Patches’ Happy Pastures Rescue and Sanctuary

  • As shared by Karen, the rescue’s founder, “in 1993, I realized a childhood dream when I bought my first horse, Dakota, a beautiful paint quarterhorse.”  Initially boarded at a local ranch, in 1999 Dakota and her two offspring (Patches and Cherokee) were brought home to the roughly 40 acres  christened the KAN-DO Ranch.  Over the next two decades, the number of horses at the KAN-DO has grown from 3 to 18, fluctuating as horses and donkeys have lived out their lives at the ranch and new ones join the herd.

    Initially, friends for various reasons would rehome their equines to the ranch.  The next progression was to rescue animals such as the two saved from slaughter after being sold at auction to a kill pen.  Several arrived after the deaths of their owners.  Most are older horses that suffered an injury or health issue that left them as companion horses.  Working with other like-minded animal lovers and having experienced the impact on owners and animals as well as herself, Karen launched Patches’ Happy Pastures Rescue.  

About Us

Meet Patches

Words from our Founder

  • From those earliest days, Patches was remarkably calm with humans and quickly became my “healing horse.”    Until her death in 2018, she was a family and friends’ favorite providing safe rides to all ages regardless of riding experience.  Her calm, healing spirit and sense of wanting to please people defined her life.  Many other equines have found a loving home at the KAN-DO Ranch, but there will forever only be one Patches.  The rescue is, therefore, dedicated to her with the hope that her healing and loving spirit extends to all who enter the rescue and the owners who loved them first. 

Meet Our Herd

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A place for senior horses to find their forever homes.

PHP offers a peaceful sanctuary for equines needing a safe and loving environment.

In Memoriam

Remembering the first to leave hoofprints on my heart…
- Karen, PHP Rescue Founder

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