My Story
Meet Fable — The Heart Behind Our Healing Work
My name is Fable, and my name is the only thing I kept from my old life.
I’m a German Warmblood–Thoroughbred mare, once purchased to be part of a breeding program. I was admired for my floaty trot, elegant frame, and kind eyes — but life behind the scenes was far from the dream. When rescuers found me, I was standing in thigh-high manure, trying to survive with two young colts nursing from me, moldy hay, and no clean water. A stallion ran loose among dozens of other neglected horses, and my former owner didn’t even know how many of us were there.
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When I arrived at Art, Heart & Hoofbeats Sanctuary, I didn’t trust humans — not even a little. I was unloaded by simply opening the trailer gate into the arena, and I ran out, wild-eyed and frightened. For weeks, no one could touch me. But the humans here didn’t give up. They waited, listened, and showed up — not with pressure, but with patience. They gave me time to see that not all people take; some people simply care.
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Within a week, they discovered I had a painful infection and began gentle treatment. I fought it at first — I fought everything. My trauma made me defensive, and I needed triple the patience and triple the care. But little by little, my walls came down.
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And that’s when something incredible happened — I became the teacher.
My healing process showed the humans that true connection can’t be rushed. They began to build a program around what I taught them: that listening, consent, and gentleness are more powerful than control. That healing comes from relationship, not dominance. My journey became the foundation for the sanctuary’s philosophy — Horses First. People Second. Connection Always.
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Because of my early trauma, I’m still a high-maintenance girl — I need extra feed to stay healthy, and my veterinary care often costs double or triple the usual amount. But my story continues to help others heal. Visitors and volunteers often see themselves in me — cautious, learning to trust again, opening slowly. Together, we practice patience, courage, and belonging.
When you sponsor me, you’re not just supporting one horse — you’re sustaining the heart of this sanctuary and everything it stands for. Thank you for helping me continue to inspire healing, one gentle breath at a time.