We All Belong: Jake’s Complicated, Beautiful Story of Belonging

We All Belong: Jake’s Complicated, Beautiful Story

Jake came to AHHS with a complicated history—like all of our horses.

He was surrendered in the South to a college for asthma medication research. When that didn’t work, he was sent to Minnesota to see if a colder climate would help. From there, he was placed with a family who was afraid of him—asking him to do things his body couldn’t handle.

By the time he arrived at AHHS, he was showing fear—baring teeth, unsure, overwhelmed.

So we slowed down and listened.

Learning Jake

We watched.

What triggered his asthma? What helped? What made it worse?

At first, we followed the transfer notes—but Jake told us something different.

The steroids were too hard on his body—his feet became sore. So we shifted to a nebulizing mask, delivering medication directly to his lungs.

We started with Albuterol. It wasn’t enough. So we added another medication. Then another.

With the help of one of our amazing volunteers, we built a hay steamer to reduce dust.

We hand-walk him—at his pace—to support his breathing.

And every day, we tell him:

You are safe. You are home. We won’t leave you.

This week, we added a shot—for the days when breathing is so hard he can’t eat.

There are still days we don’t know if we’ve found the right combination yet. But we keep trying—because he deserves that. There’s no clean fix here. Just care. Adjustment. Staying.

Pieces That Belong Together

That same idea showed up in the We All Belong Mosaic, now installed at the Chanhassen Library.

When the project needed space, AHHS became that place. We invited the community in to finish it—together.

That’s what a mosaic is.

Individual pieces that don’t make sense on their own—until they are placed together.

Jake is one piece. Each person who comes here is another.

We are all part of creating something larger—a story of connection and belonging.

We Stay

Jake’s journey is ongoing.

Some days are easier. Some are not.

But he is here. And we are here with him.

That’s what we practice at AHHS.

We stay. We listen. We make space.

And in that space, people—and horses—belong.

A Moment for You

Jake reminds us that slowing down isn’t giving up—it’s paying attention.

So maybe the question isn’t just how we care for him…but how we care for ourselves.

Where can you slow down today? Where can you take one deeper breath? Where can you meet yourself—without pushing?

Even a few quiet minutes matters.

You don’t have to fix everything. You can just begin by staying.

Help Jake Breathe

Because belonging isn’t something we find—it’s something we build, together.

The cost of Jake’s medications alone is hundreds of dollars each month.

AHHS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, 100% volunteer-run.

It costs over $75,000 a year to care for the animals—and horses like Jake require ongoing, specialized support.

💚 A donation of $25 helps cover a day of hay and respiratory care💚 Ongoing support helps fund medications, equipment, and emergency care

There’s no simple fix for Jake. Just daily care—and people willing to stay.

If Jake’s story moved you, we need your help.

💚 Donate💚 Take a class💚 Volunteer💚 Be part of our herd