Meet the Herd
The horses are the heart of our program here at WAYR. One of Gods most magnificent creatures, horses are intuitive beings. Horses can be an emotional mirror for humans. They respond to how we feel.
Horses are herd and prey animals, which means that they have a strong emotional sense and use this sense as a survival tool; they feed off of and respond to other horses in the herd. If one horse in a herd is scared, the others will become frightened. They respond similarly to humans. If a person approaches a horse with anger, the horse will respond by shying away or becoming fearful. Horses never hide their emotions. Because of these qualities, horses can be used to help people heal from a variety of psychological issues.
Horses are majestic animals that are wonderful simply to be with. Horses are gentle and honest; they do not have the ability to manipulate or lie. One common healing technique that is often used for people who were abused is to put them with a large horse and allow them to interact. Very often, the person may break down in tears and say something like, “I’ve never been treated this kindly by anything so big.” This is an experience the person can then take into the human world. Read on to meet our majestic herd of therauputic equines.
Manch
Manch is the head of the herd, and he’s always sure to let everyone know who’s in charge! With his commanding presence, he leads with strength, but don’t let that fool you—he’s a gentle and loving leader. Manch loves kisses, treats, and plenty of attention, and his larger-than-life personality makes him a favorite among all who know him.
Arriving with Cass ten years ago, Manch quickly became known for his clownlike character and playful antics. He’s often caught playing with your hair, giving sloppy kisses, or stomping to communicate his demands. No matter the situation, Manch always brings a smile to our faces, and his playful spirit is a source of joy and laughter here at the ranch. We all adore him and cherish the humor and love he brings into our lives.
DD
DD was bred for Western Pleasure and sent to many trainers in her early years. Along the way, she became head and halter sour, likely due to past mistreatment during training. Despite this, DD found a second chance when a dear friend of the ranch acquired her, helped her heal, and eventually donated her to WAYR.
At the ranch, DD has blossomed into the true "princess" of the herd. She loves pampering, belly scratches, and, of course, plenty of treats. With her quiet, intuitive spirit, DD has an uncanny ability to communicate her needs—whether it’s her "blankie" or a little snack, she knows how to let us know. Her gentle nature and quiet strength have made her a beloved member of the team, and we’re grateful for the love she shares with us every day.
Cass
Cassanova, or “Cass,” is a sweet and reserved soul, gentle yet particular in who he chooses to trust. Having suffered abuse from humans in the past, Cass came to WAYR with a guarded heart. But over time, he has found a sense of belonging in the barn and with his herd, allowing him to heal and open his heart once more.
Cass has a special gift for working with the shy and timid, seeing in them the same vulnerabilities he once knew all too well. His gentle demeanor and reliability bring peace to those who need it most, especially the little souls who benefit from his quiet strength. With every bond he forms, Cass shows us the power of love, trust, and the beauty of healing.
Copperhead
Copperhead, our gentle giant, joined us in 2019, arriving rather timid and undernourished. Since then, he's blossomed into quite the charmer. Although shy at first, Copperhead is finding his confidence and is a wonderful addition to our program. We fondly call him our "big baby", as he loves to gently licking our hands— much like a security blanket. He's truly a beautiful addition to our family, a whispering angel bringing joy to all who meet him.
Noel
Noel was a gift to the ranch Christmas of 2019 for our horse, Norman. Norman needed assistance with navigating because he was slightly blind. It seemed that the very moment they met, it was love at first sight. Noel knew exactly why she was brought to the Ranch. Years later, after Norman's passing, Noel became the feature of "Noel Finds her Purpose!" - a children's book written by WAYR founder, Marie Allen. She is loved. by all!
Dakota
Dakota is a gentle "alpha" within the herd, setting an example through his calm leadership. His approach is one of quiet strength, leading by the power of his actions. He exhibits immense kindness towards children, conveying his affection through his soft eyes and gentle nuzzles. Dakota's fondness for cookies and treats is matched only by his love for hugs and kisses, making him a cherished companion for all..
River
River is a quiet soul who is very fond of children. His deep blue eyes tell a story and his gentle spirit makes him a wonderful companion for children who feel uncertain around large animals.
