On the afternoon of Thursday, September 24, the barn at Celt Run Farm, home to Speaking of Horses, a non-profit organization in Standardsville, Virginia, caught fire and burned to the ground. In addition to losing the barn, they suffered the loss of Teddy, their most prized therapy horse as well as Blue, a therapy dog. Teddy was a rescue from a slaughter sale after a lifetime of working on an Amish farm and had been in a state of starvation for over a year when Brooke rescued him. After his rehabilitation, Teddy found his calling working with children helping children to communicate. Teddy is currently in the final 6 contenders of the USEF Heart Horses of the Year. After you make your donation, please head over to the USEF website to vote for Teddy, and help him to receive the recognition he so much deserved.

Blue, a companion of Ada’s for 11 years, served as a loyal service dog first, providing support to Ada during difficult times and later becoming a cherished part of the program at Speaking of Horses.

One other therapy horse made it out of the fire and suffered burns which required hospitalization. She is expected to make a full recovery at this time.

Speaking of Horses is operated by Ada Haensel and Brooke Baugher. It is a non-profit that empowers children with disabilities through equine assisted speech therapy combining the healing connection between child and horse with professional therapeutic techniques to unlock communication potential in a unique and joyful environment.

Your donations will help with emergency costs, replenishment of day to day supplies and the opportunity to rebuild this cherished program for the future of children in need. This is a devastating tragedy that no horse person or animal lover should ever have to experience. Your love and support are appreciated beyond measure.