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A Rescue Dedicated to Healing - Giving Horses and People their Second Story

The Second Story Foundation’s Horse Rescue Program is a compassionate non-profit dedicated to rescuing horses and giving them a true second story rooted in care, dignity, and purpose. At the same time, the program offers opportunities for mutual healing through meaningful equine connection for individuals recovering from substance use disorder.

Located on a peaceful 68-acre farm, Second Story Ranch is surrounded by rolling pastures, woodlands, and water. The ranch provides boarding for harness racing horses alongside our rescues, all within a naturally restorative setting. Working with horses fosters mindfulness, purpose, and connection, reminding participants that with clear minds and open hearts, life can once again feel beautiful and sacred. Our mission is to create a safe, nurturing environment where horses and people heal and thrive together.

Our Rescues

KIT and PARKER - a bonded pair - and CLOONEY, a Belgian draft

Kit

Meet Kit, Parker's best friend. She is an 18 year old Standardbred broodmare who has been a mama many times over. Her babies are all grown up so she will now get to enjoy her days in the fields with Parker and other pasture buddies.

She is our energetic mare with a playful spirit. While she enjoys a good romp in the pasture nothing excites her more than sweet potatoes, which she adores far more than apples or carrots. Her smart and spirited personality makes her a joy to be around.

Parker

Meet Parker, Kit's best friend. She is a 21 year old Standardbred broodmare who has been a mama to many race-winning horses. She will now get to enjoy her days in the fields with Kit and other pasture buddies.

Parker has a calm and steady personality that offers a sense of stability to her friend Kit. She moves with grace and assurance, creating peace wherever she goes. Her gentle demeanor allows Kit to feel safe and secure, knowing that she can always rely on her for support. They share a bond, making every adventure a comforting experience. We are so glad Parker is here!!

Clooney

Introducing Clooney - a Belgian Draft - and our newest addition to the team at Second Story Horse Rescue! Hailing from Indiana, Clooney spent days as part of a pull team, showcasing his strength and dedication. With his gentle giant stature and kind eyes, he is sure to win the hearts of everyone he meets.

We are excited to see how Clooney will bond with Kit and Parker, as they lay the foundation for our growing herd.

Beautiful Kit!

Meet the Team

It takes a team of people to ensure our horses are happy, loved, fed, exercised and thrive!

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Executive Director, Second Story Foundation

Jimmy O'Connor

Jimmy is the Executive Director of the The Second Story Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping men with addiction live sober, gain financial independence and grow into a useful, compassionate and kind member of society. The horses of 2nd Story Horse Rescue will become part of the the recovery story for these men.

Director Farm Operations

Erik Christiansen

Erik “Cowboy” Christensen, Director of Operations, is an experienced horse farm director and recovery specialist. Erik has dedicated over 20 years to cultivating experience, strength, and hope both in himself and others. Erik’s experience has taught him a connection with a horse is earned, not explained.

Volunteer Coordinator

Delia Starr

Delia Starr is from Beverly, on the south side of Chicago. She has over 15 years of HR leadership experience in the tech and marketing industries. Helping people and animals has always been a passion in her life. Delia enjoys career coaching and helping people land that next job. She demonstrates her love of animals by volunteering at rescues, fostering dogs and enjoys the serene experience working with the Second Story horse rescues. Together, with her husband Jay, they enjoy going on hikes with their three fur babies.

Your Support, their Second Story

Donations to 2nd Story Horse Rescue help provide essential care--Feed, bedding, supplies, veterinary and hoof care, and efforts to build a large pasture on our 68-acre ranch.

General Donation

any amount

We are thankful for donations of any amount to help keep our horse rescue running with supplies and food!

Adopt a Horse

Weekly $125
Monthly $530

Adopt a horse donations get a shout-out on social media and can come get a tour of the ranch and spend time with our rescue horses.

New Pasture Turnout Fence

$15,000 GOAL

Second Story Ranch is in need of major rehab. Help us reach our goal to build a large turnout for our rescues so they are not stuck in small round-pens or stalls all day.

DONATE

PayPal

Venmo

Credit/Debit Card or PayPal Account

Interested in Volunteering?

We are always seeking volunteers to care for our horses, assist with general farm work, fundraising, and special projects. Help us reach our vision in rescuing horses in need.

2ndstoryvolunteer@gmail.com

#2ndStoryHorseRescue

Second Story ED, Jimmy O'Connor has been training former wagon pulling Clooney on a saddle. He's doing great!

Although, I wish we had a sleigh as Clooney looks so majestic in the snow.

Donate today to support our horse rescue program.
Donate https://share.google/wCa1x6zvMEU3ufsWn

#rescuehorses #savinganimals #belgiandraft #horsetherapy #animallove

A little Christmas cheer for our 3 rescues, Parker, Kit and Clooney.

Consider donating this holiday season to support our horse rescue program.

Link in bio

#fyp #rescue #horserescue #equinetherapy #belgiandraft #quarterhorse #healingispossible #animalrescue

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.

Please consider donating to help care for our rescues

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=T379KMZATWR3U

#horseloversofinstagram #rescuehorses #fyp #viralreels #thanksgiving #donate #saveanimals #ranchlife

Barn cats are the sweetest at 2nd Story Ranch

Volunteers and donations always welcomed. See the link in bio or 2ndstoryhorserescue.org

#rescuecat #savinglives #horsesofinstagram #fyp #trending #healingjourney #love #recoveryispossible #adoptdontshop #animalsanctuary

Parker showing off strutting her stuff. She's a retired harness racer then used to breed future racers. She's enjoying retirement at the Second Story Ranch.

These horses need a lot of TLC so come volunteer with us today!

2ndstoryfoundation.org
#fyp #horseslovers #horseloversofinstagram #harnessracing #horsepower #healingispossible
#animalrescue #animalsanctuarylife

Volunteers and donations always needed and welcomed.
2ndstoryhorserescue.org

Inspired by @amber_marshall_farm on @heartlandonnetflix

#horserescue #horsesofinstagram #localnonprofit #horseloversofinstagram #equinephotography #healingjourney #volunteer #donate #fyp #savinganimals

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What Our Supporters Say

Share your experience with us and let others know how we've made a difference in the lives of these incredible animals.

Rebecca M. / Austin, TX

Contact Us

2400 Bemes Road

Crete, IL 60417

773-520-3950

2ndstoryvolunteer@gmail.com

SECOND STORY
HORSE RESCUE

A Rescue Dedicated to Healing - Giving Horses and People their Second Story

Our Rescues

KIT and PARKER - a bonded pair - and CLOONEY, a Belgian draft

Meet the Team