THE HNH SANCTUARY
EST 2018 BY KAIT GARCIA
OUR STORY
2016
The HNH Sanctuary was born out of humble beginnings in Southern California, blossoming out of love in the midst of struggle. It began with one choice, one rescue, that changed the trajectory of two lives. In October of 2016, our founder, Kait, brought home Autumn, a feral, emaciated, and neglected yearling. Kait was searching for a horse to raise in the middle of what she describes as a season of heartbreak—after abuse and sudden loss had left her undone.
Out of this pain came an unexpected partnership. Kait and Autumn began to walk a path of healing together, discovering joy, resilience, and a bond that would shape everything that followed. In those early days, both learned trust, belonging, and emotional regulation. The foundation of HNH was laid—not just as a sanctuary for horses, but as a place of shared healing for all who would come after.
2017
In June and July of 2017, HNH welcomed two new rescues: Norman, an off-the-track Thoroughbred, and Lila, a large miniature pony. Norman arrived terrified of people, anxious, and in crippling pain. Lila came straight off a slaughter auction truck in Louisiana, carrying deep anger and distrust. For most of that year, none of the three horses (including Autumn, our original rescue) truly got along.
With patience and persistence, Kait worked quietly alongside them—spending hours in slow handling and long days simply being present in the barn. Over time, the herd began to trust one another, and that trust spilled over into their relationship with her. That year, the lessons were simple but powerful: patience, safety, and openness. For the horses and for us, it was the start of real healing.
2018-2019
In June of 2018, HNH officially became a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and with that step, we began dreaming and planning for the future.
Through the rest of 2018 and into the spring of 2019, the herd focused on what they needed most—handling, rehabilitation, and let-down time. It was a season of healing and simply learning to “just be horses.” Autumn had the chance to be a young horse, learning the basics of safety and beginning her foundation in positive reinforcement training. Norman was able to heal from soundness issues and even improve his cognitive function. Lila, ever cautious, learned to trust Kait enough to accept vet care—and in between, she enjoyed long neighborhood walks as a happy pony.
During this season, Kait also helped place horses in need, supported mismatched horse-and-rider pairs, and began developing a holistic, positive reinforcement–based training method. It wasn’t perfect, but the herd progressed together, step by step.
The community rallied around us, too—repairing paddocks, helping cover vet costs, and providing the supplies needed for the herd to heal, grow, and thrive in a safe place. It was a beginning marked by progress, partnership, and hope.
2019-2021
In the summer of 2019, the HNH herd was packed up and moved to Utah. Those two years were a challenge—both for the horses and for Kait. Suitable accommodations weren’t available, and no property within reach could provide what the herd needed to truly thrive.
Even in the midst of difficulty, the sanctuary grew. Two new horses joined the herd: Poppy and Basil.
Poppy, a paint mare, had been neglected for nearly her whole life. As a foal, she suffered a fever that left her neurologic, struggling to know exactly where her legs were. By the time she was found, she was foundered, overweight, and deeply uncomfortable. Despite her pain, she was tenderly loved at the sanctuary for the months she had left before her body gave out and she was peacefully put to rest.
Basil, a young two-year-old mustang, was listed on Facebook as a “dangerous” horse for sale. In reality, he simply needed patience, time, and an understanding home. After six months of letting down in Idaho, his foster fell in love with him—and today he is thriving in his forever home.
Even in seasons of challenge, HNH remained what it has always been: a place where horses are seen, cared for, and given the dignity they deserve—whether for a lifetime or a season.
2022
At the start of 2022, Kait made the difficult choice to leave her family in Utah and move to Austin, Texas—for the horses, for the dream of sanctuary. There she met Julian, they got engaged, and together bought a property where the rescue and programs grew under their stewardship and love.
In November, two new lives came into their care: Lady Joanna and Honey, both pulled from Bowie’s kill pen. Joanna arrived battered and broken—recovering from being trampled and struggling with navicular disease. Kait and Julian poured everything into keeping her comfortable, walking with her through repeated vet visits, and surrounding her with love. Despite their best efforts, her body could not heal, and she passed peacefully—held by Kait, Julian, and Honey.
Honey’s story unfolded differently. She came to the sanctuary skinny, terrified, and grieving, her foal freshly weaned. With patience and consistency, she began to trust. Slowly, her guard lowered, and a new chapter of her life began.
2023
2023 was a year filled with love and joy at HNH. We opened our gates to visitors for the first time and launched Restore, a program for kids from hard places and those needing a positive, constructive outlet. We also welcomed three new members of the herd—Juniper and Sage, our lively twin goats, and Cowboy, a kill pen rescue we took over from our friends at All Seated in a Barn.
On the human side, Kait and Julian celebrated the arrival of their baby boy at the end of the year—a gift of joy and hope.
Yet 2023 was not without its challenges. Financially and logistically, it was one of the hardest years we’ve faced. Donations didn’t come in as we needed, and making ends meet was often a struggle. Without extra funds coming from our own pockets, we could not buffer the financial needs of the sanctuary. But through it all, we never let the needs of the animals slip. They remained our first priority, cared for with love, consistency, and the promise of sanctuary. Thus prompting the move to a better set up, back in Utah.
2024 - CURRENT
In September 2024, our whole herd—five horses, two goats, two dogs, and three humans—packed up everything and moved to northern Utah. It was a leap of faith, a step into new ground, and the beginning of something bigger than ourselves. Our property was set up, settled and ready for the herd—a relief we never managed to get in Texas.
Honey, one of our most special rescues, received an incredible opportunity to continue her training in Texas and rejoined the herd in May 2025. The rest of the animals have been thriving since the move. The Utah winter gave them space to rest, recover, and, yes, get a little chunky—proof they are safe, cared for, and at peace.
Now, as the seasons turn, we are excited to begin a new chapter: launching programs stewarding growth, resilience, compassion, responsibility, and empathy in both children and community.
There is so much more to come, and we cannot wait to share it with you.