Healing Hooves & Happy Hearts

At Rush Creek Sanctuary, nestled in the rolling hills near Decatur, Texas, our story began with a simple yet profound vision: to create a haven where the gentle strength of draft horses and donkeys could heal hearts and transform lives. Founded in 2023 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our sanctuary was born from a deep love for animals and a commitment to supporting veterans and special-needs children in our community. What started as a dream among friends—rescuing neglected draft horses and donkeys—has grown into a vibrant mission that blends animal welfare with powerful equine-assisted therapy.

Our journey began when we encountered our first draft horse, a towering Clydesdale named Zeus, rescued from an auction where he faced an uncertain fate. His weary eyes and gentle spirit inspired us to provide a safe home not just for him, but for other draft horses and donkeys who had been overworked or abandoned. Soon, we welcomed donkeys like Chicken, a mischievous yet calming presence, whose non-judgmental nature would prove perfect for therapy. Each animal we saved became part of our family, and we realized their potential to do more than thrive—they could help others heal.

Partnering with BTKL Education and Animal Rescue, we developed programs that harness the unique bond between humans and equines. Our draft horses, with their steady strength, and donkeys, with their serene empathy, became natural therapists for veterans struggling with PTSD and special-needs children facing challenges like autism or anxiety. At Rush Creek, veterans  who returned home battling invisible wounds, found solace grooming Zeus, learning to trust again through her calm presence. Children l with autism, discovered confidence and speech skills while whispering commands to Zeus, who seemed to understand his unspoken fears.

Our inaugural Fall Festival,  celebrates this mission. Held this October, it brings together families, veterans, and animal lovers for hayrides,  and draft horse demonstrations that showcase their journey from rescue to renewal. Funds raised through raffles and donkey-sponsored crafts support our therapy programs and the care of our 12 draft horses and donkeys, covering costs like hay ($30,000/year) and veterinary care. The festival is also a platform to share stories of healing—like how a veteran found purpose leading a donkey cart or how a child with Down syndrome giggled atop a Percheron for the first time.

Our equine-assisted therapy, certified through partnerships with Patches Place Draft Horse Sanctuary, offers veterans and children a safe space to build resilience. Veterans work on trust and emotional regulation, guided by the horses’ intuitive responses, while children improve motor skills and self-esteem through riding and grooming. Donkeys, with their calm demeanor, are especially effective for anxious kids, reflecting back their emotions like mirrors. These interactions, whether a quiet moment brushing a horse or a structured session with a therapist, spark joy and independence, helping participants carry newfound strength into their daily lives.

Rush Creek Sanctuary isn’t just a place—it’s a movement. It’s about giving draft horses and donkeys a life worth living after years of hardship, and offering veterans and special-needs children a path to healing through the power of these animals. Every nuzzle from a donkey, every steady step of a draft horse, is a step toward hope. With our community’s support, we’re saving animals and changing lives, one gentle giant at a time.