Hidden Haven Farm Equine Sanctuary and Education Center

   Hidden Haven Farm began in 1991 when we adopted our first horse from the fledgling Equine Rescue League in Leesburg, VA. (www.equinerescueleague.org) Out of that adoption grew a desire to help horses find forever homes and to help people to better care for and relate to their animals.
   Currently we provide a permanent home to 14 horses. 12 of them have histories of abuse, neglect or unwant and the remaining 2 were in need of "retirement" after many years of service to humans. We provide them with food, medical care, exercise, mental stimulation, companionship and love. The majority of our horses have an ongoing special need like a medical condition.
   In order to help reduce the number of horses requiring sanctuary in the future, one of our major goals is education. We provide opportunities for people to learn about proper horse husbandry and to get hands on experience by getting involved in one of our programs.
   We offer lessons in horsemanship which stress the importance of the relationship between horse and rider. In addition to lessons, we field an small and active show team which competes at a variety of horse show competitions throughout the season. We have active youth and adult clubs which teach members about the art of horse and stable management. We have a wonderful volunteer group which provides daily care for our horses while providing our volunteers hands on experience and involvement in horse care and management.
   We assist the public in finding the information they need about horses. We offer guidance on choosing a lesson stable, acquiring a horse, keeping a horse at a boarding facility or on your own property, working through problems with your horse (behavioral, medical and training issues) and we try to help people learn to enjoy these wonderful animals responsibly.
   We are working with local schools and private groups to custom taylor programs to get kids involved with horses. Horses can teach people so much and are regularly used in both physical and emotional therapy applications. In today's society of instant gratification and hi-tech saturation, it is important to learn to connect with and show compassion and responsibility for other creatures. Horses help get you off that couch, get outside outside and start interacting!
    Many of our programs are free of charge or are associated with  small donation fees. Our lesson and show programs generate a modest amount of income. The rest is provided by our family and the generosity of others. We have extensive costs each year so any and all donations are greatly appreciated.

Barbara & Philip Wahle, along with their daughter Tara Guevara and her husband Roger and 2 children Joshua and Leo make up the backbone of Hidden Haven Farm. The family provides 90% of labor it takes to run the farm and makes up the operating costs from thier real life jobs. Phil acts a chief financial officer and is the main financial support of the farm through his business in Dimming and Control called WahleTec. (see our sponsor page) Barbara Wahle is our Barn Manager providing daily care for the horses and doing solo morning shifts every day. She works for Takoma Park based Kinetic Artistry and further supplements the barn's financial reserves. Tara Guevara is the Instructor and Program Manager for the farm. She teaches lessons, coaches at shows and heads up the development and oversight of the various programs offerred at the farm. It was her initial dream to provide a place where animals and humans in need could heal and grow together that inspired the family to come together to fufill that dream. Tara's husband Roger (owner of Fine Line Improvements- see the sponsorship page) built all of the equestrain facilities at the farm. He provides grounds maintenance in improvement services. Tara and Roger's 2 children, Joshua and Leo, are 3rd generation contributors to the farm. They perform barn chores and help with ideas and inspiration for the programs at the farm. The family works together 365 days of the year to make this farm work. The programs here currently generate approximately 1/3 the money required to operate the farm on an annual basis. This family really loves animals and is committed to continuing to provide top quality care to our residents and continue to offer opportunities for the public to become involved.

Hidden Haven Farm, aka "The Big Purple Barn," provides a permanent home to 14 equine residents. The majority of our horses are here because their adoption potential was limited due to behavioral or ongoing medical issues. We have taken the time to rehabilitate each horse and provide for their unique needs. Just because an animal requires some additional time and attention doesn't mean they are any less valuable than their healthier counterparts.
    Many horses wind up in a rescue because of issues their owners are not prepared to address. Sometimes a horse lives such a long time that the children they were once the loyal companions of grow up and leave them behind. Then there are the horses who are seized by humane control officers due to extreme neglect and/or abuse and there are even stray horses.
    It is our intention that none of our horses ever experience a life of despair ever again. We want to help other horses find their forever homes and teach the next generation to care for the animals in a more compassionate way so they don't wind up in shelters.
    It is important to expose our youth to the joys of animals. Did you know that children who commit violence against animals often grow up to commit violence against other humans? By teaching our youth compassion and respect, we will build a better future for us all, humans and animals alike.