldn’t last much longer and would have to put her down. Tina Jo held her head in her arms as she passed and promised to do everything they could to help other horses with similar fates. That is why the ranch is called Tina Jo’s Promise.
The Herd is Thriving
Fast forward about twelve years later, and the ranch is full of recovering horses living the good life just a couple blocks from the beautiful Pacific Ocean in Cantu, B.C., Mexico. Their horse rescue efforts now cost over $2,500 a month to care for and feed their beloved herd of misfits. Perhaps that’s why I felt so at home at Tina Jo’s Promise. I’m a bit of a misfit myself. I was bullied as a child, but my horse always made me feel loved. It’s incredible how a little nuzzle from a friendly horse, or the playful antics of the goats can take your mind off your troubles and put things in perspective.
How You Can Help Save a Horse
As an NGO, they depend on the generous gifts of donors and volunteers to keep the ranch running and continue their horse rescue mission. Their Adopt a Horse Program lets you virtually adopt a horse with a regular monthly contribution for its care. Many of these animals require routine medical care that costs a small fortune and wouldn’t be possible without your donations. Cassidy’s subsequent surgery to help him walk again is on March 5th. His girlfriend, Valentina, another rescued horse with a tragic past, waits loyally by his side. The surgery and follow-up care will cost thousands of dollars.
Tina Jo’s Promise is also raising money for an onsite equine clinic to provide the surgical care necessary for injured and diseased horses. It will likely cost over $50,000, but they believe somehow, miraculously, their promise to Promise will be fulfilled. Your donation can make a big difference! Please follow them on Facebook or Instagram, and give what you can.