Hooves of Hope launches in Kearney to support local animals

By Peter Rice

KEARNEY, Neb. — A local woman is turning two decades of horseback riding lessons and trail rides into a new mission: rescuing animals in need.

Christine Wilson, owner of Christine Horseback Riding LLC, officially launched Hooves of Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation in January. The nonprofit received IRS approval in early February.

She said the decision followed years of calls from owners who could no longer care for their animals.

“We had so many people over the last couple of years call me wanting me to rescue their horses,” said Wilson. “They couldn’t afford them financially anymore, or physically, or they had to move and couldn’t take them.”

With feed and veterinary costs continuing to rise, Wilson said some owners of large animals are struggling to keep up.

Many of the horses that come to the rescue have gone years without vaccinations or regular hoof care.

“Our biggest need really is hay and supplements and feed… help with the veterinary care, help with the hoof care, the farrier, things like that,” she said.

The rescue focuses on local surrenders and law enforcement cases and accepts horses, goats, donkeys and mules.

Hooves of Hope is also creating leadership opportunities for young people.

Fifteen-year-old Aspen Hermance, a freshman at Kearney High and member of Kearney FFA, serves as director of the junior board.

“I have always loved riding and I love horses,” said Hermance. “The second Christine mentioned wanting to do something with a horse rescue, I was like, yes, I’m on board. I would love to do that. And it's just such an amazing opportunity for me. It’s my favorite thing to do ever. I don’t think I would ever want to go anywhere else,” she said.

Rachel Silverman, an assistant professor and program coordinator at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, also serves on the board.

“I think it’s great because we don’t have anything like this here in Kearney,” said Silverman. “I think it’s going to be great for the animals. It’s great to see that there’ll be a home for them that’s around here, as opposed to horses going to a slaughterhouse.”

Dr. Jacob Marsh has worked with many of the rescue’s animals and praised the effort, saying “There are horses in not such good situations, not getting fed right, people don’t have the information they need and buy a horse and don’t have room for it. You can now bring it into the rescue and let it get some help, let kids rub all over him and give him a good life. Yeah, it couldn’t be better,” he said.

Hooves of Hope’s first fundraiser is scheduled for April 11.

The organization is currently seeking donations, volunteers and sponsorships to continue expanding its capacity and helping animals in need.

The rescue, along with Christine's Horse Riding business, are located at 8215 Hidden Hills Rd in Kearney, with more information available here.