2025 Recap

In 2025 we lost two of our horses. You can read about Atlas and Whiskey by clicking on the links. Their bodies had been through so much and it was the best thing for them. But still a tough decision to make.

Maz had a colic episode in October. Luckily he made it through but it left us with a huge vet bill. He's had a couple minor scares since then so we have to keep a special eye on him.

The good news is our community keeps growing! We are teaching on average 5 lessons a week. Heritage Oak Rescue had a very successful Trunk or Treat this Halloween. We had so many volunteers show up and we won Best Trunk 2025!

In February 2025 we fostered a mare named Whisper through Hill Country SPCA. She got regular trims and a safe place to live until she found her forever home in April. Whisper was a favorite with the kids while she was here.

We were able to participate in 3 parades. Some of our students from the lesson program volunteered and walked or rode horses in the parades. They loved it! We did 3 school presentations and some of those kids now come each week for lessons.

We also hosted 4 free community events here, such as a women's group Aerial Yoga class. We did 4 fundraising market day booths where we have various horse items available on a donation basis. Kids receive a free horse book for stopping by.

Our 2025 Taxes are complete. Below you will find a breakdown of expenses and donations.

Unfortunately we're still operating at a loss. But we do feel incredibly blessed to receive the support we have! Since the beginning of 2026 to date Heritage Oak Rescue has been offered 6 horses that need homes. We have had to turn them away. Right now 4 horses is financially manageable and all we need to teach lessons.

In 2026, founder of Heritage Oak Rescue, Emily Cristofich, is taking an online equine bodywork & training class. This year she plans to focus on the 4 horses we currently have, practicing bodywork and fine tuning her horsemanship skills to give them the best possible quality of life we can offer.

At some point when finances improve and we feel like the horses we have are thriving we would love to take in another horse for our program. We are specifically interested in a mini horse or donkey as most of our students are kids and sometimes intimidated by the large size of the horses.

Thank you for reading and your interest in Heritage Oak Rescue! Your support means a lot.