Our Story
Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue was founded in 2007 to give horses in need a safe place to heal, rebuild trust, and find the right home. We rescue horses from auctions and owner surrenders, fully rehabilitate them through care and training, and place them through a thoughtful adoption process.
At the heart of Whispering Hearts is founder Brenda, whose lifelong love of horses and background in animal welfare and cruelty investigations shaped our mission. Every adoption includes careful screening and follow-up to ensure each horse stays safe for life.
Our Commitment
We treat every horse with compassion and respect, providing trauma-informed care tailored to their individual needs.
Rescue with Dignity
We focus on proper nutrition, veterinary care, and patient training to give horses the best chance at a healthy, happy future.
Rehabilitation & Training
We carefully match each horse with the right, loving home, ensuring a successful, lifelong partnership.
Thoughtful Adoptions
Behind every rescue is a dedicated team - and at the heart of Whispering Hearts is our founder, Brenda Thompson
Meet Brenda
Brenda founded Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue in 2007 with one simple belief: every horse deserves safety, dignity, and a second chance.
With a lifelong love of horses and a background in animal welfare and cruelty investigations, Brenda has dedicated her life to rescuing at-risk horses from auctions, neglect, and owner surrenders. She works closely with volunteers, veterinarians and trainers to guide each horse through recovery and thoughtfully match them with loving homes.
Rescue isn't just about saving horses - it's about helping them feel safe again."
Meet Katarina
Katarina brings heart, horsepower, and just a little sparkle to Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue. With years of hands-on experience in barns and as a working student, from starting young horses to training at an upper-level eventing facility in Ocala, Florida — she pairs strong horsemanship with a big belief in second chances. After adopting Starboy from the rescue, she set out to prove that rescue horses can be every bit as competitive, talented, and extraordinary as any show prospect. Together, they shine in and out of the ring, proudly representing the magic that happens when training meets trust. As Adoption Coordinator, Katarina also has a special talent for thoughtfully matching each horse to the right home. whether someone is searching for a future sport prospect or a safe, steady backyard partner for their family
Adoption Coordinator
Our Awards, Media Features & Professional Recognition
Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that each horse gets the care and compassion they deserve. Meet the dedicated team behind our mission and take a look at the facilities.
Readers' Choice - Best of the Best
Ian Millar “Captain Canada” Visits WHHR
Global Heroes Feature (May 2022)
Contributor to Ontario Equine Care Guidelines
Awarded by The Hamilton Spectator for outstanding community service in equine rescue.
Captain Canada,” visited Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue in support of equine welfare.
Recognized internationally for compassionate, solution-driven rescue work helping horses in need.
Founder Brenda Thompson contributed to Ontario's official Equine Rescue, Retirement, and Adoption/Rehoming Care Guidelines, helping shape provincial welfare standards.
2014 Canadian
Equine Welfare Award
Awarded the Equine Welfare Award from Equine Canada, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim.
Business of the
Year Award 2017
Awarded Business of the Year by Hagersville Chamber of Commerce.
Multiple Reader's Choice
Awards 2015 - 2019
Caring Haldimand
Municipal Award
Diamond Award recipient for Best Animal Rehabilitation Clinic from Hamilton Spectator Readers' Awards in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019.
Honoured for outstanding community service with the Caring Haldimand Municipal Award.
A Journey - A Timeline of Hope
Whispering Hearts is Founded
Brenda moves to a 48-acre farm in Hagersville and officially launches Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue.
First Major Rehabilitation Success
42 horses rescued, 22 adopted, marking the beginning of a growing mission.
Critical Care Crisis
36 critical horses rescued during the racehorse industry fallout and hay shortage.
2007
2008
2012
2014
2016
New paddocks and barn additions allow for specialized rehabilitation care.
Facility Expansion
The addition of our very own tack shack.
Opens Tack Shack
2019
Partnered with Animal Welfare Services
Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue partnered with Animal Welfare Services to raise awareness for animals in need.
2026
Expanding Whispering Hearts
Upgraded the website, expanded our tack shack, and built a new barn for our horses in need.
