Erin and one of her beloved horses

On the outskirts of Elkhart Lake is an equine sanctuary with six horses, two dogs, and one horse loving woman named Erin.  Supporting Erin’s hopes and dreams is a gentle man beside her named John.

Originally the dream of Erin’s sanctuary was to have been built in Waycross, Georgia.  She had purchased a piece of land one hour away from where her mom lived, and Erin was ready to pursue her heart’s calling. 

Erin’s step-dad and mom both shared in the dream of the horse rescue.  Her step-dad planned to build the facility, and her mom would be the bookkeeper.  In late 2006 her mom, who was also her best friend, suffered a stroke.  As her mom slipped away in May 2007 Erin’s dream of the sanctuary went with her also.  She felt there was no longer a reason to move to Georgia.  With her mom now gone, Erin could not gather the strength to move forward.

Luckily for Moki, Storm, Skye, Nallah, Miss U and Trigger, all horses now under the tender care of Erin, she found the courage a year later to pursue her passion and began her sanctuary in Hartford, Wisconsin. 

It was Miss U that became the first horse to find Erin, which would put the dream of the equine rescue back in motion.  The first time Erin met Miss U she said, “My body tingled all over. It was so surreal.  I just knew this was what I was meant to do.” 

Erin began the work of completing the many pages of paperwork to become an official non-profit entity.  This task alone could make anyone not want to pursue this endeavor, but now Erin had Miss U, along with the spiritual presence of her mom, guiding her.  On New Year’s Day 2010 she and the horses moved to Elkhart Lake to be with John.

I asked Erin, “Why did you want an equine sanctuary?” 

She shared with me when she turned 40, she began some soul searching, wondering what her purpose was.  She was surrounded by horses her whole life, breeding, boarding and showing them for a living while her two sons were growing up. Though she loved being around horses, this was not the way in which she felt was her life’s calling.

It took a few years to figure out what it was that she felt she was meant to do.  She knew it had to be something around horses because of her deep love for them.  It was then that she realized she was meant to nurture, love and care for them, especially those who are neglected, abused or unwanted.

Having a sanctuary she felt could bring awareness to educating others about the care of these large animals, and the commitment it takes.  Just like dogs and cats, too often, they are brought into our lives without consideration of the time, money and caring it takes. Erin says, “Making a commitment should carry the same weight as marriage to another person.”

She also wants to be able to give back and help horses heal that have been through difficult and traumatic situations. Erin can relate because her childhood was filled with mental, physical and sexual abuse.  Through years of therapy, as well as being around horses, Erin healed. 

Though some family and friends have difficulty understanding Erin’s drive to have a sanctuary, she did not let that stop her.  Sure, now and then she would question if this was the right thing to do. But something in her knew this was meant to be.

Erin is woman of immense faith in God, though one morning she awoke to a dreadful case of the doubts when she was in the process of beginning the sanctuary.  The thoughts were looming large in her mind. 

She believes in signs from up above, and pleaded for reassurance that she was on the right path.  As she sat down to eat breakfast she opened up Hooved Animal Humane Society magazine.  She gasped as she saw a picture of the saddest and most soulful horse she had ever seen. Sadly, the horse was euthanized due to so many traumas.

Erin said, “It just took my breath away.”  She could not get the haunting image out of her mind as she drove to work.

Before going into work, she opened up her mail which she had picked up on the way.  Interestingly enough there was an envelope from her aunt Pat, who she rarely talked with or saw.  Inside was a letter with a full page editorial about a woman in Pat’s area who rescue’s horses.

Erin said, “I just cried because I knew this was my sign.”

The doubts have taken a back seat, as Erin moves full speed ahead with Amazing Grace Equine Sanctuary.  Before her mom passed away she never really believed you could connect with loved ones on the other side.  She has come to strongly know there is a higher purpose at work.  She feels her mom with her every step of the way. 

Understanding we are being guided, Erin named the sanctuary Amazing Grace, because it is so fitting for the invisible forces that are always at work around us.

Mascot of the sanctuary is Moki, a disabled horse, who was mentally and physically abused.  He came to live with Erin in November 2009.  Erin gave all of her heart and love to this horse, who stands prouder than any horse I have ever seen.  Much has been done to help Moki, but the answer to easing his suffering now lies in helping him cross to the other side. Erin is now gathering the courage to help Moki gallop free of pain. She knows her mom will be waiting with open arms to care for him until they all meet again someday. 

A piece of my heart is with Erin and Moki as they prepare to say their final goodbye.  But I just have to believe Moki found Erin because she is the angel who will give him the best gift of all in setting him free.

The sanctuary is slated to make its permanent home on the corner of Highway 57 and County Trunk FF in the upcoming weeks.  It is where Erin sees herself living life to the fullest, with fiancé’ John at her side, dogs Georgia and Synders as her furry companions, and the horses who she will continue to heal, nurture, and love with all her heart.

Watch for information on an upcoming open house and fundraiser in the fall of 2010 to see how you can help support Amazing Grace Equine Sanctuary.  Donations are appreciated to ensure the health of the horse sanctuary, and can be made on the website at www.amazinggraceequinesanctuary.com

UPDATE:  This story is dedicated to the memory of Moki.  On March 26th, 2010 Erin made the very difficult decision to release Moki to the other side. She asked me and two other friends to be there with her to give her the strength to say goodbye.  To be a part of Moki’s crossing over was more difficult that I had anticipated… but seeing him free of not only his physical pain, but mental anguish as well, made my heart happy for him. In my mind I see him galloping in the wind of eternal freedom where no one can ever hurt him again… and grateful that Erin helped him be the horse he always wanted to be…she set him free and I believe she was the angel he needed to give him that ultimate gift.

MOKI