Family Founded
In a world often filled with noise and chaos, Stephanie Gluck found her purpose in the gentle rhythm of horses’ hooves and the soft moos of cows. For Stephanie, saying “yes, absolutely” to helping animals in need became both a personal mantra and a calling, igniting a passion that would eventually lead to the creation of Magnolia Equine Rescue and Sanctuary.
It was amid the pandemic that Stephanie and her family relocated to a 14-acre farm in May 2021—a move she describes as the stars aligning, a moment of fate that seemed preordained. It was here that her vision for a haven where farm animals could heal and thrive began to take shape.
Jax and Mojo were the first equines rescued by Stephanie. The moment they stepped off the trailer, she witnessed a subtle yet profound transformation. "I saw them relax," Stephanie recalls, her eyes lighting up with the memory. This powerful experience ignited a fire within her, leaving her inspired to expand her efforts and offer more second chances for creatures in need.
Not long after, a desperate call came in—an urgent plea to save a cow on the brink of slaughter. Without hesitation, Stephanie jumped into action, rushing to rescue Nala from a fate that would have been both cruel and premature.
The journey didn’t stop there. Fate intervened once again when another call came in: a newborn calf, rejected by her mother. Stephanie didn’t shy from the challenge; she embraced it, bottle-feeding Nellie around the clock. “I would sit in the round pen with her and read to her,” she remembers, Stephanie’s heart warm with the memories of their bond. Nellie thrived, blossoming into a beloved member of the sanctuary, embodying the second chance that Stephanie fought so hard to provide.
The Start of Our Rescue Journey
As her commitment grew, Stephanie was fortunate to be mentored by Lesley, the Co-Founder of Bluemont Sanctuary. Under Lesley’s guidance, she gained invaluable insights into the stark realities of animal cruelty. Learning about the extreme circumstances that many animals experience deepened her resolve—the urgent need for a sanctuary where both animals and people could heal inspired her to widen the scope of Magnolia Equine Rescue.
The sanctuary quickly expanded and began rescuing goats from severe starvation cases, nurturing blind horses, and giving a home to countless other farm animals that would have otherwise faced death.
Today, Stephanie's goals for Magnolia Sanctuary goes beyond just rescuing animals. She dreams of creating an environment of refuge for the community—an inviting space where hope and second chances blossom. A sanctuary where connections can grow, both between animals and humans, nurturing the bond that heals all creatures, big and small.
At Magnolia Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, every rescue tells a story, and every story is rooted in love—a love that represents Stephanie's unwavering belief that kindness can change lives. As she looks to the future, Stephanie believes that together, they can cultivate a community where compassion reigns, fostering a world where every animal in need gets its second chance.
Building Our Team & Mission
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