"I had the honor and privilege of having my very successful and wonderful stallion Giotto in retirement with Laurie at her farm. My heart and love was with this horse and it was so important to me that he be treated with the same love and dignity in his retirement and last days. I knew Laurie was the right person for him! She went above and beyond and treated him like the Prince he was, honoring my wishes with spoiling him and continuing to treat him like the amazing show horse he was till his last days. I will be eternally grateful for her love and care for my Giotto who was so precious to me! May her exceptional work go on for other precious animals!"
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Betsy Steiner
American World Championship team member. United States Dressage Federation (bronze, silver and gold medalist) Frenchtown, New Jersey/Loxahatchee, Florida |
"As a practicing veterinarian for the past 37 years, I’ve seen my share of rescue operations. Equestrian Spirits is one of the best I’ve had the pleasure of being associated with. Over the past 6 1/2 years, I’ve worked with Laurie Wolf, doing nutritional consults on rescued animals, seeing first hand how well these animals are treated, and how beautifully most respond. Despite constant funding shortages, Laurie Wolf and her crew have created safe, compassionate spaces for these forgotten, often mistreated animals. Equestrian Spirits is an organization I can stand behind."
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Tom Cameron, DVM
Veterinary Nutritional Consultant Cameron Veterinary Consulting Waunakee, Wisconsin |
"I can't begin to tell you how much Laurie Wolf has helped me over the years in many ways with various animals. She is a very gifted person and horseman who has dedicated her life to making animal lives better. Several years ago I had a Prix St. George horse who started to spook for no apparent reason. He would do it while riding in the ring, on trails, even walking to or from the pasture. One day while walking him from the barn to the mounting block he jumped sideways and crashed into me breaking my hip. Laurie agreed to take him to her sanctuary where he could retire and have absolutely no pressure. Kid was very large and a big hit with the children. Laurie told me one day there was a very tiny girl who was quite timid; Kid went over to her and put his head down so she could pet him...what a boost to her confidence! He clearly enjoyed his new home and new job, it was the best decision to send him to Equestrian Spirits."
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Ellie Jensen
Senior Centered Riding Instructor (Sally Swift's Third Apprentice) Linda Tellington-Jones TTEAM Level 3 Instructor Outer Banks, North Carolina |
"I was introduced to the sanctuary in 2009. As an animal nutritionist and international caliber horse trainer, Laurie provides for bodies as well as souls. Though some met misfortune, even giving-up on life; others are blessed with kindness, having arrived for different reasons. The special people who care for them, nurture an amazing zest for life.
As a repeat guest on my radio show, Laurie joins world renown speakers like Dr. Lynn Peck, Dr. Deva Khalsa, Dr. Mac Barksdale, Dr. Jeff Young (Mountain Man Vet on Animal Planet), Dr. Jean Hofve, Dr. Andrew Jones (the Internet Vet), Dr. Arthur Young, and a variety of gifted professionals. I consider it an honor to send this letter of praise. It's not often we get to witness the labors of love and dedication given to animals, community, and every heart they touch through endless service for the quality of life.
As a co-owner of two lovely "Spectacular Bid" mares, not only have I had the privilege of sharing my heart with Equestrian Spirits but was honored to be able to support them financially to help give these precious animals a new lease on a happy and healthy life."
As a repeat guest on my radio show, Laurie joins world renown speakers like Dr. Lynn Peck, Dr. Deva Khalsa, Dr. Mac Barksdale, Dr. Jeff Young (Mountain Man Vet on Animal Planet), Dr. Jean Hofve, Dr. Andrew Jones (the Internet Vet), Dr. Arthur Young, and a variety of gifted professionals. I consider it an honor to send this letter of praise. It's not often we get to witness the labors of love and dedication given to animals, community, and every heart they touch through endless service for the quality of life.
As a co-owner of two lovely "Spectacular Bid" mares, not only have I had the privilege of sharing my heart with Equestrian Spirits but was honored to be able to support them financially to help give these precious animals a new lease on a happy and healthy life."
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Jan Ault
Talk Show Host of Critter "Conversations with Animallover Jan" / WHBU Small Animal Rescue Specialist Co-owned ES rescues Spiritt & Fhanzhi Anderson, Indiana |
"I have been a dog trainer, competitor and breeder for over 30 years. I also work at a municipality run animal control shelter. In my profession, I have had the privilege to work with Laurie Wolf for consulting services. I have found Equestrian Spirits to be a great organization, caring for the animals first and foremost! Over the years, I can see that Equestrian Spirits operates with honesty, integrity and absolutely always in the best interest of the animals. I can not tell you the numerous times I have heard of volunteers working long and late hours to care for the animals. Their dedication always amazes me! They not only provide food, water and shelter, but with do it with love and compassion, valuing each life, no matter how small. Equestrian Spirits is second to none!"
