Tioga FFA members at the horse rescue.
For National FFA Week, Tioga High School FFA was tasked with checking out a local horse rescue in the Groveland, Calif., area whose mission is to help abused children connect with horses and teach them all about responsibility, love and building relationships.
The Love & Mercy Kid Horse Rescue organization started last August. It was created by a couple known as Jean and Michael Morton, who have rescued five horses in the past few years. Because the horses are all well trained and respectful, they are used as lesson horses for the youth who come in to ride them. The Mortons’ lessons are free because they value the importance of teaching youth responsibility more than making a financial profit.
Morgan Darrow holds a horse.
“My favorite part about the farm was probably the meaning behind it and how they truly wanted to help the kids in our community,” said Tioga High School FFA Secretary Morgan Darrow. Her experience at the horse rescue left an impression on her — something she says she will never forget.
The reason the Mortons started their organization is because Jean was neglected throughout her childhood and her only safe haven was her horse. She saw horses as a way out of her misery and knew she wanted to provide an opportunity like this to abused children one day.
This nonprofit organization is inspiring, and Tioga High School FFA was amazed by Jean and Michael’s generosity to their community.
Allie Johanson bonds with a horse.
“I would have loved an opportunity like this when I was younger,” said Tioga High School FFA Treasurer Allie Johanson. “I’m sure it would have been so fun and helped me grow a lot as a person.” Johanson has offered to volunteer at Love & Mercy Horse Rescue to build her knowledge on horses and help the Mortons with their nonprofit.
It is now up to Tioga High School FFA to share this organization with its community to help local youth. The chapter is focusing on educating the youth of their community this past year, and it believes this nonprofit will be a great addition to the journey.
