HOC ROSE BLIND HORSE SANCTUARY RESCUE
HOC Rose Sanctuary Rescue (HOC Rose), established in 2016, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, located in Stacy, Minnesota. HOC Rose provides a safe haven for blind horses. HOC Rose is determined to bring awareness and change the stigma associated with blind horses.
HOC Rose Sanctuary Rescue is a very small sanctuary rescue on the Belevender’s 10 acres hobby farm. We can house up to 7 horses at a time and because of that, HOC Rose often have horses on a waiting list to get in, which often takes a year or so due to blind horse stigma. Blind horses do not get adopted as easily as sighted horses. We also have few lifer horses residing here.
We are currently at capacity and have started a waiting list. In order to get on the waiting list, a surrender form must be filled out. We hope someday we will have foster hosts to join our team. We currently are the only ones taking care of all of the blind horses.
HOC Rose relies heavily on donations to run this rescue, however Kari and Jeff Belevender (founder/owner) often step in and personally support these horses. Thus, we have to limit the horses in this program based on finances available to be able to provide excellent care each horse needs. We run this rescue on the side while working full time jobs. Each horse care costs an average $2000 a year so that is $14,000 annually.
Please consider giving your blind horse a chance. I did not have any knowledge when I first started learning how to take care of blind horses. We offer mentoring and resources to help you. We also allow visitors to come to HOC Rose for a tour and learn about blind horses. To reserve a time to visit, please go to our website at hocrosesanctuaryrescue.org.
Check out our “Sunday Blind Horse Owner’s Story” which is updated weekly. We collect stories from owners who have a blind horse(s) and share the story of their journey of owning and caring for their blind horse(s). They want to share their story to help others and give HOPE to others who seek help. We post those stories every Sunday on our Facebook page.
Please also keep in mind, we work full time jobs and manage this rescue on the side. We are not available at all hours. We will try to respond back as soon as we can.
Email us at hocrose@gmail.com with as much information you can so we can help more effectively.
Blind horses can still thrive as well as seeing horses if given right support. If we share our knowledge with the world, the ripple effect can go far. Help us change the stigma that is associated with blind horses.