Shooting at the Rescue

Friday morning at 1am, our tenant (a really kind and gentle guy who loved the animals) who was known to sometimes smoke weed (but not on the property) and maybe once in a while would have a beer (but no hard drugs or alcohol) ended up in a drug-induced psychosis causing him to believe that someone was trying to kill him. He called 911 requesting help. He panicked and busted up his guesthouse doors/windows with a shotgun trying to escape. He then ran out into the yard amongst our horses and continued unloading more than a dozen rounds in defense against his hallucinations. Two of our horses were shot; one was later euthanized. His panicked slowed, he put the safety on his gun and headed back towards his home when he collapsed on the ground due to overdose. My husband found him on the ground and called 911, at this point believing that he had been shot by an assailant. We were told to lock ourselves in our house so the area could be cleared and our tenant rescued to an offsite area for hospital transport. We later learned that he had not survived. The entire situation is just heartbreaking. Our horse that was put down ironically was a therapy horse used to help youth and adults struggling to overcome hardship and addiction through our nonprofit counseling/outreach program (Rocking Horse Ranch). More than that he was our family pet and was loved by many, and the life of a sweet young man has been lost to drugs!

At this time we are asking for prayers for all those impacted and donations to help with veterinary costs and other repairs and expenses.  Any additional donations will be placed in a memorial fund to assist with future rescue efforts.

More information about Rocking Horse Ranch: Rocking Horse Ranch is a non-profit organization dedicated to the belief in second chances! Our mission is to help youth and adults who have suffered trauma, abuse, neglect and other life hardships, through life skills and therapeutic programs involving the rescue and rehabilitation of horses. A variety of personal growth, and animal-assisted therapy programs are offered year-round. Animals are rescued and placed for adoption in loving new homes, providing A New Kind of Hope for all who are involved. Rocking Horse Ranch was established in 2006 as a 501c3 and has helped countless animals and people throughout the last 15 years.  Funds are currently low for the ranch due to the impacts of COVID 19. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. https://www.rockinghorseranch.org/rescue-animals