Horses and more receive a second chance at local rescue

by Shuyler Clark

When Laura Hauenstein’s coworkers from her old “day job” grew tired of receiving emails at 3 a.m., they pestered her to take up a hobby. Hauenstein soon followed their advice; her lack of experience with horses wouldn’t stop her from pursuing her love of the equine, and in 2008, she adopted the retired racing horse Reality’s Place.

What started as a hobby gradually escalated into a large-scale effort to assist other horses. Founded in 2010 before becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2014, Reality’s Chance Rescue and Sanctuary rehabilitates abused, neglected, and surrendered horses. The nearly 30 acres on the corner of Berry and Meridian roads in Pleasant Lake is home to over 20 horses and myriad other creatures. Hauenstein drew inspiration from Reality’s Place and chose to honor his memory by helping other beings, particularly horses, in need.

Speaking on Hauenstein’s behalf, longtime volunteer Lori Connell reflected on the sanctuary’s humble beginnings. 

“People who noticed the place would reach out, and so over time [Laura] gained a couple more horses and realized, ‘There might be something here.’”

Through the years, the sanctuary has grown from open fields to a full-fledged farm. When planning for Michigan’s rough winters, Hauenstein commissioned local construction group Axtion Builders to create the sanctuary’s arena. Kevin Hehl, the company’s president, went on to become Hauenstein’s partner. He has continued crafting a variety of buildings and landscapes, the majority of which he donated the materials and labor for as he share’s Hauenstein’s love of animals.

“Kevin’s whole mantra was, ‘People don’t want to come to an ugly rescue. They want to come to someplace that looks nice and clean,’” Connell said. “And we all just go, ‘Okay.’ We just let Kevin be Kevin and appreciate everything he does for us.”

Hehl has also contributed to the farm’s animal population, adopting goats, donkeys, and a variety of birds, including chickens, ducks, turkeys, guinea hens, and a pair of peacocks. The constant chatter of the rescue’s residents accompanies visitors around the many paddocks and gardens.

Since its founding, Reality’s Chance has rescued and rehomed hundreds of horses. While Hauenstein takes part in rescue operations in the area, many of the equine residents come from visitors who hear of the sanctuary and surrender horses they can no longer care for. Hauenstein then determines if the horse can be put up for adoption or if it will stay as a sanctuary resident due to age or medical reasons. 

Although she is willing to take on any horse in need, Hauenstein has taken particular interest in the American mustang. Such horses account for over half of the sanctuary’s current equine population, ranging from retired Jackson County police mount Gus to Hauenstein’s own horse, Eleos. In 2016, the sanctuary also took part in the rescue of the Hallelujah Horses, a group of 907 mustangs seized from a neglectful sanctuary in South Dakota (according to the ISPMB).  Many of those mustangs remain as sanctuary horses at Reality’s Chance.

Given the immense cost of rehabilitating horses, Reality’s Chance is constantly employing different fundraising efforts. The sanctuary recently hosted its third annual Barn Street Fair, an effort by local vendors to sell crafts, baked goods, and other items for the animals’ benefit. In addition, the sanctuary frequently hosts smaller events like concerts, riding lessons, and yoga classes. Several buildings on the property, including a yurt and a treehouse, are available to rent through Airbnb.

Public tours are available on the second Saturday and fourth Sunday of every month. Visitors can also schedule private tours at any time or rent the venue for parties or group visits. Those who are interested in being more involved can also apply to volunteer; regardless of the potential volunteer’s capabilities, the sanctuary is willing to train newcomers and find a task befitting that person.

If interested readers cannot spare time or money for the sanctuary’s cause, Connell said spreading the word is equally as valuable. 

“I always tell people, if you can’t do anything else, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, react to our posts, share our posts. That’s huge because the more people who do that, the more reach we get.”

Ultimately, Connell praises the sanctuary as a place to visit for the sake of visiting.

“You really have to see it to believe it,” she said. “What [Laura] and Kevin have built here is incredible and it’s doing such good things for our area.”

Search for “Reality’s Chance” in Google to locate links to the website and Facebook page for this rescue and sanctuary.

All photos by Shuyler Clark.

Areas of Reality’s Chance Rescue and Sanctuary, like Serenity Hill, are frequently used for smaller events like concerts, riding lessons, and yoga classes.

Hauenstein’s mustang gelding, Eleos, likes to keep tabs on what’s happening at Reality’s Chance.

In addition to horses, the farm’s animal population includes adopted goats, donkeys, and a variety of birds. Pictured here are Little Dude (left) and Buttercup.