SPRING 2026 RENO RESCUE HIGHLIGHTS & UPDATES

Dear Reno Rescue Family,

Spring is right around the bend as the sun shines longer and the ranch buzzes with new energy, I'm thrilled to reflect on how far we’ve come and what’s ahead for 2026.

This past season has been transformative, a testament to your unwavering support. We've seen our routines and core programs, like Stable Moments and Ranch Life, become more established than ever, allowing us to deepen our impact. In fact, our Stable Moments program is currently serving the largest group of youth in our history, and we're planning to expand our reach to enroll another 40 youth across Northern Nevada's foster and post-adoptive care community this August! It is incredible to see our reach expanding to more community members who benefit from our Equine Assisted Services most.

The excitement is building as we launch into our new lesson season in April and, of course, our amazing Summer Camps! Our camps, including Leadership and Trail Riding, are a cornerstone of our work, providing invaluable experiences for kids building awareness and life skills. 

Your generosity also makes it possible to welcome more deserving animals to our herd. We are so proud of the progress of horses like Rowdy and Tally, who are now thriving, and we look forward to having more rescue horses join the Reno Rescue family in 2026.

Thank you for being the heart of Reno Rescue. Every Work Day, every donation, and every volunteer hour makes this life-changing work possible.

Happy Trails, 

Cara Kaufer  

Founder & Executive Director 

RAMPING UP IN 2026

LESSON SEASON STARTING IN APRIL

Lessons kick off April 6th! Please see the Riding Page for the schedule of offered lessons April through June. We will add the summer schedule once it’s finalized in the spring. We are still offering private, semi-private and group lessons. We can’t wait to see you in the saddle!

SUMMER CAMPS ANNOUNCED

We have an assortment of camps that we are offering this summer. Leadership, Trail Riding & more. Please read the descriptions, ages and dates to find what best suits your child. Our Events Page has it all!

SPONSOR A CHILD IN SUMMER CAMP

We’re partnering with the Boys & Girls Club and your sponsorship can make it possible for a child in our Stable Moments Program to attend a week of riding, socializing and bonding at Reno Rescue. Please email Contact@RenoRescue.Org to get the info to donate.

RANCH LIFE

Ranch Life is a free, two hour, hands-on educational program designed to introduce participants to the daily responsibilities of working around horses and life at a working ranch. This class focuses on horsemanship and volunteer training.

Participants will learn how to safely handle horses on the ground, groom and care for them, properly tack and untack, and understand basic ranch routines. Ranch Life is ideal for those interested in volunteering, gaining horse knowledge, or building confidence around horses in a supportive, educational environment.

This program emphasizes safety, responsibility, teamwork, and respect for horses—perfect for beginners and those wanting a deeper understanding of ranch life before advancing to riding or volunteering. Ages 5  and up, kiddos 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 

Ranch Life is a ground-based program and does not include horseback riding.

Please see our Events Page for sign ups. 

ALL visitors, participants, volunteers etc.  to Reno Rescue- this includes parents of our participants- must sign the Online Waiver before visiting the property. Please make sure you have reviewed and signed the Waiver (since 01/2024)

HIGHFIVES ADAPTIVE RIDING SEASON

We’re excited for our continued partnership in 2026, dates are set! If you would like to join in our efforts and volunteer for this incredible and impactful program- please email volunteer@renorescue.org. We will have training in May to prepare everyone to assist these athletes and horses. 

https://highfivesfoundation.org/equine-therapy-with-reno-rescue/

STABLE MOMENTS 

We’re excited to share that Stable Moments currently has the most kids enrolled that we’ve ever served at one time. It has been incredible to watch them make meaningful progress alongside their mentors and horses, building confidence, trust, and emotional skills each week.

With the current season ending this May, we are looking forward to launching our 4th season in August, when we plan to enroll another 40 youth across Northern Nevada’s foster and post-adoptive care community. The need is great, and we’re honored to continue growing to meet it. Stay tuned for updates on new mentor training and events!

DONATIONS & SPONSORSHIPS  DONATE HERE

We are able to care for these rescued animals because of your tax deductible, generous donations. Please consider donating to our rescue ranch, sponsoring a horse or buying supplies from our Amazon Wishlist HERE 

VOLUNTEERING

We’re gearing up for an exciting new season at the ranch, and with it comes a variety of new volunteer opportunities! From adaptive roles and weekly commitments to small, flexible ways to lend a hand, there will be something for everyone who wants to get involved. More details on these opportunities will be coming soon—stay tuned! In the meantime, if you’re interested in volunteering or want to learn more, please reach out to volunteer@renorescue.org or sign up & learn more on our Events Page

Recurring ways to help out at the ranch and learn more about horsemanship:

Work Days- Saturday March. 21st  8am-1pm

                     Saturday April. 18th  8am-1pm

Saturday June 6th 8am-1pm

Ranch Life- March 5th, 12th & 26th 4-6PM 

April 9th & 23rd 4-6PM 

May 7th & 21st 4-6PM 

VOLUNTEER OF THE SEASON: 

HEATHER HAYWARD 

Big shout out to Heather for her dedication and incredible support across all our programs!

We are thrilled to recognize Heather for her outstanding commitment this past year. From lending a hand around the ranch participating in  daily chores  to supporting and mentoring a child  in our Stable Moments program and loving on our rescue horses, Heather has been an indispensable member of the Reno Rescue family. Her passion and positive attitude make a real difference for our horses, staff, and participants. Thank you, Heather!

"What brings me joy about volunteering at Reno Rescue is being part of a mission I can feel—and I’m reminded of that every time I talk with Cara Kaufer, the heart behind it all.

When I’m there, no matter what I’m doing, I get the privilege of being around the horses… and sneaking in extra love for this sweet angel, Tally. Volunteering here feeds my soul in a way no other service I’ve done ever has.

Forever grateful for the crew who supports all of us volunteers and makes this place what it is."

THRIVING RESCUE UPDATES

Every rescue horse that comes to Reno Rescue undergoes a profound transformation. This journey of healing and rehabilitation is a testament to the time, funding, dedicated hands-on care, and patience provided by our incredible community and crew. Out of our cherished herd of 30, here are two incredible rescues we celebrate this season. A very special thank you to the individuals who sponsor and love these horses.

Tally

Tally arrived in late August severely emaciated and needed intensive care, beginning with a careful re-feeding program that has resulted in significant, healthy weight gain. Beyond her physical recovery, which also included expert care for her neglected hooves, Tally has undergone a remarkable internal transformation. She quickly asserted herself as a natural leader, finding her niche as the loving, yet firm, lead mare for a herd of younger, unruly ponies. Her boldness and resilience prove that her journey of recovery is also one of rediscovering her purpose. We are excited to utilize this dynamic mare and her story of resilience in our community outreach and educational programs.

Rowdy

Rowdy is certainly living up to his name! When he first arrived at Reno Rescue in April, he was severely underweight, covered in rain rot, and completely unresponsive. Now, despite being in his mid-twenties, missing most of his teeth, and being deaf, he acts more like a lively preteen. He is full of energy and thriving! We've adapted his care to ensure his well-being, including soaking his specialized feed for every meal. Rowdy continues to amaze us with his increasing energy, bright eyes, and shiny coat. You can usually find him hanging out with his best friend, Dakota, or enjoying time with the small humans in our stable moments program.

Thank you for reading and please make an appointment with us before stopping in as our property is closed to the public. As always, please drive 5 mph on our property and road.