HOC Rose Sanctuary Rescue

HOC Rose Sanctuary Rescue (HOC Rose), established in 2016, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, located in Stacy, Minnesota.  HOC Rose provides a safe haven for blind horses.  HOC Rose is determined to bring awareness and change the stigma associated with blind horses.

HOC Rose Sanctuary Rescue is a very small sanctuary rescue on the Belevender’s 10 acres hobby farm. HOC Rose is one of a kind. First Deaf owned blind horse sanctuary rescue in USA run by diversity group (Board members and volunteers who are Deaf and Hearing people working together).

We can house up to 10 horses at a time. We currently have 8 blind horses and 2 sighted equine buddies.

 Blind horses do not get adopted as easily as sighted horses.  We also have few lifer horses residing here. We are currently at capacity and have started a waiting list. In order to get on the waiting list, a surrender form must be filled out. We hope someday we will have foster hosts to join our team. We currently are the only ones taking care of all of the blind horses.

HOC Rose relies heavily on donations to run this rescue, however Kari and Jeff Belevender (founder/owner) often step in and personally support these horses. Thus, we have to limit the horses in this program based on finances available to be able to provide excellent care each horse needs.  We run this rescue on the side while working full time jobs. Each horse care costs an average $1,500 - $2,000 a year so that is $12,000 - $16,000 annually.

Blind horses can still thrive as well as seeing horses if given right support. If we all share our knowledge with the world, the ripple effect can go far. Help us change the stigma that is associated with blind horses.

Our Top priority right now is to raise funds to purchase hay for winter season and also raise funds to redo our pasture fences as they are falling apart. Over 10 years old.  We will be replacing fences in the early summer 2025 if we raise enough funds.

Thank you for your time reading about our organization.