How Anderson Hay Supports Oregon Horsemanship & Melody's Haven of Hope
Some partnerships begin with a handshake. Others begin with a horse who simply needs a chance. For Oregon Horsemanship and Melody's Haven of Hope, their story is built on both – compassion for animals, belief in people, and a love for horses that changes lives in ways words can hardly capture.
A Place Where Horses and Humans Heal Together
Tucked away in Oregon is a remarkable program led by Letitia, where older rescue horses and young riders find connection, confidence, and healing. Through riding lessons, Equine Assisted Learning, women's workshops, camps, and hands-on horsemanship, students of all ages learn skills that reach far beyond the barn – responsibility, empathy, communication, and courage.
A Mission Rooted in Rescue, Education, and Heart
Sixteen years ago, Letitia rescued her first adult horse, Apollo, who remained with her until age 35. Soon after came Melody, then Joey – a horse "no one wanted," who went on to teach hundreds of youth and even received a rare award from the Oregon Horseman's Association for "fulfilling human dreams."
As more horses and riders found their way to her barn, Letitia made a promise: if she was going to make a difference, she needed to grow, study, and continually improve. She educated herself through workshops, mentoring, and professional guidance – eventually becoming an Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) practitioner, combining horsemanship with personal growth, emotional awareness, and life-skill development.
Over the years, dozens of horses – many with nowhere else to go – were given soft landings at her barn. And just as these horses healed, they also helped heal the kids and adults who worked with them.
The Challenge: Aging Horses, Inconsistent Forage, and Rising Feed Costs
With many horses in their late teens, twenties, and even thirties, high-quality forage is essential. But prior to Anderson Hay, their local hay supply came with challenges:
- Inconsistent nutrition
- High sugar levels – problematic for metabolic horses
- Weeds, thistles, and harmful debris in the bale
- Difficulty maintaining weight on senior horses
- Increasing grain supplements to compensate straining a tight budget
As Letitia put it, "I can handle a lot – but not poor forage. It affects everything: weight, health, mood, and the horses' ability to do their jobs."
Meeting Anderson Hay: A Partnership Built on Understanding and Care
The turning point came when the Surprise Squad visited the barn. That day, Letitia met Jess from Anderson Hay, and everything changed.
"We needed a supplier who understood our herd," she shared. "Jess took the time to listen, to understand the metabolic needs of our older horses, and to connect with Kentucky Equine Research to confirm the right hay for our program."
Soon after, Oregon Horsemanship began feeding tested, consistent Timothy from Anderson Hay – and the transformation started almost immediately.
What Changed After the Switch
Across the herd, the improvements were unmistakable:
- Better body condition on senior and metabolic horses
- Shinier coats and healthier skin
- More consistent energy
- Less hay waste – the horses love the taste
- Reduced grain bills – saving money every month
- Confidence knowing every bale is tested and safe
For a rescue caring for 22 horses, these changes are life-changing – financially, physically, and emotionally.
Horses Who Are Thriving
Carmen
A former champion western pleasure mare and a lifelong hard keeper. After switching hay, her coat brightened, her weight stabilized, and her eyes "sparkle again."
Kiwi
A 19-year-old Paint mare with Insulin Resistance and navicular disease. She now maintains a healthy weight on low-sugar forage – something that had been a struggle for years.
Solid
A 19-year-old Arabian mare with both Cushings and Insulin Resistance. Her weight, energy, and overall wellness improved, and her chronic skin issues subsided.
Norm
A 26-year-old Quarter Horse whose weight had been slipping. Within weeks of switching to Anderson hay, his body condition improved and his energy returned.
"Every time I hay the horses," Letitia says, "I feel secure knowing it was tested and checked for quality."
Why Consistency Matters – Especially for Metabolic & Senior Horses
For horses dealing with metabolic challenges, Cushings, IR, or age-related digestive changes, safe, tested, reliable forage is the backbone of their health. Anderson Hay's strict quality standards provide peace of mind.
- Every stack is tested
- Low, consistent sugar levels
- Optimal fiber for digestion
- Steady protein for maintaining weight and muscle
For rescues like Oregon Horsemanship, it means fewer health surprises – and more healthy, happy horses.
A Partnership That Feels Like Family
"Working with Anderson Hay has been such a pleasure," Letitia shared. "Jess has been incredibly supportive. The whole team makes us feel like they genuinely care."
For organizations carrying heavy emotional and financial loads, that kind of partnership matters more than words can say.
Stories That Capture the Heart of Oregon Horsemanship
There are countless moments that show the impact of this sanctuary:
- A shy child who now raises her hand in school because a horse taught her confidence.
- A young woman preparing for the Coast Guard Academy who said the horses "helped her find herself."
- A learning-disabled student who exceeded every expectation while working with the herd.
- Horses who arrived unloved – even abused – who rediscovered trust through patience and care.
Every horse, every rider, every moment is a reminder of why this place matters.
How You Can Support Their Mission
If you'd like to take lessons, enroll your youth in camps, attend a women's workshop, or participate in an EAL program, reach out to Oregon Horsemanship:
Email: OregonHorsemanship@gmail.com
Phone: 971-219-5311
To donate or support the rescue herd:
OregonHorsemanship.com
Every contribution – financial support, supplies, or simply sharing their story – helps keep this sanctuary strong.
Closing Thoughts: Hope Grows Where Good Hay Begins
At Oregon Horsemanship, every bale represents more than nutrition. It represents safety, healing, connection, and hope – for both horses and humans. And Anderson Hay is honored to play a small part in that story.
World Class Hay for World Class Animals – and world-changing programs.
