At Crossroads Rescue Ranch, every life tells a story—of resilience, heartbreak, and second chances. Many of these stories begin in auction pens, kill lots, or abandoned pastures where frightened horses await an uncertain fate. Others come from women escaping trauma, abuse, and hardship, searching for a place where they can finally begin to heal.

Here, on the open fields of Central California, we rewrite those stories with compassion, purpose, and hope.

Founded in 2022 by Wendy McGrath, Crossroads Rescue Ranch was born out of the belief that both animals and people suffer in silence—and both deserve a chance at renewal. Wendy grew up on a family ranch, where the rhythm of hooves and the gentle presence of horses shaped her understanding of connection and emotional healing. When she witnessed horses being neglected, abandoned, or sold into dangerous circumstances, she felt a calling to intervene. And as she walked alongside women who carried their own stories of survival, she saw a powerful parallel: both needed safety, trust, and someone willing to believe in them.

That vision became the foundation of Crossroads Rescue Ranch—a sanctuary where horses and humans could heal together. What began as a dream has grown into a mission that serves the entire state of California and continues building partnerships in neighboring regions.

When a horse arrives at Crossroads, it often carries the weight of abandonment, abuse, or years of hardship. Some suffer from malnutrition, untreated injuries, or emotional trauma. Through veterinary care, proper nutrition, structured rehabilitation, and consistent, compassionate handling, we work patiently to restore their health and spirit. These horses don’t just recover—they rediscover who they were always meant to be.

And their healing does not happen alone.

Women who have experienced trauma, domestic violence, or life-altering challenges come to the ranch seeking solace and a path forward. For many, the gentle, intuitive nature of horses provides emotional support unlike anything they’ve experienced. As they brush, lead, care for, and build trust with these animals, they begin to rebuild the parts of themselves that were lost to trauma. Confidence returns. Trust strengthens. Purpose re-emerges. The bond that forms between human and horse becomes a bridge—a way forward for both.

At Crossroads Rescue Ranch, every horse we save and every person we support is part of a much larger mission: addressing the interconnected challenges of animal welfare and human vulnerability. The statistics that shape our work are sobering—20,000 American horses are transported annually to slaughter, and over 1 in 3 women in the U.S. have experienced domestic violence. We believe these numbers do not define our future. Through dedication, education, and hands-on action, we can change them.

Our Youth & Community Education Programs help build the next generation of leaders, advocates, and compassionate stewards. By teaching children and young adults about responsible animal care, the realities of rescue, and the powerful lessons horses offer, we are planting seeds of empathy and responsibility that last a lifetime. These programs don’t just benefit animals—they strengthen communities and empower young people through meaningful, hands-on experiences.

Everything we do is made possible by the generosity of donors, volunteers, and supporters. Every dollar raised goes directly to rescuing, caring for, and rehabilitating horses in need—and to providing restorative, life-changing experiences for the women who seek healing here. Whether it’s nourishing a malnourished horse back to health, funding critical veterinary care, or supporting therapeutic programs for women, every contribution drives our mission forward.

As we continue to grow, our belief remains the same: second chances change everything. At Crossroads Rescue Ranch, we don’t just rescue horses—we rescue souls. We don’t just mend physical wounds—we help heal emotional ones. And we don’t just offer new beginnings—we offer hope, purpose, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.