Where It Began: A Perfect Storm

Sonny is the original palomino that inspired Laurel to share her love of horses!

Sonny died of a debilitating injury,  but will live on as the inspiration for Palomino Hope. 

It is important to us at Pal Hope to ensure all the people involved from the volunteers to the participants, learn and understand the importance of quality animal care!  We teach about feed, grooming, finances, vet care, and  quality gear to ensure the well-being of horse and handler. 

Laurel and Kim were friends as young girls in Tawas. They were often seen galloping through the woods on their ponies! As children, horses played a vital role in their happiness in spite of their own challenges in life.  Laurel, now a teacher, and Kim, a veteran, know first hand the healing power of the horse.  The timing of Kim retiring from the Air Force and moving back home at the same time that Laurel's Horses Heal idea was being sprung to life was almost magical!  Kim jumped right into action to help and the two were once again united!

Riley was in Laurel's third-grade class, and she became the turning point that pushed Laurel to take action. Seeing how many children suffer from trauma, mental health struggles, and poverty—and realizing that all too often, people just complain without offering solutions—Laurel decided it was time to do something about it. Riley was the first child invited into the Horses Heal program, marking the beginning of a new path to help children in need.

When the idea to help children through horses emerged, countless friends and family members eagerly volunteered their time at the ranch, donated horses and ponies, or financially supported the children through sponsorships. Their words of encouragement and support were the essential ingredients that helped the program flourish!

Alongside Laurel and Kim's ideas for helping kids through horses, they are joined by Faith, a fellow veteran whom Kim met through an online support program, and Jay, Laurel's incredibly supportive husband. Jay not only embraced Laurel's bold vision but also eagerly stepped in to offer his assistance!

The program, originally called Horses Heal and now known as Palomino Hope, is built on the support of adults and the foundation of kids helping kids. The three original mentors—June, Lucy, and Aubree—eagerly welcomed the other kids into their world of horses and healing.  Now the program has 12 mentors and hope to grow to 20 during 2025!

Lucy, June, and Aubree - far left corner of picture above. :)