Meet Catherine Hudson | Founder, Layla Rose Ranch Horse Rescue

We had the good fortune of connecting with Catherine Hudson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Catherine, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
We moved to the country in 2019. Each evening, my husband and I would walk a winding road that led past this small, 3-acre property that had horses roaming a wooded pasture. Like most people, I wanted to stop and pet the “pretty horse.” Although this horse was neither pretty nor wanted to be petted. In fact, he looked like his owner had given up on him. His eyes were black and his hooves and mane were tattered. He didn’t want to have anything to do with people. Yet, somehow, I was drawn to him. It was an odd feeling. A feeling that true horse lovers can appreciate and resonate with.

Each night as we passed by, I grew more and more upset at his life. The neglect and the sadness that had turned to anger with humans was so strong in him that it would often bring me to tears – and those who know me, know that I don’t cry.

I knew I just had to do something. So I made an excuse to pass by this property often waiting for a chance to meet the owner. And one day I finally did. He was honest. He had been around horses his whole life, but he was done. He had given up. And Cletus – that was the horse’s name he said – had become a nuisance. Cletus didn’t like people and his people didn’t seem to like him.

I convinced my husband to buy him. And that was my first rescue. Today, Cletus loves people. He is gentle now. He trusts again. And he is my “heart horse”. We will never part.

But going through the very long journey from rescue to rehabilitation to trusting opened my eyes to the amazing therapy a horse can be. My life has not been easy. I have had many difficult trials. But somehow, Cletus knew. He sensed that my story and his story were similar. And while I brought him back to life where beautiful green eyes sparkle where once black holes existed, Cletus brought me back to life as well.

I have a heart for the “Cletuses” of the world. And so it started. I would find a horse, convince my husband to rescue him, and then I would give my all to see that sad animal realize the life it truly deserves. One time I even rescued a mare who was pregnant. That foal, which my girls named Laylani, is the namesake of our charity – Layla Rose Ranch.

As I continued to rescue the horses, I looked for the cause – why were these horses being abused or abandoned? I fond that each year, thousands of horses are subject to this plight. We were not going fast enough. So, we found some vacant land and built our rescue.

Today, we are an 11-acre dedicated horse rescue in Annetta, Texas that is nationally recognized. We work with horses, miniature horses and miniature donkeys. We have adopted horses into Forever Homes in 12 states around the country.
We are a safety net for those who cannot care for heir horses and a mentor to first time adopters.

My husband and I built the facility from the ground up and pay for all of its maintenance and upkeep, so 97% of all donations go directly ot the care of the horses.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Ask anyone who has started a nonprofit and they will tell you the biggest challenge is fundraising. There are so many good and worthy causes out there all needing support just like our horse rescue – all competing for the same money.

A horse rescue like Layla Rose Ranch is truly a story of redemption for the horses. And like any redemptive story it requires and an immense amount of faith. You cannot let fundraising and donations be what runs your business, it needs to be based on the horses. Many times we have taken in a horse that required a lot more medical needs than we thought. You cannot tel that horse you will not provide etc care it needs. Instead, you have to have faith that God will provide what that horse needs – and He always does.

The other unexpected aspect of horse rescue is compassion fatigue. We put some much time, money and effort into a horse each and every time. But sometimes, the damage is so severe it is not enough. And we lose them. You cannot do horse rescue without getting deeply connected to each horse. When we lose one, it hurts.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We are fortunate to have Dayne’s BBQ right here in our town. But my favorite place is R&K Cafe. It is the perfect example of country cooking with country people.

As for where to visit, well, the reason we live in the country is because it is not full of people and tourists and attractions. So, unless you like horses…

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We would not exist if it was not for our Ambassadors. We are a 100% volunteer based organization. There are no paid staff. So, to take in 6 equines at a time and nurse them back to health, teach them to trust again, be okay with humans (many are wild) and ultimately find a Forever Home requires a team of dedicated people.

We call them Ambassadors versus volunteers because that is what they are for the horses. They work with them and care for them and tell their stories to anyone who will listen.

Horses are a 7 day a week job and if we did not have such devoted and selfless people working with Layla Rose Ranch, we would not be able to save as many as we do each year.

Website: https://laylaroseranch.org/our-story/

Instagram: @laylaroseranch

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