Our Mission
Happy Trails Horse Rescue, located in Bend, Oregon, is dedicated to the protection of horses and their quality of life, to be free from abuse, neglect, abandonment, slaughter, or early euthanasia without just cause. While we strive to rescue those horses in need, we also provide community outreach, education and resources, such as our SURRENDER PREVENTION PROGRAM (food, physical and/or medical rehabilitation or temporary shelter) in an effort to alleviate an owner’s difficult choices of relinquishment or euthanasia.
We believe that every equine deserves respect, love, compassion and dignity, regardless of age, health, or behavior. Hence, we pledge to do whatever we can to facilitate the ability of rescued horses to live out their lives in a safe and peaceful environment either in a new forever home or at Happy Trails for their remaining years.
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Our Vision
Our vision is to create a world where every horse lives a life of dignity, free from suffering and neglect. We envision a future where our compassionate care and unwavering commitment to equine welfare result in thriving, happy horses, and a community that values and respects these majestic animals.
About Us & The Ranch
Happy Trails Horse Rescue non-profit organization was founded in 2023 by David and Dianne Scott. They have been privately funding the care for 15 horses while waiting final approval of its non-profit tax exempt status.
We strongly believe that community outreach and education is key in achieving a long-term solution to equine abuse, neglect and abandonment. By helping local equine guardians obtain the necessary services and resources to care for their horses, we hope to minimize circumstances that could lead to such maltreatment, as well as early unnecessary euthanasia or relinquishment leading to slaughter. We have developed a hay/grain bank on site that can provide feed when needed and we seek funds for equine veterinarian/farrier/emergency boarding solutions that may arise due to owner economic or physical challenges. Of course, our ability to provide such resources depends on private support from donations as there are few, if any, government grant funds available to non-profit horse rescues as compared to those available for small animal rescues such as humane societies.
We have meticulously designed the Happy Trails Ranch to maximize the comfort, health and safety of our herd — creating pens with a soft base, and shelters for every horse with water troughs and electrical lines accessible to each pen. We have also installed solar lighting and security cameras throughout the property to maintain herd safety at all hours. Pasture time immediately accessible from the pens provides a huge quality of life aspect for herd animals and those who are healthy enough get daily doses of freedom and exercise, not to mention the added benefit of grazing.
We utilize a highly qualified and skilled veterinary team for our herd and as well as the services of equine body workers to help our senior or physically/medically compromised equines who suffer from arthritis or other joint issues. Our trainer also works with the younger horses in the herd who are likely to succeed and eventually be available for adoption.
We work collaboratively with other Oregon horse rescues to ensure the best solutions for at-risk horses.
The Founders
Dianne Scott
Dianne Scott is the president of Happy Trails Horse Rescue (HTHR) in Bend, Oregon. She has a passion for equines that stemmed from a young age, finding joy and entertainment at a horse camp as a child. Dianne jokingly blamed her husband to explain how they ended up with horses in their life saying, “I wanted goats, he wanted horses and now here we are.” After working many years in the corporate world, Dianne volunteered to be a board member, and eventually the president of another local horse rescue. She stepped down when she and her husband acquired a suitable property near Tumalo to develop their own non-profit horse rescue. Now it has become a 7 day-a-week obsession for Dianne, allowing for her to experience a special connection with each horse in fostering their care and wellbeing.
Dave Scott
Dave grew up with horses and has been a huge animal advocate since a very young age, with many different animals. Dave’s love of anything winged, fur or reptile carries through his entire life. Dave goes above and beyond to ensure animals are cared for to the best ability possible. Dave heads up all healthcare guidance as well as all facility improvements at Happy Trails Horse Rescue.
Our Values
At Happy Trails Horse Rescue, we are driven by a commitment to our core values, which serve as the foundation of our mission to protect horses in need. Together, we make a difference, one horse at a time.
We believe in the inherent value of every horse and are dedicated to ensuring they have a safe and loving environment. We do all we can to promote compassion, respect and kindness towards all animals.
Health
We are passionate about educating the community on equine welfare and responsible ownership to provide long-term solutions to eventually end abuse, neglect and abandonment.
Education
We prioritize the health and well-being of every horse under our care, as well as out in the community when possible. We provide comprehensive veterinary care, nutrition, and holistic support to ensure they thrive physically and emotionally.
Compassion
Collaboration
We actively collaborate with other organizations, volunteers and professionals to maximize our impact and create a united front for equine welfare and advocacy.
We strongly believe that prevention through community outreach and education is an important long-term solution to the problem of equine abuse, neglect and abandonment.
Meet Some of Our Horses
Kody
Also known as Hakoda and Coyote in his past. Kody was also saved from a scary end from auction in July 2022. He is a brush-tail Appaloosa gelding with a cute speckled muzzle.
River
Saved from a Warm Springs tribe round-up where he was separated from his family at about 4-5 months of age. His start was sad but he’s matured into a gorgeous gelding with lots of love to share!
Cotton
Saved from a dire end from auction in October 2022, this grey quarter horse mare is about 7 years old. She is very intelligent and easy to ride by an experienced rider.
Trixy
Trixy was rescued from auction and an uncertain end in April 2023. She has settled into the herd here and is on proper cushings medication and thriving well!
View The Rescue
The following photo slideshow depicts Our Herd and their Life at Happy Trails.
Life at the Ranch
In the not too distant past, there were options for rehoming a horse by auction. Not great, but many sold for high dollars to respectable, responsible horse owners. Many ended up selling for cheap and becoming “at risk “– or some lucked out and were saved by rescues.