ABOUT
C.A.R.E. for Horses Foundation is a nonprofit corporation that has 501c3 status with the IRS - EIN: 84-4069519.
C.A.R.E. for Horses Foundation provides direct care and sanctuary for at risk horses (abused, neglected, unhandled and “problem” horses that are at risk of being sent to slaughter). “Care” includes providing feed, water, housing, necessary vet and farrier care and very importantly, training.
Most horses come to C.A.R.E. for Horses Foundation extremely malnourished, sick and many of them potentially dangerous due to problem behaviors or being unhandled (wild). C.A.R.E. for Horses Foundation rehabilitates these horses through extensive training and socialization and, if appropriate, either rehomes them to qualified homes or incorporates the horses into public outreach demonstrations (clinics).
C.A.R.E. for Horses Foundation believes strongly in educating the horse community about how to rehabilitate abused, unhandled and “problem” horses because these horses are at highest risk for ending up at auctions and funneling into the slaughter pipeline. C.A.R.E. for Horses Foundation believes that educating the public through live training demonstrations as well as online educational materials (videos, eLearning modules, and printables) will help not only raise awareness and foster compassion for at risk horses, but ultimately provide as many people as possible with the tools to safely handle and train these horses so they remain valued and cared for and do not end up in bad situations.
OUR TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
We foster trust and confidence in horse and handler by focusing on behavior change through connection. This approach, which we call Behavioral Horsemanship™, is a relational approach to horse training that is rooted in behavioral science. Connection is the cornerstone of this method, and connection happens when horse and handler are mutually noticed, valued and understood. Everything we do with our horses is achieved through connection, balance, and feel. Do you want to strengthen your ability to connect, deepen your relationship with your horse, and build value in your daily interactions? Contact us to begin transforming your equine relationships today!
OUR FOUNDERS
Founder / President
TESSA ETZIONI
Tessa is an avid horsewoman and animal lover. She has over 30 years of experience working with horses, and 14 years experience in media production, instructional design, education and related services. In addition to operating the foundation, she works as a professor for Arizona State University. Tessa provides direct care for the foundation's horses and also designs and develops the foundation's educational programming.
Co-founder
CHRISTINE ORPEN
Christine Orpen is a retired Marriage and Family Therapist with a master's degree in clinical psychology. She is Tessa's mother, and was a horse-show mom for many years. In addition to being a supporter of the foundation's rescue efforts, she is excited about expanding the foundation's outreach activities and the "humans healing horses and horses healing humans" model.
Trainer
TOM RANEY
Tom's background in music and science informs and inspires his unique approach to horsemanship. He is an incredible horseman, mentor and teacher.