Pistol
Well, the name says it all—Pistol is all fire and personality, ready to make anyone feel welcome at the ranch. Full of energy and charm, he’s currently under the “mentorship” of our senior miniature horse, Annie, who’s helping him learn the ropes. Pistol loves to “zoom” around the pasture, showing off his impressive speed and agility. His playful spirit and enthusiasm for life are contagious, and we’re excited to see him grow and continue to light up the ranch with his spunky energy.
ALICE
Alice is our beautiful little silver miniature horse, and she’s already captured the hearts of everyone at the ranch with her big personality in such a small package. This spunky little mare loves back scratches and often recruits an innocent bystander to assist her with her grooming needs! Alice has a serious love for treats—really, any snack she can find—and she’ll make sure you know it.
Though her enthusiasm for snacks is unmatched, Alice’s sweet demeanor and gentle spirit make her a perfect fit for the work we’re doing here at the ranch. We’re excited to be working with her toward our goal of serving those in nursing homes, where we know she’ll bring joy, comfort, and a lot of laughter. Alice is a wonderful new addition with so much potential, and we can’t wait to see all the lives she’ll touch.
Dusty
​When Dusty first arrived at WAYR, he was very scared of people, which at times resulted in defensive behavior. He became a special project for us, as we were determined to show him that our intentions were filled with love, hoping he would in turn share that love with children. Over time, Dusty has made remarkable progress, revealing his soft heart and tender spirit. Dusty's journey has been enlightening for our staff, teaching us invaluable lessons about the true essence of loving a horse and the profound impact it can have on both the horse and those around him.
SON
Son is our “wise old man,” a horse with a cleverness and personality all his own. He’s smart enough to open a carabiner clip on a gate—and even slam it behind him! Son arrived at the ranch with Dusty, both wary and unsure of people. But through the love and patience we shared, Son learned to trust again, and he now thrives on the deep bonds he’s formed with the people who care for him.
Though Son can be a bit ornery at times, his authenticity and honesty have won the hearts of so many here. He doesn’t hide who he is, and that honesty makes him all the more beloved. Now in his older years, we cherish every moment with Son, from his blunt demands to the deep love he shows in his own unique way. We’re hopeful for many more years of this “wise old man” gracing our lives.
SI
Si is the largest horse at the ranch, and he’s full of spunk and personality! Often called our “puppy dog,” Si is always getting into something, whether it’s raiding the cookie jar on the grooming cart or finding a pen in your back pocket to play with. Despite being the largest horse here, Si doesn’t seem to realize just how big he is (don’t tell him!) He’s too busy loving life, especially when it comes to his affection for the minis. If he could, he’d happily spend all day staring at them.
But don't let his playful antics fool you—Si is incredibly gentle with children, proving that even the biggest of hearts can come in the biggest of packages. His gentle nature and mischievous spirit bring joy to everyone around him, and we’re lucky to have him here at the ranch.
TESS
Tess is a retired cutting horse champion who was kindly donated to the ranch at the end of her career. This spirited little red mare may be small in stature, but she holds a heart full of strength and grace. Though she’s a bit shy at first, Tess has a sweet, gentle demeanor that, once she bonds with you, becomes unbreakable. We are excited to watch Tess blossom here at the ranch, and we feel truly blessed to be a part of her new chapter.
Annie
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Annie came to the ranch after retiring from the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. She is a very sweet little lady and loves children very much. She is currently mentoring Pistol, our very young and inexperienced mini horse.
Our Own Angels
At God's Barn, every horse that comes through our gates is more than just an animal—they are a vessel of God’s love, patience, and grace. These incredible partners have carried not only children on their backs but also their burdens, fears, and joys. They have been quiet listeners, steadfast friends, and living reminders of God’s gentle power and unwavering faithfulness.
Though their time on this earth has ended, their impact is eternal. We believe they now run freely in heavenly pastures, where the grass is always green, the streams run clear, and their spirits are forever renewed. We cherish the contribution of each horse, knowing that their service was a gift—one that shaped lives, fostered healing, and reflected the goodness of our Creator. Each hoofbeat left an imprint on the souls they touched, and though they are gone, their legacy of love and service continues. They taught patience to the timid, courage to the fearful, and trust to the brokenhearted.
We honor them not with sadness, but with gratitude. These horses gave their lives in service to the children and families who walked through our gates, and we know that in the presence of our Creator, they are at peace.
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"The righteous care for the needs of their animals..." — Proverbs 12:10
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May they rest in God’s eternal pasture, knowing they were loved, cherished, and used for His glory.
