How it all began
The herd at our farm began with Casey in 2015. He was not a rescue but a thoughtful gift from Michele’s husband, John, intended to help her navigate periods of depression and anxiety. During a holiday, Michele had the chance to go trail riding and discovered a profound sense of calm while on horseback—something John had not seen in her for a long time. This marked the beginning of a beautiful and meaningful journey. Casey and Michele connected instantly, and it soon became clear that he would need a companion, as horses are social animals that thrive within a herd.
The search for Casey’s mate began, and Michele’s passion for Friesians—a graceful and agile breed originating from The Netherlands—led her to the charming Wasabi.
Owning horses was a new experience for Michele. She devoured every book and article she could find and joined several social media groups to deepen her knowledge. It was through these groups that she discovered communities focused on rescuing horses in need. Even without prior experience in the equine world, Michele soon realized that not all horse owners treat their animals well. In fact, mistreatment of horses was more common than that of dogs, despite her years of working with rescue dogs. She quickly became aware of the signs of a horse in distress.
Michele felt a deep calling to step into the world of rescue. She began by donating the ‘bail’ that other rescuers needed to save horses from the grim fate of kill buyers who sent them to slaughter. Her compassion grew, and soon she was not only covering their bail but also ensuring they could travel safely to her home in Virginia’s Loudoun County. In 2019, driven by love and a desire to make a lasting difference, she founded Hattingh Equine Rescue & Rehab Inc.
Michele firmly believes that equine rescue embodies hope and humanity. It is about giving horses a second chance, offering them the love, care, and respect they deserve. Her work reflects the profound bond between humans and horses and the collective effort to improve their lives. She is dedicated to ensuring that every horse has a safe, nurturing environment in which to heal both physically and emotionally.
Michele firmly believes that equine rescue embodies hope and humanity. It is about giving horses a second chance, offering them the love, care, and respect they deserve. Her work reflects the profound bond between humans and horses and the collective effort to improve their lives. She is dedicated to ensuring that every horse has a safe, nurturing environment in which to heal both physically and emotionally.
