Rescuing & rehabilitating since 2016.

Important announcement: We now have a ranch to grow HNH on, but we need our community’s help, your help!

please support in anyway possible, HERE.

2016

The Hn'H Sanctuary developed from humble beginnings, in Southern California, blossoming out of love from struggle. It only took one choice to change the trajectory of two lives in need, later touching the lives of many. Autumn, a feral, emaciated and neglected yearling was rescued by Founder, Kaitlyn "Kait" Cruz, back in October of 2016. Kait was looking for a horse to raise in the middle of what can only be described as a mental breakdown following abuse and a sudden death. Out of heartbreak came this union and through it they developed an overwhelming joy and healing that has bonded the two completely.

They both learned trust, belonging, and emotional regulation.

2017

In the June and July of 2017, HNH grew to add an off-the-track Thoroughbred, Norman, and a large miniature pony, Lila. Norman came to HNH terrified of people, anxious, and in crippling pain. Lila came to HNH fresh off the truck from a slaughter auction in Louisiana with the baggage of anger and distrust. None of the three horses really got along for most of the year. With enough patience Kait saw progress as a herd which in turn made them trusting her, much easier. Still it took hours of slow handling and days spent quietly in the barn to bring both horses to health and healing.

They all learned patience, what it means to be safe, and openness.

2018-2019

June 2018, HNH became a federally regulated 501(c)3 nonprofit and we began making plans for the future. The herd over 2018 and into spring of 2019 worked on handling, rehabilitation, and let down aka just having a break to be horses. Autumn got the chance to simply be a young horse, learn the ropes of safety, and set a foundation of +R training. Norman was able to heal from his soundness issues and improve his cognitive function. Lila, well, she learned that at least Kait could be trusted with her vet work. She just got to be a happy pony and go on long walks in the neighborhood. Durning this time, Kait helped to also place horses in need, train conflicting horse and rider pairs and develop a strong, wholistic horse +R based training method. None of this was perfect, but they all progressed together.

Our community came together on big projects like repairing the horse paddock, supporting the vetting for all three horses, and getting us all the items needed for these three to thrive, heal and grow in a safe place.

2019-2021

Summer of 2019, the HNH herd was packed up and moved to Utah. This two year span was quite a challenge on the horses and Kait. The accommodations just weren’t available for the horses to thrive and there wasn’t a property within reach for purchase. YET we still grew to add two wonderful horses, Poppy and Basil. Poppy (the paint in the middle) was neglected for what the owner admitted was her whole life. She fevered as a foal and became neurologic, causing her to have to adapt to not knowing exactly where her legs were underneath her. When she was found she was foundered, overweight and horribly uncomfortable. Basil (the bay on the right), the two year old young mustang, was found on facebook as a dangerous horse for sale, but really he needed a slow pace and understanding home. Poppy, heartbreakingly, had to be put down due to her prior conditions, but spent a few months being loved on dearly (READ MORE HERE). Basil spent 6 months letting down in Idaho, but his foster fell in love with him and now he is happily thriving in his new forever home.

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. This choice has proven to be the best choice she had made since 2016 when she first started this journey of rescue. The hill country has proven itself as the future of the sanctuary and the communities of Austin and San Antonio have shown a great need for HNH’s services. As this year closes out, we are adding a new addition to the herd and a ranch for growth. Julian, Kait’s fiancé, is joining the HNH team and together they just purchased (10/20/22) a property where the sanctuary, rescue, and programs can grow under their stewardship and love.

We need help getting HNH physically set up at the ranch!

Please DONATE HERE!

Learn more about our programs underway and how you can help make them a reality sooner for our online and in-person communities!