Good Shepherd Healing Ministries Horse Rescue & Learning Center is run solely on the generous nature of volunteers and ranch hands who work for boarding. On any given day, the facility houses 30+ horses and we're currently having to turn away those in need. Countless hours are spent rehabilitating, training, and caring for our horses.
Our horses are turned out for 18 hours a day and are rarely locked in their stalls.
On average, it costs about $400/month to care for a single horse. This does not include emergency, additional veterinary, labor and/or other unpredictable expenses.
We would like to say a special THANK YOU to those individuals and organizations who have stepped forward to help with our work.
We could not have made the progress we have without your kind and generous support.
Good Shepherd Horse Rescue & Learning Center is a 501(C)3 charitable organization dedicated to saving neglected, abandoned and/or abused horses. Many of our horses have been saved from slaughter. We focus on rehabilitating these horses in a loving and caring environment. We provide ongoing care with a healthy diet, daily hands-on contact and vet care, as needed. We work diligently to enrich the lives of the horses to help them trust again. Ideally, we try to place rehabilitated horses into loving new homes.
Good Shepherd Horse Rescue at Smoke Tree Farms officially launched in 2011 by our Founder, Maria Jones. Maria had a love for horses and a passion for saving them. Over the years she rescued hundreds of horses. Tragically Maria passed away in September 2023 and the ranch was left to GSHM's Board of Directors. With a lot of community and volunteer help, we began the monumental task of updating the facilities and building the new Learning Center. Our goal is to not only rescue horses in need, but to provide a place for our community to come and learn the language of the horse and how to truly connect with them to create strong bonds as part of our adoption process.
Our amazing team of volunteers are committed to helping our horses in any way possible. Without their loyal help, we couldn't accomplish what we do. That being said, we ALWAYS need more help!
We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.
288 West Smoketree Street, Apache Junction, AZ 85120, us
Mon | 09:30 am – 12:00 pm | |
Tue | By Appointment | |
Wed | 09:30 am – 12:00 pm | |
Thu | By Appointment | |
Fri | 09:30 am – 12:00 pm | |
Sat | By Appointment | |
Sun | Closed |
Helen Thompson
Cindy has been a principal in Phoenix, Arizona for over 20 years. She holds a master's degree in education and a certificate in educational leadership. She has also worked with the City of Scottsdale for over 30 years doing special events. Her experience with non-profit organizations includes Arizona Special Olympics, Arizona Dream Catchers, and the Wilson Dream Foundation. She has taken her leadership skills, desire to help non-profits, and her love for horses to the Good Shepherd Horse Rescue.
Brian has over 20 years of experience in business and marketing. He grew up in California where he began his career at a young age working along side his father in his passion of motorcycles. His most recent endeavor is in branding and product development for nationally sold off-road parts and accessories. The grandson of a famed horseman, Brian has a passion and love for horses and the old west that brought him to Good Shepherd in 2023.
Pam has over 30 years of experience in the equine industry. Her extensive knowledge of horse care, riding, equipment, and overall horse expertise makes her an invaluable asset GSHM. As a mother and grandmother who volunteers her free time to help non-profit horse organizations, Pam is committed to the cause. She possesses strong organizational abilities including bookkeeping skills like bank reconciliation and receipt maintenance. Pam excels at working with people and coordinating schedules.
Maryanne grew up on a dairy farm in Colorado. As a mother of two Special Needs Children, she is a strong and passionate advocate for Special Needs Education. She is currently licensed in Foster Care and Habilitation, working with individuals with special needs, Behavioral Health and Health specialists. Maryanne has volunteered in the non-profit sector with organizations like AZ Special Olympics, nursing homes, church groups, and CASA. Through these experiences, it is our hope to create programs specifically tailored to these groups.
RJ is a 3rd generation Arizonian who grew up around horses and is a passionate advocate for all animals. RJ has over 18 years in Public Safety, including Firefighting, Emergency Medicine and Law Enforcement. With these careers she has developed strong problem solving and organization skills as well as the ability to relate to people from all walks of life. In her off time, RJ is an accomplished photographer and artist with experience in graphic design and marketing which she brings to GSHM in fundraising and social media management.
Good Shepherd Horse Rescue & Learning Center
288 West Smoketree Street, Apache Junction, AZ 85120
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GSHR enforces a non-discrimination policy regarding staff, employees, governing board and service based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability or national origin.
WE ARE IN URGENT NEED OF YOUR SUPPORT TO SUSTAIN THE OPERATIONAL NEEDS OF OUR RESCUE.