ABOUT US
answering a calling
Nestled in the heart of Arkansas lies Arkansas Equine Rescue & Retirement Sanctuary (AERRS), a haven born from one stubborn woman’s unwavering spirit.
As a Marine Corps veteran and lifelong animal lover, Stefani’s journey to founding AERRS is inspired by two remarkable equine companions: Muffassa and Cisco.
Muffassa, with a personality as vast as the sky, marked the beginning of Stefani’s life’s work. Together, they conquered youth’s trials, their bond growing unbreakable. Years later, Stefani’s path crossed with Cisco, a horse bearing scars and deserving of redemption. In Cisco’s eyes, Stefani found resilience, and together they found healing.
Inspired by these experiences, Stefani envisioned AERRS not just as a rescue sanctuary, but as a beacon of love and acceptance for both animals and humans. Through customized equine experiences and community outreach, AERRS aims to inspire hope and foster resilience in individuals of all ages.
In the AERRS community, children and adults alike find solace, companionship, the chance to reconnect with nature, and a sanctuary where the healing power of the human-animal bond knows no bounds.
ABOUT US
answering a calling
Nestled in the heart of Arkansas lies Arkansas Equine Rescue & Retirement Sanctuary (AERRS), a haven born from one stubborn woman’s unwavering spirit.
As a Marine Corps veteran and lifelong animal lover, Stefani’s journey to founding AERRS is inspired by two remarkable equine companions: Muffassa and Cisco.
Muffassa, with a personality as vast as the sky, marked the beginning of Stefani’s life’s work. Together, they conquered youth’s trials, their bond growing unbreakable. Years later, Stefani’s path crossed with Cisco, a horse bearing scars and deserving of redemption. In Cisco’s eyes, Stefani found resilience, and together they found healing.
Inspired by these experiences, Stefani envisioned AERRS not just as a rescue sanctuary, but as a beacon of love and acceptance for both animals and humans. Through customized equine experiences and community outreach, AERRS aims to inspire hope and foster resilience in individuals of all ages.
In the AERRS community, children and adults alike find solace, companionship, the chance to reconnect with nature, and a sanctuary where the healing power of the human-animal bond knows no bounds.
The Journey of Our Rescues
As our rescues find their way to us, they carry with them the weight of their past, and marks of suffering: open wounds, emaciated bodies, and an aura of fear and brokenness. But AERRS is the promise of a new beginning.
Rehabilitation is a marathon. It unfolds slowly as we patiently chip away at the walls of distrust, mend the wounds on their bodies, and breathe life back into their once indomitable spirits.
For these horses, healing is not just a physical process, but a deeply emotional one. It’s about relearning trust, rebuilding connections, and rediscovering the joy that comes from being seen, heard, and loved. And giving them their renewal is a beautiful reminder that horses need humans just as much as we need them.
why we do it
According to the USDA, 92.3% of horses sent to slaughter are deemed to be in good condition, capable of living out a productive life. Before reaching the slaughterhouse, many find themselves confined in dire circumstances, their last stop often being a direct-ship kill pen. At AERRS, we stand against this cycle of suffering.
We believe in the transformative power of the human-animal bond. Our sanctuary currently offers a home and new lease on life to 26 rescued horses. AERRS is more than a refuge for horses in need—it’s a place where connections are forged, healing begins, and souls find peace.
what it takes
The average horse eats about 45 bags of grain a year. Add in annual veterinary exams and vaccinations, transportation, farriers for hoof health, hay and additional groceries, and shelter, and we’re looking at roughly $4,000 a year at least to provide a good life to a rescued horse.
Your support is instrumental in creating a safe haven where these magnificent animals can thrive, giving them a fresh start filled with love and care. A vital part of this effort involves offering affordable programs to our community, allowing individuals of all ages and backgrounds to change the life of a horse and have their lives changed by the love of a horse in return.