About HHMT

HHMT Founder/Director
Janet Rose with Lily Rose

Horse Haven Montana (HHMT) was established in response to a growing problem--- homeless horses, unwanted horses, abandoned horses, horses in crisis and simply, horses in need of adoptive homes --- permanent, loving, responsible, forever homes.

We do our best to place good horses in great homes; and match good people with the right horse. As with any relationship, equine or human, a mismatch is a recipe for disaster. But a good match, is well, "horse heaven."

The current nationwide crisis of unwanted, no-longer-needed, homeless and/or abandoned horses, or simply, horses in need of care is caused by many factors, but most often it is due to one of the following: tough economic times, rising unemployment, changing life situations that make continued horse ownership and care difficult and simply, the cost of caring for a horse or other equine. A variety of other factors have made horse ownership challenging and at times, no longer feasible. Sometimes, over-breeding is also a factor. If a horse doesn't "measure up," an owner sadly may want to get rid of it. But there are altenatives and we believe that adoption is one of them. When we do a rescue, we do not so much ask why, as how we can help? By the time we arrive on the scene so to speak, the key issue is getting the horse, mule, or donkey out of its present situation and into a good or better one.

Education too, or lack of it, is another major factor. While there are many wonderful training programs and clinics, there is still a great lack of information and understanding about our equine companions. Thus, HHMT was established.

Horse Haven Montana is now a registered 501c3 not for profit tax organization, incorporated in the state of Montana. But our work and our efforts take us all over the country. While we work most extensively in the western United States, we have a nationwide and sometimes international network of contacts. Please be aware that we are now able to accept public, charitable support and donations. Horse Haven Montana relies completely on donations to support its efforts.

Horse Haven Montana's sole focus is rescue, adoption and education.

Most importantly, we are here to help; or we try to help as best we can. We take in a limited number of horses but we try to place as many as we can while they are still with their current owners or in foster homes. Occasionally, we do an emergency rescue and either take a horse to our ranch or place it into a foster home, for the horse or horses who are in need of immediate, crisis rescue.

While we can't solve every problem, every issue or find a home for every horse in need, we make every effort to help both the horse and its owner, if at all possible. Please feel free to call us if you are in need of assistance and we will do what we can - it might be by referring you, by assisting with placement of your horse or by finding a good alternative to giving up a horse. The goal of Horse Haven Montana is to enhance the welfare of the horse and its human owner. There is no magic solution but we will always aim for the best outcome possible. We work with and have several trainers standing by to help when they can and we have foster homes. If you are interested in being considered as a foster home, if you have something to offer that you feel will help, if you are able to donate --- services, tack, hay, feed, or even a cash donation, we are always very appreciative.

A horse is a huge commitment of time, expense and responsibility — a commitment of understanding and care. A well-meaning person might get a horse only to discover, it doesn’t fit into their lifestyle or their expectations. Sometimes, a horse is no longer wanted, needed or capable of being cared for. Financial situations change and owning a horse is expensive. What happens then?

Our primary goal is to rescue and place good horses that are adoptable into loving, forever homes. But we care for them until a good home is found. We keep the number of horses in our care limited in order to have the best means possible to care for them indefinitely. This means high quality grass hay, feed and good living conditions with daily care, attention, grooming, training, hoof trimming and veterinary care as needed. Most horses eventually become available for adoption after a thorough review and interview process. Our adoption fees (considered donations) are kept deliberately low, much lower than a usual market price for a good horse but the fees are designed to both ensure a financial commitment to a particular horse and to help put resources expended by HHMT, back into the program. This is our only source of support.

Because our 501(c)(3) non profit status is now official, this means that if you wish to make a donation or if you wish to help support a particular horse or help out in some other way, there are many ways you can give and you can help - we welcome any support. Even something like artwork is helpful, as the sale of this can be used for the support of our efforts.

Our boarding facility for temporary, overnight boarding is now entirely separate from our rescue and adoption organization located in Huson, Montana — just west of Missoula in the heart of western Montana. We are very close to Interstate 90, making it convenient for travelers going east or west through the Missoula Valley. Currently, we offer only short term boarding through Horse Haven Boarding LLC, which can be an overnight, a weeklong stay, or month-long boarding, but we are not a full time boarding facility. Our emphasis is on rescue and adoption, education and temporary care.

Our Mission:

Education and Understanding to Enhance the Equine/Human Bond
& to Improve the Welfare of the Horse

To meet this mission, Horse Haven Montana:

Provides rescue and adoption services
Works to educate the public on critical equine issues and topics
Promotes programs, resources, and special clinics to enhance the equine/human bond

It is the belief and premise of Horse Haven Montana that by improving
our total understanding of the horse and our relationships with horses
that both horse and human will benefit and a partnership and bond will be enhanced.

To donate, contact or support:

Horse Haven Montana

PO Box 599, Frenchtown, MT 59834

Coming Soon! From the heart of the American West, the first....

Equus International Film Festival®

Mission: To promote awarness, knowledge and understanding of equines through excellence in film and media
Founder/Director Janet Rose

To learn about becoming a sponsor or participant please contact us: info@horsehavenmt.org