Cinnamon the Warrior Horse honored in local fundraising initiative

Jesse’s Place Foundation, a Milford nonprofit dedicated to providing animal-assisted therapeutic experiences to support foster children and other individuals with trauma, is holding a fundraising campaign through the end of February in honor of a recently fallen hero: Cinnamon the Warrior Horse.

Through the Fill the Feed initiative, the organization is collecting monetary donations and gift cards to Tractor Supply and Southern States to support the costs of care for its rescue horses and help fill their feed bins.

Cinnamon, one of the foundation’s rescue horses, died late last year at the remarkable age of 52, far exceeding the average equine life expectancy of 25 to 30 years. He overcame a number of traumatic events, from being abandoned and tied to a mailbox in his early years, to being bitten by a copperhead snake – and then, just a few weeks later, suffering from colic and almost dying.

“Most horses would’ve just laid down and given up – but not Cinnamon,” said Jesse’s Place founder and CEO Sarah Hayes. She took Cinnamon in when he was 7 and nurtured him for the rest of his years. “He really was a great inspiration to all of my clients.”

Cinnamon helped hundreds of children and adults, including veterans with PTSD, said Hayes. 

Like Cinnamon, each of the other rescue horses has a history of abuse, neglect or starvation. The foundation allows them to live out their lives in peace and comfort, providing veterinary care and other services.

There are also three rescue dogs: one emotional support dog and two certified service dogs, one of which also has medical alert training.

Animal companionship, Hayes said, is powerful in healing, and it goes both ways, benefiting both the client and the animal.

The organization is completely volunteer-based, and donations directly support its client programs and the costs of animal care. 

To contribute to the Fill the Feed campaign or to get involved as a volunteer or a horse sponsor, contact Hayes at horseshelpingchildren@gmail.com or 302-393-3040. She can also be reached for information about customized treatment plans.

General information about Jesse’s Place can be found at horseshelpingchildren.org.

“As he got older, Cinnamon was wise beyond his years,” Hayes said. “I was so honored and blessed to be his mom.”