Hope - Healing - Horses
Hope’s Haven Rescue & Youth Camp started as a vision from one woman and now has grown into a ministry desired by many to impact both children and horses that have experienced difficulties.
Diane Gruber-Strickland is the founder and executive director of Hope’s Haven Rescue and Youth Camp, a non-profit 501c3 organization that rescues mistreated and slaughter-bound horses and pairs them with hurting children. Powered by the amazing love of our awesome God, these special horses and children have the opportunity to experience acceptance, healing and restored hope.
For as long as she can remember, Diane has always loved animals and carried with her a very strong desire to help abused horses and hurting children. In May of 2017, Diane traveled to Bend, Oregon to attend an information clinic held at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. It was here that she learned how broken rescue horses can help heal hurting kids, as well as the valuable skills and knowledge needed to start her own similar ministry.
In March of 2018, Hope’s Haven was founded. Serving just a few children the first year, the ministry has now grown to the point of full capacity in just a few years, all while continuing to offer their mentorship services completely free of charge.
Since, Diane Gruber- Strickland has written ‘Hope Heals’ detailing the stories of horses rescued and children that have had their lives positively impacted through Hope’s Haven mentorship program.
This “family first” volunteer organization is composed of adult and jr. volunteers who support the youth program throughout the year. The program has grown initially from 3 horses and 2-3 volunteers serving 4 children, to 7 horses, 30 adult volunteers, 7 junior volunteers and 14 mentors serving over 30 youth.
Our Mission
Hope’s Haven is a Faith-centered ministry, where a rescued horse can connect with children dealing with conflicts in their lives; and together with God’s help, will find healing, acceptance, encouragement and restored Hope.
Youth Program Details
Programs are available spring, summer and fall every year. Youth ages 7-17, who have experienced difficulties, attend weekly for 90 minutes for 6 weeks. The components of each session include mentorship, activities and equine education.
To learn more or fill out an application for the program visit the links below.
In loving memory,
Gone but never forgotten,
Always in our hearts!
Mr. Oats will be deeply missed
March 6, 2025
Raven will be missed
April 9, 2024
MEET OUR PROGRAM HORSES
Silent Equine Counselors
Hope: A 21 y/o Buckskin, Quarter-horse mare. She is a true Diva, and our Namesake. Smart, intuitive, inquisitive & fun to hang with. One of the first to reach out and “connect” with a child. Hope was rescued from an auction, November of 2016. She was our first rescued horse; quickly became the lead horse in the herd, and led the way for our mentorship program; She is our Namesake, and continues to serve as an integral part of our ministry.
Rita: A 21 y/o Bay, Quarter-horse/Appendix mare (Quarter horse/Thoroughbred mix). She absolutely loves kids. Often thought of as a “Babysitter horse" because she takes excellent care of the kids. Rita was one of Hope's Havens initial program horses and has been an integral part of the mentorship program since its incorporation in 2018.
Sage: A 29 y/o, (one) blue-eyed Paint gelding; rescued from an auction March of 2017, Sage joined Hope's Haven & our mentorship program, June of 2018. He is the sweetest and gives the most animated expressions; also gives the best hugs. Fondly called "my blue-eyed gentleman" b/c he takes such good care of his humans, especially the ladies... Due to a progressive, debilitating joint disease (navicular), Sage can no longer be ridden but loves making life-long connections with his special human on the ground.
Tator: A 23 y/o black/white Dutch Draft Paint cross gelding. Affectionately called Tator Tot and often thought of as a big teddy bear because of his huge size and quiet, friendly, loving personality. Tator came to us in 2023 as a full owner surrender. He was originally rescued from a kill pen in 2018 by a former volunteer. After careful evaluation and full cardiac workup at New Bolton Vet center, we determined he was an excellent fit for our mentorship program. Fall of 2023, Hope’s Haven became Tator's 4ever home.
Memphis: A 14y/o black/white TWH gelding. Sweet and friendly. Can be a little shy at first, especially around his head, but warms up quickly. He loves attention, especially when being groomed. Kids are his favorite people. Memphis was a full owner surrender, indirectly by a former mentorship family.
Gabriel(Gabe for short): An 11 y/o Palomino QH Gelding. A Sweet, funny & friendly "in your pocket" type of horse, ( literally). He's real people horse; Especially Loves kids, and being groomed. Often referred to, as "the barn clown" because of his outrageous antics. Gabe, along with his best bud, Memphis, came to Hope's Haven as a full owner surrender, indirectly by a former mentorship family.