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Patty Salzwedel
Dog breeder and Trainer Agility Competitor Monticello, Minnesota |
"Laurie Wolf is a gifted professional who is genuinely dedicated to the well-being of animals. She has helped me with many ailing cats; the knowledge and quality of care she provides at Equestrian Spirits is second to none. Her insights and unique array of experience have helped save the lives of many ailing animals and I continue to regard her as an invaluable resource."
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Tom Hapka
Award Winning Author FIV Cat Rescue Specialist Whitewater, Wisconsin |
"If you love all animals, especially horses, Equestrian Spirits is an awesome organization. As a volunteer I have seen this first hand, Laurie and other volunteers take excellent care of all who come their way. It is unfortunate so many animals are neglected before coming to a place of kindness and safety. For them, the reprieve from pain and fear alters the course of their lives along with the very people who care for them. Many other animals find life shifts away from its original course, now in need of a new plan. This sanctuary offers just that. I have seen no better program that provides the camaraderie and joy to match that of a private, loving home."
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Jennifer 'Jennicat' Davis Feline Foster Care Provider ES Volunteer Tower Guard for St. Augustine Dept. of Corrections Prison System St. Augustine, Florida |
"I am a cat person. For many years, I have worked in Trap, Neuter, and Release, or as I preferred it, Re-home. It was this passion for lost, abandoned or injured cats that brought me to contact Equestrian Spirits, and Laurie Wolf. Over the years, I’ve been blessed with the love of many animals. I have witnessed the devotion and trust the horses and other animal residents of Equestrian Spirits shower on Laurie and her team. It’s an amazing thing to see. After years of volunteering, I am still awed by the knowledge of care, the thought behind each of our human actions regarding animals, and the shear compassion of everyone there. I am honored to part of Equestrian Spirits."
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Kathleen O'Rourke
Feline Rescue Specialist 'mother' of Lana’s Garden ES Volunteer St. Augustine, Florida |
"Becoming connected with Equestrian Spirits has proven to be an invaluable resource. Laurie has enhanced my understanding of my animals, improving my relationship with each and every one. She has changed the way I view behaviors and their perception of my actions. It was also through Equestrian Spirits I acquired my barn cat. Alice was a wild/feral cat but turned out to be a wonderful companion! I cannot thank Equestrian Spirits Inc. enough for bringing Alice into my life."
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Anna Bergenstrahle, MS, MSc
Owner RiderFitness.com Author Venice, Florida |
"Equestrian Spirits is a God send for animals who have been abused or neglected. The owner is dedicated, talented and gifted, putting the welfare of those creatures in need above all."
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Sue Vogan, PNM, PhD, MNO, DMM (DNM)
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/in-short-order Ocala, Florida |
"Having been a volunteer for several years, I have personally witnessed the tremendous unequaled level of compassion and vast knowledge Laurie and her group Equestrian Spirits has. The care given to these animals who have been so highly compromised and near death is amazing! Having brought so many back to great health, you won't find another person or rehab program with a higher level of expertise and integrity in animal care. I am honored to co-own an Equestrian Spirits horse and to be a part of such a noble cause."
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Marla Atkins
Equine and Human Massage Therapist BLM rescue adoption owner Piano Teacher Co-owner of ES rescue Slic Williston, Florida |
"I became familiar with Equestrian Spirits in 2010. Originally I was employed to care for all the animals. In a very short time I began a fast friendship with Laurie & befriended the other co-founders. I rapidly became a trusted full-time employee & felt I could enjoy their horses as my own. Instead the relationship transformed itself to what it is today.
For eight years I was a happy volunteer, having refused payment for my services early on. I was honored to be gifted a co-ownership in a lovely thoroughbred who was rescued as an orphan then came to Laurie in 2008 as a 2-year old.
I have never been charged for any of his care, feed, transport or medical attention. Equestrian Spirits absorbs it all. I would not be able to have a horse under other circumstances & the joy in my heart for such a wonderful fellow is un-explainable. For more than a year I housed all the dogs, cats, rabbits & birds at my home. These animals were unconditionally well cared for, receiving the best of diets & attention at all times. I have been to every facility Equestrian Spirits has used since 2010 & am forever grateful to be a part of such a heartwarming endeavor!"
For eight years I was a happy volunteer, having refused payment for my services early on. I was honored to be gifted a co-ownership in a lovely thoroughbred who was rescued as an orphan then came to Laurie in 2008 as a 2-year old.
