Saving one horse won't change the world, but it will change the world for that horse.
The next chapter of Casey's
We thank all of our supporters for 13 years of rescues and care!
Thank you so much for your standing with us over the years. Your kindness has made a real difference in the lives of the horses that have been in our care.
After 13 meaningful years of rescue work, we want to share the difficult news that we will be closing our doors on June 30, 2026. Due to the loss of our lease and the inability to secure another suitable facility large enough for our horses, we made the careful decision to partner with another trusted rescue organization. We are grateful to say that all of our horses have been safely transferred along with our rescue assets, ensuring their continued care and protection.
We are especially thankful that our barn manager and trainer knows this organization well and will continue to provide excellent care for our horses at their new home, which gives us great peace of mind.
If you would like to continue supporting their ongoing work, you can learn more here: https://www.secondchancesaddlebreds.com/
With heartfelt gratitude,
Casey’s Board of Directors
About Us
Co-Founder Sue's horse "Casey"
Co-Founder Sue's horse "Casey"
Co-Founder Sue's horse "Casey"
Casey was purchased from an auction of 63 thoroughbreds that were malnourished and living in horrible conditions. He was one of the lucky ones! A majority of the horses purchased that day ended up at slaughter. Casey was best friend to Retired Co-Founder, Sue Balla for 26 years before he passed over at the age of 28. Sue's love for Casey
Casey was purchased from an auction of 63 thoroughbreds that were malnourished and living in horrible conditions. He was one of the lucky ones! A majority of the horses purchased that day ended up at slaughter. Casey was best friend to Retired Co-Founder, Sue Balla for 26 years before he passed over at the age of 28. Sue's love for Casey inspired her to start two equine rescues ~ Field of Dreams Horse Rescue & Adoption in 2005 and Casey's Safe Haven in 2011. As Co-Founder of Casey's Safe Haven, Sue wants to ensure that Casey's spirit lives on forever as his rescue and success story are repeated many times over through the equines.
Our Mission
Co-Founder Sue's horse "Casey"
Co-Founder Sue's horse "Casey"
Casey’s Safe Haven is a 501(c)3 non-profit holistic equine rescue dedicated to healing horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules in need. We will accept equines from animal control facilities, pony ride facilities, horses being retired from lesson programs, police force, and the race track. We also accept healthy animals donated by loving owners
Casey’s Safe Haven is a 501(c)3 non-profit holistic equine rescue dedicated to healing horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules in need. We will accept equines from animal control facilities, pony ride facilities, horses being retired from lesson programs, police force, and the race track. We also accept healthy animals donated by loving owners that for reasons beyond their control can no longer provide care. Our mission is to be a part of the solution by educating the public on the responsibilities and proper care of each equine so they receive the respect and dignity they deserve as living beings. We are a group of dedicated volunteers teaming together to create a loving and caring environment for our “guests” to find hope so they can heal in mind, body and spirit. Our mission is to help every equine that comes through our doors find a loving family where they can spend the rest of their lives.
Barb James - Co-Founder
Co-Founder Sue's horse "Casey"
Barb James - Co-Founder
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
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.