Welcome to Shepherd’s Stable: A Dream Taking Shape

Betsy with Sienna, Magnolia, and Sage

When we founded the Hanson Family Foundation in 2023, our mission was simple: help animals in need. While all animals are close to my heart, horses have always held a special place. From the very beginning, I dreamed of creating something meaningful for them—a place of safety, healing, and hope. That dream has become Shepherd’s Stable Equine Center and Sanctuary.

Our story truly began in June 2025, when we welcomed our first two rescued horses, Magnolia and Sage. Watching them settle in, beginning to trust, and start their healing journey reassured us that we were on the right path. In February 2026, we were able to expand our impact by welcoming two foster horses from Gentle Spirit Horses, Sienna and Lacey. Collaboration has been an important part of this work, and we are grateful for the opportunity to support other area organizations while continuing to build the foundation for our future sanctuary.

As Shepherd’s Stable has grown, our facility has grown with it. In October 2025, our beautiful 16-stall barn was completed, giving the horses in our care a safe and comfortable place to rest and recover. This June, we reached another important milestone with the completion of our pasture fencing, allowing our horses the space to graze, roam, and simply be horses.

At its heart, Shepherd’s Stable exists to help horses in need. Whether through rescue, fostering, rehabilitation, or lifelong sanctuary, our goal is to provide care, safety, and compassion to every horse who comes through our gates. Each one has a story, and we are honored to be part of their next chapter. 

Looking ahead, we are excited about what is coming. This fall, we plan to welcome additional rescue horses and launch a volunteer program that will give community members a meaningful way to become involved in the care and well-being of our equine residents.

One future initiative, especially close to my heart, is the development of a mobile veterinary clinic. We know many large animal owners face barriers to routine veterinary care, whether it is because of geography, transportation, or cost. Our vision is to bring veterinary services directly to our friends in horse rescue and to owners who may otherwise struggle to access preventive care for their animals. By increasing access to veterinary support, we can improve the health and welfare of horses throughout our region.

We are still in the early chapters of the Shepherd’s Stable story, but the future is bright. Every fence post, every stall, every volunteer, and every rescued horse bring us one step closer to creating a lasting resource for horses in need.

Thank you for following along on this journey. We look forward to sharing updates, introducing you to the horses in our care, and growing this mission alongside our community.

Welcome to Shepherd’s Stable. The best is yet to come.