I have never been charged for any of his care, feed, transport or medical attention. Equestrian Spirits absorbs it all. I would not be able to have a horse under other circumstances & the joy in my heart for such a wonderful fellow is un-explainable. For more than a year I housed all the dogs, cats, rabbits & birds at my home. These animals were unconditionally well cared for, receiving the best of diets & attention at all times. I have been to every facility Equestrian Spirits has used since 2010 & am forever grateful to be a part of such a heartwarming endeavor!"
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Tammy Gibson
Landscaper Maintenance Specialist Pet & Wildlife Caregiver Co-owner of ES rescue Wil-Hee Royalston, Massachusetts |
"I met Laurie over a tenacious Trakehner who had been seriously injured. As I worked with this horse I came to understand the level of knowledge and depth of concern Laurie has for all animals and their well-being. Within a very short time I became her veterinarian and dear friend. She assisted me for more than two decades with a broad spectrum of research regarding holistic modalities. I consider Equestrian Spirits the guide by which rescues should be measured. I am proud to be affiliated with this Sanctuary and feel my horses are safe in their care."
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Lynn Peck, DVM, MS, clCAK
Co-founder of Equestrian Spirits, Inc. Attending Veterinarian for Amik Run, Centaur Farm, and Equestrian Spirits Co-owner of ES rescues Sky and Shamm Graduate of University of Florida, Gainesville |
"My name is Bruce Patterson. I first came to Equestrian Spirits in the fall of 2017 for a short live-in apprenticeship course, and it changed my life! When I left, not only did Laurie welcome me back ‘anytime’ but I found an intense draw to a world I had never quite been part of. I am a musician, a lyricist, a football player, a father and now a grandfather. I have been a golfer, mortgage banker, a dog parent, a cat parent, a caregiver for my ailing mother, and now I have become as aspiring animal welfare specialist! I love living back at Amik Run taking care of all the animals. I feed every chicken, duck, fish, horse, donkey, dog, goat and cat on the farm almost singlehandedly. I hope everyone reading these very sincere words will feel even some of the joy that comes with caring for others. Come and visit and see for yourself. Like me, maybe you will want to stay!"
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Bruce (Moose 42) Patterson
Recording Artist Retired Semi-Pro Football, Mortgage Banker Living and volunteering for Equestrian Spirits Morriston, Florida |
"I am writing this letter of recommendation for Laurie Wolf and Equestrian Spirits. As the nutritionist for the Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diets (Cats/Dogs) based in St. Louis, and an avid horse/animal- lover, I can't say enough wonderful things about Laurie Wolf!
She is truly meant to help animals (and sometimes their humans), but needs help in her quest to do so. We can choose to be part of the path in helping so many animal lives.
Laurie is truly special and phenomenal."
She is truly meant to help animals (and sometimes their humans), but needs help in her quest to do so. We can choose to be part of the path in helping so many animal lives.
Laurie is truly special and phenomenal."
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Blaire Aldridge Dean, PhD
Dressage Rider St. Louis, MO |
"My name is Jackie Darling. My family and I have known Laurie Wolf since 2003.
We own Triple J Ranch in Williston, Florida and have witnessed the care Laurie and her group at Equestrian Spirits have given to their animals at many locations over the years.
We are the main transporters for their animals for any moves they make and were the shippers who took the herd to their new forever home in 2017. We are also their main hay supplier. We bring excellent quality Timothy hay to their farm, usually twice a week. Their animals are kept in excellent condition and over time I have seen many come to them skinny, injured or damaged in some way. I have then seen these same animals recover in amazing ways. All the animals I have seen who are ‘unthrifty’ are either quite elderly (several being over 30), are newer residents, or have a medical reason for their condition.
It was great that Equestrian Spirits settled in our community to continue their works of kindness. Anyone who knows Laurie or her dedicated volunteers knows they are by far a very special group of people. Please get to know them and see for yourself!"
We own Triple J Ranch in Williston, Florida and have witnessed the care Laurie and her group at Equestrian Spirits have given to their animals at many locations over the years.
We are the main transporters for their animals for any moves they make and were the shippers who took the herd to their new forever home in 2017. We are also their main hay supplier. We bring excellent quality Timothy hay to their farm, usually twice a week. Their animals are kept in excellent condition and over time I have seen many come to them skinny, injured or damaged in some way. I have then seen these same animals recover in amazing ways. All the animals I have seen who are ‘unthrifty’ are either quite elderly (several being over 30), are newer residents, or have a medical reason for their condition.
It was great that Equestrian Spirits settled in our community to continue their works of kindness. Anyone who knows Laurie or her dedicated volunteers knows they are by far a very special group of people. Please get to know them and see for yourself!"
