Our Story
Return to Horse Medicine was born from a deep connection to the Land, Horses, and the wisdom of Indigenous Peoples.
Inspired by Native American heritage, our mission connects the destruction of Land and loss of relationships with Horses and Humans. We believe that when we lost our connection to the Earth and to Horses, we lost a part of ourselves.
We're here to restore that connection.
Located on 34 acres in Deerfield, VA, Return to Horse Medicine is more than a Horse rescue. We're a living experiment in regeneration—restoring the land to a biodiverse, self-sustaining, food-yielding state while fostering mutual partnerships between Humans, Horses, and the environment.
Every orphan foal we rescue, every wild horse we rehabilitate, every medicinal herb we plant, and every person we welcome to learn with us is part of this regenerative cycle.
We're not just saving Horses. We're restoring balance.
Our Mission & Vision
Mission
To regenerate relationships between Horses, Humans, and the Land through rescue, rehabilitation, education, and land stewardship—guided by Indigenous wisdom and respect for all beings.
Vision
A world where Humans, Horses, and the Earth thrive together in mutual partnership—where wild spirits are honored, ancient wisdom guides our actions, and every being is restored to their most magnificent self.
The W.H.A.R.M. Method
Our Success Rate
The W.H.A.R.M. Method works. We have a 100% success rate in rehabilitating Horses into healthy, thriving companions.
Horses stay with us for 24-36 months before adoption. Adopters commit to 8-12 months of relationship-building using the W.H.A.R.M. Method. Some Horses with high or special needs become permanent sanctuary residents and live with us for life.
Every Horse deserves to be their magnificent self. That's what we help them become.
What is W.H.A.R.M.?
What Drives and Inspires Us
Who We Rescue
Wild Horses
Feral, and unhandled Horses, who've never known Human partnership
Orphan Foals
Young Horses who've lost their mothers and need a safe place to grow.
Misunderstood Horses
Those labeled "problematic" or "dangerous" who are at risk of euthanasia.
Our Land & Regeneration Work
What We're Growing
- Food forests – Perennial food-producing systems that mimic natural ecosystems
- Medicinal herbs – Comfrey, motherwort, yarrow, borage, dock root, and more
- Culinary herbs – Fresh, organic herbs for cooking and wellness
- Indigenous plants – Supporting native species and the animals that depend on them
How We're Regenerating
- No-till and companion planting – Working with the soil, not against it
- Composting – Turning food waste into rich, life-giving soil
- Vermiculture – Developing a worm composting program
- Natural rotation systems – Protecting the land from overgrazing while allowing horses to roam
- Water management – Discovering ways to support healthy water flow and use
We're learning as we go, adapting to seasonal changes, and constantly improving our stewardship practices.
Meet the Team
Facilities Director
Our Facilities Director ensures that the Land, structures, and systems support both Horses and Humans in thriving.
Leah
Our founder brings a lifetime of passion for Horses, Land, and Indigenous wisdom to Return to Horse Medicine.
Farm Manager
Our Farm Manager oversees daily operations, Horse care, and Land management—keeping everything running smoothly.
Partnerships & Collaboration
We work with experts who share our values:
- Barefoot hoofcare specialist – Expertise in laminitis, lameness, and natural hoof health
- Local veterinarian – Provides ongoing care and supports our natural methods
- Community volunteers – The heart and hands that make our work possible
We're always looking for funding partners, collaborators, and supporters who want to expand our impact.
Why "Return to Horse Medicine"?
In many Indigenous cultures, Horses are considered medicine—healers, teachers, and sacred partners.
When we "return" to Horse medicine, we're returning to:
- A way of being that honors all life
- A relationship with the Earth that sustains rather than depletes
- A partnership with Horses that heals both Human and animal
- Ancient wisdom that guides us toward balance
This isn't just about Horses. It's about remembering who we are and what we're meant to be—in relationship with each other, the land, and all beings.
Welcome home.