Whatcom Horses In Need
WHIN
We are a volunteer run program currently operating under a fiscal sponsorship of a 501(c) so all donations are tax deductible.
Whatcom County has long gone without a formal horse rescue effort, as more and more of Washington's rescue groups fill up, an increase in the number of horses needing secure and caring homes has prompted us here at WHIN to organize.
Our mission is to help both the neglected and abused, as well as step in before an owner has no other options, in order to rehabilitate, train, care for, feed and set our rescues up to be adopted into a forever home.
We understand that for a horse to have the best chance of finding the perfect home, they need to be healthy, sound, sane, and have basic training both on the ground and in the saddle. All of our horses will be evaluated and handled to establish this foundation, prior to being listed as adoptable. Every horse deserves to be given a chance, and that is our mission here at WHIN.
About WHIN
Meet our Team
Julie moved to Whatcom county as a young girl where her older brother introduced her to life with horses. Growing up she learned multiple riding disciplines but has always preferred hunter/jumper. Julie has worked with a variety of horse breeds, ages, and experience levels, but her current horse is her first rescue/adoption. Although it had been a few years since her last horse had passed on at the ripe old age of 32, Julie's then two year old daughter began showing signs of the horse fever and it brought her back into the world of horses. When she saw her current mare "Belle" listed with the humane society, she just knew she needed her. The journey with Belle inspired her to get more involved in horse rescue and rehoming efforts, when WHIN came to her attention she jumped aboard.
Julie Jones
Maghan, a Whatcom county native, has been horse crazy since she was a young child. Maghan showed in Appaloosa breed shows for years but is currently "between horses" so she enjoys filling the horse void by getting involved with horse groups. Maghan has experience in many riding disciplines, and in the has worked with other horse rescue efforts in the past. Pictured with her is an Appaloosa Gelding "Major Relief" who has since gone over the rainbow bridge.
Maghan Powers
Tracey began riding at the early age of three. Trouble was, it was on her grandparent's dairy cows, by the time she was eight it was obvious she wasn't outgrowing her horsey phase, and her parents bought her a pony. Since then, Tracey has spent time on the trails and in the arena. In 2008 she competed in her first Extreme Mustang Makeover and has helped numerous people with adopting and gentling wild mustangs
She and Leanna DeRoss are cofounders of WHIN.
Tracey Westbury
Loralei started riding at 13, earning time on a horse by cleaning stalls at a local barn. She bought her first horse when she was 16, instead of getting a car! Loralei has tried many disciplines including, exercising Polo ponies, riding (at the back) in a few fox hunts, and has even gone on several pack trips on the Pacific Crest Trail, but now she mostly trail rides. Loralei says she is grateful to have the opportunity to help whatcom horses in need.
Loralei Pike
Leanna DeRoss
LeAnna started riding at 8 years old when she got her first pony, a Shetland. After some needed lessons, LeAnna's mom rescued a little grey Arabian, Charlie, who was living in a tiny, muddy pig pen surrounded by barbed wire. Charlie was 4 years old and just halter broken when he and LeAnna became best friends. Charlie loved orange pop rocks and fries with ketchup. LeAnna and Charlie went on to compete in NATRC, hunter/jumper and english pleasure. Their first love was dressage. LeAnna's parents have horses that she rides as needed for vitamin H (horse) deficiency.
