Kathy Zachman has loved horses all her life. As an adult she began rescuing horses from bad situations and it soon became clear to her the purpose of having them – to help people in the same situation. Four years ago she opened Angel Reins Stable, a small 501c3 nonprofit organization, to carry out her mission.

“There’s something magical about being with a horse, and now studies back it up,” she said. “Many horses have been traumatized and abused, and so have the groups we help. Horses have no judgement, and people open up.”

Part rescue, part healing space for veterans, survivors of human trafficking, and others suffering from PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, and more, Angel Reins’ mission is to provide a safe, peaceful place for people and horses to experience kindness, hope, and healing. 

Although they work with specifications and programs, Zachman says the real healing comes from the interaction between people and the horses.

The organization is proud to be certified with Eagala, a global network of individuals incorporating horses into treatment. Every certified Eagala practioner is a credentialed mental health professional or equine specialist, passing through standardized hands-on training, assessment, and mentorship.

Zachman states her work is a mission from above, placed in her heart by God. Her dad, a Korean conflict Navy vet, also inspired her, teaching her to love God and the flag, and to always respect service men and women.

Because of this it’s important for her to help veterans. Angel Reins provides a safe, peaceful place for them to relax and heal. They find the horses to be calming, which helps them work through their PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Just spending time with the horses helps reduce stress and anxiety. Many feel so safe they laugh, cry, and actually share their stories, which they would never do before.

Another group Zachman’s been driven to help is female victims of sex trafficking.

“These women have been so traumatized, they often don’t want to talk,” she said. “The horses help them find peace and begin to heal.

Angel Reins has also begun a program to help girls aged 13 to 17 who are experiencing anxiety, depression, and past trauma.

Along with their programs, every Friday Angel Reins hosts ‘Fridays with Friends’ for veterans to come have coffee and conversation. During the summer they hold ‘Cowboy Church’, a casual, outdoor, Christian-based service led by one of their veterans who is pursuing his degree in theology. 

Together with their rescue horses, Angel Reins is home to a rescue dog, a therapy dog, and seven rescue cats, who Zachman says are just as much therapy animals as the horses.

Although they have plans to expand, the organization is currently at the limit of who they can serve.

“We have to keep the horses in mind as well as the people,” said Zachman. “They really are the ones doing all the work.”

The goal now is for the organization to continue to grow. Currently they’re working on Phase 1, which is purchasing 10 acres adjoining their current property. Phase 2, which is to build a facility comprised of an indoor arena, eight stalls, and an office area, will begin once Phase 1 has been completed.

“I’m so grateful,” said Zachman, “By the end of the year we should have it [the property] paid for. It took just two years.”

The new facility is being planned so Angel Reins can continue its mission year round. 

“The need is so great,” said Zachman. “There’s so many hurting people out there.”

Surviving mainly through donations, Angel Reins hosts fundraisers throughout the year to raise money and get the word out about who they are. Recently they held their Boots & Blue Jeans event, which featured a program, dinner, auctions, and a band, and their 4th annual 5K/1 mile walk/run. A new fundraiser is being planned for May. 

Angel Reins is located on 40 acres near St. Augusta. All of their programs are free of charge, and everyone working within the organization is a volunteer. 

“It’s a labor of love,” said Zachman.

For more information or to contact Angel Reins, visit their website at AngelReinsStable.org, their Facebook page at Facebook.com/AngelReinsStable, email Info@AngelReinsStable.org, or call 855-997-3467 (855 99REINS).