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Jackie Darling
Triple J Ranch Williston, Florida |
“I am part of my family's Triple J Ranch in Williston, Florida and have been coming to Laurie Wolf's farms since I was 9 or 10 years old. I have seen for myself how kind & careful she is with her animals & how well she cares for them & her facilities.
Over the years she moved many times to help people & animals. I am in & out of her property on a regular basis since I deliver hay & help my family assist her anyway they can. She is easy to deal with & the animals are very happy & well fed.
It is wonderful the horse sanctuary is in nearby Morriston. They deserve a safe & quiet place to be able to relax & do more things to help horses. A rescue center or sanctuary is supposed to take in the aged, injured, unhappy or homeless. Not only do they do that but they give them a place to live forever.
What could be kinder?”
Over the years she moved many times to help people & animals. I am in & out of her property on a regular basis since I deliver hay & help my family assist her anyway they can. She is easy to deal with & the animals are very happy & well fed.
It is wonderful the horse sanctuary is in nearby Morriston. They deserve a safe & quiet place to be able to relax & do more things to help horses. A rescue center or sanctuary is supposed to take in the aged, injured, unhappy or homeless. Not only do they do that but they give them a place to live forever.
What could be kinder?”
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Justin Darling
Triple J Ranch Williston, Florida |
"This is for Laurie Wolf. I worked with her from early 2006-late 2008. She takes very good care of all her animals; I am a witness to how the animals are all very healthy. She takes in rehab horses, they too are very well taken care of. Laurie is like my family. I stayed with her during the years I listed. I actually lived on the farm & I have been to other farms she has had. I have seen & done everything to make sure the horses were ok & all were in good health. I even bought a horse from her & then I had to move. So she & I found a lady who we both knew & trusted & my horse now lives with her. I would trust Laurie Wolf with my life! If I could move back to Florida & help her I would. I visit when I can & I am blessed to share ownership in the pinto rescue mare Bhaya."
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Athena Lakosky
Former working student/apprentice Original Member of Equestrian Spirits 4H Club Co-owner of ES rescue Bhaya Pomaria, North Carolina |
"What an honor to be able to talk about Laurie and Equestrian Spirits. Laurie is my cousin and I've had the privilege of knowing her for more than 65 years.
She is the kindest, most giving and selfless person I know. She has given every living breathing moment of her life to the care of rescue animals.
She has shown, from the time she was a young girl, that wonderful "gift" of reaching out and loving animals everywhere. As she has grown she has combined that love with the constant physical and emotional care to make all her animals feel loved and protected. She works tirelessly not only with the physical care and seeing that all her animals have the shelter and food they need, but also the medicine that is specific to each one's needs.
We have had many discussions through the years about each of her specific and cherished animals who she touches. I know her heart. I know her work ethic. I know how all those dear animals in her care feel about her.
It is my hope that many more will add their voice and support to her and her wonderful organization and join with all those who support her in it."
She is the kindest, most giving and selfless person I know. She has given every living breathing moment of her life to the care of rescue animals.
She has shown, from the time she was a young girl, that wonderful "gift" of reaching out and loving animals everywhere. As she has grown she has combined that love with the constant physical and emotional care to make all her animals feel loved and protected. She works tirelessly not only with the physical care and seeing that all her animals have the shelter and food they need, but also the medicine that is specific to each one's needs.
We have had many discussions through the years about each of her specific and cherished animals who she touches. I know her heart. I know her work ethic. I know how all those dear animals in her care feel about her.
It is my hope that many more will add their voice and support to her and her wonderful organization and join with all those who support her in it."
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Deborah Heelis
Cousin to Laurie Wolf Registered Nurse Vineyard, Utah |
"About Laurie Wolf…The world needs more people like Laurie Wolf--- animals come first with her.
It takes daily courage to stand up and be responsible for the welfare of so many animals at the sanctuary. Meeting constant needs of food and medical care is not something most people are capable of.
It is my heartfelt desire to see her and her animals in their forever home succeed.
God Bless this Sanctuary."
It takes daily courage to stand up and be responsible for the welfare of so many animals at the sanctuary. Meeting constant needs of food and medical care is not something most people are capable of.
It is my heartfelt desire to see her and her animals in their forever home succeed.
God Bless this Sanctuary."
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Dora Martini
Certified Reiki Master and Equestrian Spirits Volunteer Co-owner of ES rescue Sabene Fairfield, Florida |
"I love Laurie. She is very good to all animals and teaches people how to be kinder and more thoughtful to their animals. She makes many animals' lives better!"
Sincerely,
Josiah Peck, age 11
Gainesville, FL
Sincerely,
Josiah Peck, age 11
Gainesville, FL
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Josiah Peck, age 11
Gainesville, FL |