As I sit here in front of the keyboard, I find myself not sure of how to write what I want to share with all of you. I have such happy news to share, but it's as though I dare not put it to "paper" just in case it might cause it to disappear like a dream.
In this season of joy and hope, a very special gift has come to the rescue. The gift comes with a long story that I will try to share here as briefly as possible.
Several years ago, a former neighbor of the rescue brought a suit against the rescue and its previous executive director. After two very long years, the case was settled out of court, with each side having to pay their own legal bills. CCHR was very fortunate to have someone who supported the enormous legal costs that had to be paid at the time. Understandably, it was agreed that there would be a lien placed on the ranch property in return. However, as long as the rescue continued with its Mission and its work, the lien would not be called in, and no payments had to be made towards it. Even with these terms, this lien has been a heavy burden on me for the last ten years. It has always reminded me of what we had to fight through for those two years to protect the horses and their beloved home.
I am so happy to share that our rescue friend, who supported us so faithfully through the lawsuit, has canceled the promissory note, and the deed is being re-conveyed to California Coastal Horse Rescue as this is being written!
I am so deeply grateful for this enormous kindness that has been shown to the rescue. I am forever indebted to this very special friend who not only made it possible to buy the rescue ranch in the first place but has now shared an amazing gift of heart with the rescue. To him, I say, "We will always be there for horses in need, and as we do, we will also honor the rescue as an important and beautiful part of your legacy."
I have been spending a lot of time with this rescue friend, and we have been sharing our continuing hopes and dreams for the rescue with each other. Our friendship went through a rough patch several years ago, but I am grateful that he and I have worked to rebuild our relationship over the last few years. I value his friendship so much. Ultimately, it's our love of the horses that is our biggest bond. We reminisce about the horses we have known through the rescue, the good times, the struggles, and, most importantly, how lucky we have both been to share our lives and our hearts over the years with these amazing animals.
So, speaking of hearts... As we begin celebrating our 25th anniversary as a rescue in January 2025, we have more happy news! We will finally be naming our ranch home! We wanted a name for the ranch that would reflect what happens here, what we offer the horses in our care, and what we so often experience ourselves by working with them. We will start our next 25 years of rescue with our ranch being named Rancho de Corazón de Esperanza (The Heart of Hope Ranch), "Where Equine (and Human) Hearts Heal." There aren't too many places where you see examples of hope all around you daily, but California Coastal Horse Rescue is one of those special places. Hope that comes from knowing that any life can be offered a second chance at happiness, love, and security.
I can think of no better way to close out our first twenty-five years of rescue, rehabilitation, and refuge than by naming the ranch. This ranch is our rescue family's home, and it is the place where our hearts find ways to connect with equine hearts as we help them on their journeys of healing, hope, and love. To everyone who has supported the rescue over the years, please know that this is where your heart also has a home. We are so blessed to own this beautiful ranch, and we will continue to celebrate it with every horse (and human) who finds healing and comfort there.
In this season of hope, may all of our hearts be open to all of the wonderful possibilities that exist in this world we all share. Happy holidays to all!
Adri Howe
Executive Director
California Coastal Horse Rescue
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