Flashback - Co-founder, Barbi

Co-founder Barb (Barbi) helped build Casey’s Safe Haven Holistic Horse Rescue alongside Sue Balla, but more than that, she helped build its heart.

What began as a simple trip to Field of Dreams horse rescue in Elburn to buy Christmas decorations — and leave a donation — became something much bigger. Barb was moved by the horses in need and soon began volunteering. Her first adoption, Dell, lit a spark that would change the course of her life. Field of Dreams and Sue parted ways, but “ponies were coming,” Hence, Casey’s Safe Haven was born out of faith, urgency, and love.

Barb and Sue quickly filed to become a 501(c)(3), determined to create something lasting. Barb quietly and steadfastly handled the paperwork, finances, and initial investment that made the rescue possible. She worked behind the scenes, ensuring the horses had a future.

In the months that followed, Barb helped rescue horses from the South who were bound for slaughter, arranging transport and welcoming them to safety. As always, her heart led the way. She adopted several she couldn’t bear to part with — Saoirse (above photo), Gabriel donkey, and Miranda, a gentle neglected Haflinger pony.

Barb and her husband, Lonny, were foundational to Casey’s Safe Haven. Her compassion shaped who we are. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Barb passed far too young. She was a beautiful soul whose kindness touched every life — human and animal — she encountered.

Lonny continues to honor her memory through his monetary support and presence at our events.

As we close our doors this year, we pause to honor Barb’s unwavering love for all creatures, great and small. Casey’s Safe Haven exists because she cared enough to say yes — and that legacy will live on in every life she saved.

With many years love and gratitude,
The Casey’s Safe Haven Team

Dear Friends of Casey’s Safe Haven,

After 13 incredible years of rescue, healing, and community outreach, Casey’s Safe Haven Holistic Horse Rescue and Sanctuary will be passing the reins to Second Chance Saddlebreds (SCS). 

May that spirit live on through Second Chance Saddlebreds and every life they touch. After losing our lease and unable to acquire a suitable barn for our rescues, we are eternally grateful to SCS that our rescues will continue to flourish with the same devotion and heart that built Casey’s.

This upcoming transition marks not an ending, but a beautiful continuation of the mission that began when Casey’s was founded — to save, heal, and give new purpose to horses in need while touching the lives of people along the way.

From our earliest days, we recognized that many of our rescues would live out their lives as part of our Sanctuary, and that they, in turn, had the power to heal others. Our guiding words — “People Helping Horses Helping People” — have defined part of our mission. Through the years, we have opened our barn doors to senior citizens, Girl Scout troops, and special needs groups, witnessing countless moments of joy and connection.

We have been blessed with a dedicated team of volunteers, share boarders, and monthly supporters, along with grants and contributions that have made our mission possible. Because of you, our awesome family, our horses have known love, safety, and purpose for over 13 years.

As we move into this next chapter, SCS will carry forward the work of compassion and care that has defined Casey’s over the years. Our barn manager/trainer, Mitchell Bornstein, will continue his management and training with SCS. We are confident that under his guidance and knowledge, our horses, ponies, Petunia Donkey and Billy will continue to thrive. 

This transition also comes with reflection — including the challenge of debt accumulated after cancelling over five fundraisers because of COVID, canceling our largest fundraiser – this year’s Fall Open House, along with the five months loss of boarder’s income, all who understandably needed to find a new home. While continuing to work with SCS through the transition process, Casey’s will continue as a NFP 501(c)3 through our fiscal year-end of 06/30/26. We will keep everyone up-to-date with any Casey’s activities through our website, newsletter and FaceBook.

To our volunteers: The future of a volunteer program is currently unknown. Your dedication, love, and enthusiasm have been invaluable to Casey’s over the years and we will keep in touch, if and when, updates become available.

We are filled with gratitude for every person who has walked beside us — rescuing, healing, laughing, crying, and growing together. The equines who came through our gates taught us as much about resilience as they did about love.
 

From all of us at Casey’s Safe Haven, thank you.
Together, we have proven that healing truly goes both ways — 

from humans to horses, and horses to humans.
 

With love and gratitude,
The Casey’s Safe Haven Team