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Testimonials

One of our volunteer’s has a blog titled Single Working Mom. Please take a moment to read Sept. 26 post that talks about HCW. Read her post here

Thank you, Kasey, for your sharing your personal story. We appreciate the time you and your daughter spend at HCW. You both make it a better day for the animals here on the farm!

This poem was prompted by a visit to Heaven Can Wait Horse Sanctuary on June 16, 2012, for an event sponsored by Thrivent Insurance Company for members/customers in North County.

HEAVEN CAN WAIT
BY JOYCE Z.

Lucky are the horses "installed" at Heaven Can Wait
Otherwise they may have had a terrible fate;
After mistreatment and a life of neglect
A shortened existence is what you'd expect.

At the horse sanctuary in San Miguel
Mercy, patience and hope prevail;
Sick and injured horses left to die
Are not abandoned without a try.

With food and medical care, they are initially tended
Allowed to loaf around until they are mended;
When good health has just about finally returned
Gentleness and good manners need to be learned.

In most cases idleness is not much condoned
Even tho' they did little when previously owned;
The horses help people with special needs
Who benefit from the affection of these special steeds.

Visitors are welcome to give them a pet
A more appealing bunch of horses you've never met;
Former race horses, Arabs and a mustang or two
Bay, chestnut or white - hides of every hue.

Heaven can wait while a reprieve has been won
Until such time as their destiny is done.

The End

My daughter, Kristen, has a love for horses and HCW has been the perfect place to hang out doing what she loves. Kristen and I have learned many skills since volunteering on a weekly basis at HCW. We have learned how to be more aware and safe around so many horses, how to bathe and groom them and also how to groom using clippers. Kristen is awesome at shaving their whiskers and my favorite is shaving for their bridle path. The horses line up and can hardly wait for their turn for your time and affection. Kristen's horse riding skills have also really improved since working with Susan and she has learned to use her legs more effectively and practice proper posture.

The things that impress me the most about HCW are the beauty and gentleness of the horses. Each horse has such a distinct personality and strong bonds with each other. HCW is peaceful, clean and spacious and also has a calming effect for both Kristen and I. Kristen just loves being in the presence of the horses and I find myself truly being more in the present moment. That enables me to focus on each individual horse and free my mind from all the distractions in my life. Susan's love and dedication for her horses and her desire to share her knowledge with us have been invaluable and rewarding for our connection with the horses.

Patty G.

I recently moved to Atascadero from Orange County, I had my therapist in the Orange County Vet Center which is over 260 miles away refer me to Heaven Can Wait; they told me of Susan who was trying to get a program together to help Military Veterans and suggested that I should try her out; I am glad I did.

I am a disabled Army Vet, and I have been volunteering at Heaven Can Wait for a few months now; using my time there as therapy for my PTSD, and physical injuries. Before I began volunteering I was locked up in my house on heavy medication, and depressed all of the time. The Horses here at Heaven Can Wait have helped me so much they have given me something to focus on which has taken away a lot of my pain, and helped me become more social. Horses are the best therapists you can have in my opinion; you don't even have to know anything about horses. I believe these horses can help most people. I will continue to volunteer here at Heaven Can Wait for as long as Susan will let me.

I implore any Veteran who is suffering from any form of ailment to give Heaven Can Wait a try all you have to do is spend some time grooming, or petting the Horses and you will see they can help you.

Del F.