Wings And Reins

Wings And Reins is a Federal 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation located in Devine, Texas.

EIN: 45-3033936

The specific purpose of W.A.R. is to provide a caring, safe and positive environment for those equines that have either been neglected, abandoned, abused, and/or are at risk of going to slaughter. We pride ourselves in providing a unique approach to rehabilitating these wonderful equines through patience, trust, years of experience, love and, of course, the occasional treat.

W.A.R. operates on the generosity of volunteers, individual donors, sponsors and fundraising efforts.

W.A.R. is a no kill shelter and we have long term residents due to their previous situations, but, we strive to adopt as many equines as possible to loving, long term homes that benefits both the equine and the adoptive family.

W.A.R. is dedicated to equine welfare and is an ALL breed equine refuge; we have no limits to the age, gender, condition etc. of equines. W.A.R. frequently works with Law Enforcement officers on abuse and neglect cases. We also accept equines surrendered by private owners.

We also offer:

• Horsemanship Clinics and Events
• Tours and field trips
• Equine Training

Founder

Wings And Reins was founded by Jo Harp.  Jo was born and raised in England and started riding when she was 8 years old.  Jo’s primary discipline was show jumping but she also trained in dressage and competed in cross country.

Jo was trained by Peter Kemp of Blackborough End, England, and Paul Delahunt of Worcestershire, England.  Paul Delahunt was a trainer for the Canadian Show Jumping Team.

Jo rescued her first horse, Flame, 14 years ago.  “Flame had been badly abused and was considered highly dangerous.  Working with Flame taught me so much more about training horses.  It is one thing to work with a horse that has had a good life and been properly trained, but It takes a totally different technique to work with a horse that is full of fear and does not trust humans.” stated Jo.

In 2006, Jo was in an accident and developed RSD/CRPS. The debilitating disease spread quickly and caused Jo’s legs to deteriorate. In 2010 the deterioration was so bad that the doctors stated they would have to amputate. “I knew I had to fight this. All I could do was pray for strength and understanding” stated Jo. That’s when Jo started receiving a lot of phone calls asking for her assistance with horses. “God had a plan. If I hadn’t been hurt and was no longer able to work a full time job, I would not have been available to work with these horses. No matter how bad I feel, I have to get out of bed twice a day to care for the horses. These wonderful horses are saving me as much as I am saving them” stated Jo. In 2010, Jo started Wings And Reins Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation as a private company. Through the hard work, Jo has restored most of the atrophy in her legs and is determined to keep them. In 2013, Jo founded Wings And Reins - Equine Refuge as a non-profit corporation. “With the high demands for assistance, I knew I had to make a change because there was so many horses in need of our help” stated Jo.

Jo is the only trainer at W.A.R. and she loves to teach people about horses and other equines. Jo currently gives riding lessons in English and horsemanship. Jo plans to start holding horsemanship events in 2015 to teach and encourage good horsemanship in all disciplines. This will be open to any experience level of horse and owner as it will involve in-hand classes as well as riding. Jo has also been asked to hold clinics on horse care, ground training and horsemanship. “It wasn’t something I had thought about doing, but if it helps horses and their owners, I would be more than happy to hold the clinics” stated Jo.

Jo currently owns one horse. A 16.2 hh, 1500 lb, QH/TB named Ben. “Ben is a beast of a horse and I had one day hoped to compete with him, but, due to my work load, I just don’t have the time right now.“ stated Jo. Jo does plan to train Ben to show jump in the future with the hopes of competing again.

For more information, please contact:

Wings And Reins, PO Box 593, Devine, TX   (210) 471-1377