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When you shop through Tried & True, you're doing more than finding something good for your home or your body. You're helping keep a herd of rescued horses fed, healthy and home forever. Here's the story of how it all began, and the horses you're helping.
How Heart of Gold began
I've loved horses my whole life. My big black boy Addicus has been with me since I was 13! For years I dreamed of giving horses who'd been thrown away a second chance. By early 2018 I'd saved enough to make it real, and that September, Heart of Gold Sanctuary officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
We started on a little five-acre rental ranch in Sebastopol. In 2021 we moved to a bigger rental in Forestville, and in 2024 we lost that ranch when the rent outgrew us. It was heartbreaking. But in December 2025, our biggest dream came true: we bought a 30-acre forever home in Sonoma County, an abandoned sheep ranch we've been fixing up ever since, so no one can ever make the horses leave again.
Since 2018, 56 horses have come through our gates.
A few of our most dramatic rescues
Tater, the horse who refused to give up. He arrived skin and bones, covered in rot and ringworm, after his owner talked about shooting him to end his suffering. I honestly thought I was giving him a few peaceful weeks. Then he fell head over hooves for a crippled mare named Ember, became her devoted bodyguard, and ate his way back to health. Today he's 28, huge, and still a flirt.
Sultan, who couldn't take one more step. He came to us from a beach trail-riding business, so lame from overgrown "flipper" hooves and thrush that he could barely walk. The day his hoof boots finally let him move without pain, he bolted, and his friend Holly crashed through the electric fence to follow him! We chased them on foot and by ATV for two hours. After months of hoof care, he went on to a private ranch where he's loved to bits.
Tono and Shasta, the skeletons on the hillside. These two were starving on a steep hill at a family meat ranch, so thin and raw that our hauler doubted they'd survive the trip. They did, and they thrived. Tono turned out to be a retired racehorse who still wanted to run.
River and the River-shaped hole. River came to us as a wild, abused yearling headed for slaughter, and he trusted no one. The first time we caught him, he blasted straight through a wooden barn wall, leaving a perfect River-shaped hole. Three years of daily patience later, he was haltered, riding, and heading off on backpacking trips with his new person.
Blue Jasmine, our fierce little lead mare. A rescued Premarin mare who learned that human hands could mean scratches and belly rubs. She ruled the herd until we lost her in January 2026, and she's the face of our very first Heart of Gold products.
Want the full stories, with videos and photos you won't find anywhere else? Join our members at Heart of Gold Sanctuary Members Only.
Meet the forever herd
Every horse here today is a "lifer." They'll never be sold or adopted out, because their best life is right here with us.
Addicus: my giant black heart horse, with me since I was 13
Tater: the comeback king, and Holly's boyfriend
Holly: the queen of the herd and a total man-eater
Dancer: our 30-something gentleman
Rosa: two years in a stall, now free to gallop
Justii: our white Arabian mare
Johnny: a retired reining champion, our 56th rescue
Holly, Tater and Dancer are our "super seniors," and like most of the herd, they have very few teeth left. Every meal is a soaked mash of senior feed, rice bran and supplements, and keeping weight on them is a daily mission. Add a farrier visit every six weeks for all of them, and you can imagine the feed and hoof bill!
How your purchases help
Tried & True is my little shop of products I truly trust: things I use myself, on the ranch, with the horses and with my pets. When you buy through our links, the brand pays us a small commission at no extra cost to you, and that money goes straight to the herd: feed, hay, hoof care, vet visits and safe shelter.
So thank you. Every purchase helps keep these horses healthy, happy and home ever after.
With love,
Suzy
