Manhattan Rescue Farm Had A Year Unlike They Could Have Imagined, Founder Says

MANHATTAN, IL — The founder of a Manhattan rescue farm reflected on a year unlike any other—one defined by an unrelenting need for animal rescue and support, its founder told Patch.

HHH Ranch takes in rescued animals and provides therapeutic offerings for those with varying and specific needs. In a typical year, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit rescues two to five horses—most arriving thin, frightened, or in need of time, structure, and patient care. This year, Founder Christine Doran said that rhythm never came. Instead, she said, it seemed to be one emergency after another.

By year’s end, the ranch took in 25 horses, Doran said. Many arrived in critical condition—250, 350, even more than 400 pounds underweight. Others carried severe wounds, long-standing neglect, or medical issues that had gone untreated for far too long, Doran said. Alongside them came more than 20 small livestock animals, each requiring immediate care, shelter, and long-term planning.

One horse, so neglected that survival was uncertain, required resources far beyond what most individuals could access, Doran said. The community rallied to raising over $10,000, enabling HHH Ranch to purchase an equine sling to support the horse's recovery. The ranch now offers the only equine sling available within several hours, equipping them to help other horses in need.

“We know how rare this equipment is,” Doran said. “We were blessed to be able to make this purchase, and we know it’s not feasible for most people. If someone needs it, we want them to know it’s here.”

In April, HHH Ranch also worked with other local groups to capture eight wild yearlings that had escaped from a nearby farm. Doran said their experience and coordinated efforts, coupled with a willingness to help, ensured they got the horses to safety.

In May, HHH Ranch launched Stable Moments, a program designed for foster and post-adoption youth ages 3 to 22. After raising $55,000 in December 2024–the majority of which covered a deep funding shortfall—Doran found herself able to fund the farm's $1,000 certification in Stable Moments, a program to develop life skills in children with complex trauma needs. The program is an internationally recognized, evidenced-based model. It is specifically designed for children in foster care/post adoption or who have experienced childhood trauma caused by abuse, neglect and/or abandonment. Doran is now seeking mentors for one-on-one connections with foster children who enroll in the program at the farm.

The program was built around the principle that children should not feel like they are being sent to another form of therapy. Instead, Stable Moments "empowers participants through choice, mentorship, and connection with horses. Scholarships are available for all participants, ensuring financial barriers do not prevent access."

Each child is paired with a mentor and designs their own hour—whether that means learning horsemanship, playing games, or working hands-on with tools and projects. The age range is intentional. Too many young people age out of foster care without a support system, and the outcomes are devastating. Nationally, one in four foster youth will be incarcerated within two years of aging out, and 80% of the current prison population has spent time in foster care.

“We are failing these kids,” said Doran. “HHH is doing their small part—and in the next five years, we plan to launch a prison and parole program for the ones we were too late for.”

A participant in the program who previously experienced panic attacks from even minor physical contact in crowds has made steady progress, Doran said, indicative of the program's early success. Her mother shared that the changes she has seen since her daughter began working with the horses have gone beyond what years of traditional therapy achieved.

The relationship between the children and the rescue horses is intentional, Doran added. Participants meet animals who are scared, displaced, and healing. They learn that neglect often comes from people who lacked the tools to meet an animal’s needs—and that returning from a foster placement is not failure, but part of finding the right fit. As the horses heal and eventually find permanent homes, the children witness what resilience and second chances can look like.

HHH Ranch also launched Horse-Powered Reading and Math, a program designed to remove fear and frustration from learning. By pairing education with movement and horses, children are able to build confidence and skills in an environment where success feels achievable. Scholarships are available for this program as well.

This year also marked the launch of the Veterans and First Responders Program. The program offers a space to release stress through riding, horse training, and rehabilitation work. Scholarships and full funding are available so that no veteran or first responder is turned away.

In June 2025, the farm shared its need for a new truck, trailer and tractor. The Village of Manhattan in August donated a surplus 2007 Ford F-150 truck the farm. The truck, previously used by Public Works, was a significant helpful for runs for hay and supplies, Doran said.

HHH staff is currently writing a grant to secure a larger truck with 4-wheel drive. The nonprofit also raised $25,000 for a new tractor and Bolger Foundation matched that, enabling the purchase of a new tractor last week, Doran said.

HHH Ranch set a $25,000 fundraising goal for the year and had raised nearly $15,000 as of Dec. 30, 2025. Those funds went directly toward keeping animals safe and programs running: three new shelters, including quarantine space; two automatic waterers and piping; and a gas-powered tiller to maintain a safe arena for horses and participants.

The farm's needs are ongoing, Doran said. They've received three calls for rescues this week, with a fourth anticipated.

Horses at HHH Ranch consume a 1,000-pound round bale of hay every single day, and the organization is currently raising $10,000 to cover feed costs through May. A generous grant has fully funded new fencing materials, but additional funds are needed to hire a professional company to complete the installation.

Their main fundraising page is available online. Donations can also be made via PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle: info@hhhranchil.org. Donations are also accepted via mail at HHH Ranch, 14101 W. Bruns Rd, Manhattan, IL 60442.

"Every rescue, every program, and every moment of progress this year has been made possible by community support," Doran said. "With continued funding, HHH Ranch will keep doing what it has always done: showing up, doing the work, and making room for lives that still need a chance."