About Us

Happily Ever After Ranch and Rescue was incorporated in February 2022 but began in 2017 when the founder, Darlene Reed, Ph.D., bought a 38-acre ranch on the hills of Colorado dreaming of a rescue for horses needing a home.

In December 2018, Darlene and her husband, Russ Reed, welcomed the first two residents of the HEA R&R; Cactus Jack and Einstein. Cactus Jack, a 21-year-old Clydesdale, had just retired from the trails due to age and arthritic conditions and needed a new home. Einstein, a 28-year-old lame quarter horse, that a reputable horse trainer declared lucky if managed to live two more weeks.

The two horses had been friends for 17 years, so in order not to separate the friends, Darlene offered to take Einstein as well.

Einstein received veterinary care, chiropractic support, laser therapy, and additional health and wellness enhancements. Within a few weeks, his ankle straightened, his muscles and tendons strengthened, and he became more active. Surrounded by love and attention, Einstein was visibly happier and enjoyed an additional three years of a high-quality life at the ranch.

The shared joy in his recovery and rehabilitation inspired Darlene to focus on retired, rescued, and abandoned horses. The rescue goal is to give them a happy ending with dignity, love, and optimal wellness care.

In 2022, Darlene decided to formalize the rescue to provide the care these animals deserve. Caring for, rehabilitating, and providing end-of-life medical and wellness for animals is resource intensive, so forming an official charity can ensure the care of the current animal residents but also reach others that share this long-term vision of wellness, dedication, and support for these animals, so we can keep receiving new residents with open arms.

The Happily Ever After Ranch and Rescue became a Colorado non-profit corporation and is currently waiting to get its EIN as a 501(c) 3 tax-exempt charity.