Haven for horses

When Darla Cherry made the decision to dedicate her life to rescuing horses, she knew she was going to be getting the opportunity to do what she loved.

After more than 35 years working as a horse breeder and trainer, her beautiful country ranch, known as Meadow Haven Horse Rescue, 755 County Road 212 in Smiley, not only serves as a bastion for her beloved animals, but also a reflection of her love for the ones she saves.

“When the opportunity arose to take over Meadow Haven Horse Rescue, I recognized my true passion was to save horses and acted on it,” Darla said.

Now she strives to find loving and forever homes for horses that come to her that are adoptable and provides safe haven and care for the ones who will spend the rest of their lives at Meadow Haven.

The rescue is a 501c3 non-profit organization and relies solely on donations to meet the needs of feeding and caring for over 175 horses.  

Darla feels strongly that the current high number of unwanted horses in the United States is due in part to indiscriminate breeding and people who buy horses without realizing how much time and resources are required to maintain a horse.

She stopped her breeding program when she started the rescue to become a part of the solution to curb this epidemic.  She has her own personal health challenge since being diagnosed in 2000 with Multiple Sclerosis, a disease in which the immune system eats away at the protective covering of nerves.

Yet, Darla has refused to allow this slow her down in her mission of caring for and/or finding good homes for her charges. 

Since 2009, hundreds of horses and donkeys have entered the gates of Meadow Haven to be given sanctuary and the opportunity of new homes through adoption. Many of these horses come from law enforcement seizures and are the victims of neglect, abuse or abandonment. 

Each horse is evaluated, brought back to good health and rehabilitated with the goal being to find their forever home. Those deemed not adoptable will remain forever under Meadow Haven's loving care.  

“There are  many stories that could be shared of horses that have come to Meadow Haven completely emaciated or having been horribly abused or neglected, only to be rehabilitated and given  a second chance at life in loving, forever homes,” Darla said.  “Accomplishing this is [my] passion and what [I’m] driven to do.  

All in all, Darla strives to educate people about horses and their needs and has often had school classes out to visit the rescue to show them  what all is truly involved with horse care. 

“Additionally, my long term goal is to incorporate this rehabilitation of these wonderful animals with therapy work to help physically and/or mentally challenged individuals.”

Young volunteer

Another individual, 14-year-old Ashley Taylor, also works with neglected horses – particularly at Meadow Haven – a dream come true that she shares with Darla.

Ashley started volunteering at the ranch in April 2017. Due to the recent onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, she has had to temporarily step aside from her duties. However, that did not stop her from adopting three horses of her own.

“I volunteered as many weekends as I could for about two years, and later we adopted  Faith, Storm, and Pickles,” Ashley said. “Faith is a beautiful black and white mare, and Storm is her three-year old baby. I think Faith was pregnant with Storm in the Kill pens before [her arrival at] Meadow Haven. Pickles is my sweet old Bay Standardbred, who is a retired harness and cart racer.”

Ashley said she has loved horses since before she could walk, let alone climb into the saddle. She said that when she found Darla and started volunteering it was great therapy for her during a rough time.

“Taking care of my big babies keeps my mind busy and seeing them progress as well makes me happy. What amazes me the most about horses is how each of them have their own personalities,” she said.

When asked how the development of the pandemic has affected her rescue endeavor, she said, “COVID-19 hasn’t really set me back from much, I’ve pretty much been stuck at home but that just means more time with them. Right now we’re fostering Spring from Meadow Haven. She’s been gaining some good weight, and I’m ready to hopefully work with her a little bit. I feel that fostering some horses during this time is perfect for keeping me busy.”

Ashley also gave a shout out to her friend Darla, saying,” I’ve never had an unpleasant experience with her. I’ve learned to be selfless, more driven, and respectful of her.  She’s truly one of the best human beings I’ve ever met.”