Return to Horse Medicine (R2HM) is a reputable horse rescue organization that works hard to manage and meet the high needs of horses of the equine world. Though, know that their lifework and goal go beyond rescuing horses. As Leah Kyaio, the founder of R2HM said,
“We are technically a horse rescue, but we are much more.”
It is also an organization that works aimlessly to realign the relationship between horses, humans, and land. R2HM is there to guide and look through the entire rescue and regeneration process to ensure that each horse that comes by them is given a new and better chance in life.
The Relationship Between Horse, Human, and Land
Return to Horse Medicine is a horse rescue that looks through the entire regenerative process. Aside from giving horses a new home, they are also working on righting the relationship between the three primary elements in play.
As Leah claimed,
“We look at the entire regeneration and relationship of human-to-horse, horse-to-land, and human-to-land.”
Aligning with this goal, R2HM works hard to better understand horses by learning how to communicate with them and knowing what it means to be part of their herd. They work to spread their realizations and pass them to those planning to adopt horses from them.
“I don’t believe in the concept of trying to become a horse, nor do I believe we should be turning horses into dogs, puppies, or humans.”
Aside from regeneration, R2HM aims to restore things to ecological balance and better maintain biodiversity. Leah emphasized that they want to manage land in a way that supports horses — all without being destructive to the environment and biodiversity.
Return To Horse Medicine: What We Do
Return to Horse Medicine is not your standard horse rescue. It’s mainly because their programs, missions, and goals deviate from the norm.
For horses — they rescue primarily orphan foals, feral horses, wild horses, and those considered ‘problem children’. The programs, however, are mainly focused on relationships.
“Often, we end up being the last place they stop before they are euthanized.”
When the horses come in, R2HM keeps them anywhere from 24 to 36 months. Their adoption process is not as simple as taking out a pen and filling out paperwork. It’s about meeting the horses, engaging with them to establish a relationship, and learning everything you need to teach them.
For their next projects, R2HM is looking for their next land, somewhere between 25 – 100 acres. They are also gearing up to take on at least two foals next year, which would require them to prepare a couple of facilities to accommodate them. Lastly, they are also working on future collaborations.
Now, if you’re interested in their programs or have plans to adopt a horse, you can check all the details at their official website.
