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Meet the Herd at Art, Heart & Hoofbeats Sancturary

Every animal at Art, Heart & Hoofbeats Sanctuary has a story. Each horse is given time, space, and lifelong care to live with dignity and safety.

Our horses are not pets or performers—they are rescued individuals living in sanctuary.

Our Horse-First Philosophy

At AHHS, the needs of the horses always come first. We prioritize safety, consent, and calm presence in all interactions. Each horse is provided a lifelong home and is never asked to participate beyond what is appropriate for their well-being.

Ritz "Ritzer"

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Ritz (barn name: Ritzer)

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Ritz is a gentle and sensitive gelding who previously worked as a show horse. Early in his life, he spent long periods stalled and developed some self-soothing behaviors. He is thoughtful and attuned to the people around him, often seeking calm, steady human presence for reassurance.

When Ritz arrived at Art, Heart & Hoofbeats Sanctuary, he struggled with severe asthma. With low-stress living, ample turnout, and small-bale hay, his breathing has fully stabilized, and he now thrives in a quieter, more supportive environment.

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Care needs supported through donor contributions.
Ritz requires additional nutritional support and higher-calorie feed to maintain a healthy weight, as he tends to be on the lean side.

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Mama Moon "Moonie"

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Moon (barn name: Moon)

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Moon came to Art, Heart & Hoofbeats Sanctuary when her family needed to relocate out of state. When she arrived, she had a few health challenges, but with thoughtful nutrition and consistent farrier care, she is now in excellent condition.

Moon is gentle, kind, and quietly supportive. She is a favorite within the herd and shares a close bond with Fable, often offering steady companionship and calm presence.

 

Care needs supported through donor contributions.
You can help support Moon’s ongoing care through monthly sponsorship or a one-time gift.

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Sponsor me

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Fable "Fabs"

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Fable (barn name: Fabs)

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Fable came to Art, Heart & Hoofbeats Sanctuary wary and untouchable, needing time, patience, and consistency to feel safe. Through calm care and respectful relationships, she gradually learned to trust and open up.

Today, Fable enjoys gentle interaction, treats, and scratches, and she continues to teach us about resilience, forgiveness, and the possibility of connection. When she’s feeling playful, she has a curious sparkle and a quiet sense of humor that delights those who know her well.

 

Care needs supported through donor contributions.
You can help support Fable’s ongoing care through monthly sponsorship or a one-time gift.

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Sponsor me

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Jake "Jakers"

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Jake (barn name: Jakers)

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Jake came to Art, Heart & Hoofbeats Sanctuary after experiencing multiple moves that left him feeling unsettled and unwell. When he arrived, he was both anxious and uncomfortable, and it became clear that his health needs had not been fully understood in previous homes.

With consistent care and attention to his well-being, Jake has revealed himself to be a sweet, expressive, and very opinionated horse. He has a strong sense of routine, a clear preference for mealtime, and a charming way of making sure his thoughts are heard—especially when food is involved.

 

Care needs supported through donor contributions.
You can help support Jake’s ongoing care through monthly sponsorship or a one-time gift.

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Sponsor me

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Sunny "Sunny-shine"

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Sunny (barn name: Sunnie-Sunshine)

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Sunny came to Art, Heart & Hoofbeats Sanctuary from a loving home when her people were no longer able to care for her. At her previous home, she was a steady companion to a blind horse, showing a natural gentleness and attentiveness to others. After moving through several homes, she finally found stability and consistency at AHHS.

When Sunny arrived, she was untrained and fearful of trailering, needing time and patience to feel safe. We continue to carefully manage her founder to ensure she remains comfortable, sound, and free from pain. With steady care and a calm environment, Sunny is learning to trust and settle into her new life.

True to her name, Sunny has a caring heart and a soft presence. Her quiet kindness and sensitivity to those around her make her a deeply nurturing member of the herd.

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Care needs supported through donor contributions.
You can help support Sunny’s ongoing care through monthly sponsorship or a one-time gift.

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Sponsor me

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Ozymandias "Ozzie"

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Ozymandias (barn name: Ozzie or Oz)

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Ozymandias came to Art, Heart & Hoofbeats Sanctuary during a time of transition, when his family needed to find a safe, stable home for him and his brother, Mastodon. Together, they found a new beginning at AHHS.

Ozzie lives with chronic progressive lymphedema, and his care includes close monitoring and thoughtful management to ensure he remains comfortable and pain-free. With attentive support and a calm environment, he continues to do well.

Despite his condition, Ozzie is full of personality. He is a natural leader with a sharp sense of humor and seems to take great joy in telling his much larger brother exactly what to do—often with impressive confidence.


Care needs supported through donor contributions.
You can help support Ozzie’s ongoing care through monthly sponsorship or a one-time gift.

Sponsor me

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Mastodon "Mazzy"

Mastodon (barn name: Mazzy or Maz)

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Mastodon came to Art, Heart & Hoofbeats Sanctuary alongside his brother from another mother, Ozymandias. Together, they found a stable and supportive home at AHHS during a time of transition.

Mazzy has a rare condition involving an impacted tooth, and his care includes close monitoring to ensure he remains comfortable and able to eat with ease. With attentive observation and consistent support, he continues to do well.

True to his nickname as the “golden retriever” of the herd, Mazzy is affectionate, gentle, and endlessly kind. He happily chooses scratches and connection over snacks, and his easygoing nature makes him a favorite among both horses and humans.

 

Care needs supported through donor contributions.
You can help support Mazzy’s ongoing care through monthly sponsorship or a one-time gift.

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Sponsor me

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Axl Rose "Axl"

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Axl Rose (barn name: Axl)
 

Axl came to Art, Heart & Hoofbeats Sanctuary as a young two-year-old. As a foal, he sustained an injury after becoming entangled in baling twine, which required ongoing attention as he grew. When it became clear that his needs would be best supported in a sanctuary setting, Axl found his way to AHHS.

Now in a stable, attentive environment, Axl continues to grow and mature with thoughtful care and guidance. As a young horse, he brings a lot of curiosity and energy to the herd and is known for his silly moments and youthful enthusiasm that keep everyone smiling.


Care needs supported through donor contributions.
You can help support Axl’s ongoing care through monthly sponsorship or a one-time gift.

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Sponsor me 

Zeus

Zeus (mini horse)
 

Zeus came to Art, Heart & Hoofbeats Sanctuary alongside his best friend Reggie, one of our beloved goats. Before arriving at AHHS, the word on the street was that the two of them were known for adventurous outings around Medina, happily visiting neighbors together.

When Zeus’s owner became too ill to care for him, he found a safe and welcoming home at AHHS. As a mini horse with a big personality, Zeus brings endless joy to the sanctuary with his playful spirit and silly antics, regularly keeping both humans and animals entertained.

 

Fun fact: Mini horses are not ponies; they are true horses bred to stay small while keeping full horse proportions.

Care needs supported through donor contributions.
You can help support Zeus’s ongoing care through monthly sponsorship or a one-time gift.


Sponsor me

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Other Sanctuary Residents
In addition to our horses, AHHS is home to other animals who contribute to the rhythm and life of the sanctuary. Each is cared for with the same commitment to safety, respect, and long-term well-being.

Lady
Alpine Goat

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Sweet William & Cedar
Nigerian Dawn Goats

Beau-Alpine Goat

Ralphy Faining Goat 

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Birds Including various chickens and Peafowl (Peacocks)

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How You Support the Herd

  • Daily feed and hay

  • Veterinary and farrier care

  • Safe shelter and pasture maintenance

  • Staff and volunteer support

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Donations and sponsorships make lifelong sanctuary possible.

Support the Herd

Contact Us

13735 County Road 43

Cologne, MN 55322

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Art, Heart & Hoofbeats 

Cologne, MN

501(c)3 EIN 93-3118987

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