History
The History of SWFHR
Over the years SWFHR has rescued horses that were considered a ‘throw-away’ in the eyes of the unkind and heartless individuals who owned them. The idea of rescuing began in 2010 when founders Tina Garrett & Matt Venaleck recognized the growing need to help ‘local horses’.
Our Story
2010: A Grassroots Beginning
South West Florida Horse Rescue, Inc. was founded in 2010 by Tina Garrett and Matt Venaleck, both FedEx drivers with a deep love of horses and a desire to make a difference in their local community. At the time, they owned horses and cared for them on their five-acre property in North Fort Myers. They built a small two-stall barn and fencing, planning to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome just two horses at a time, funding all rescue efforts entirely out of their own pockets.
2011: The Need Becomes Clear
In 2011, it quickly became apparent that the need for horse rescue in Southwest Florida was far greater than originally imagined. Within just a few months, three horses in need were taken in. Soon after, Tina and Matt learned of a nearby property housing a severely emaciated herd of approximately 50–60 horses. Over several weeks, South West Florida Horse Rescue was able to save 19 of those horses - marking a turning point in the organization’s mission and scope.
2012: Community Support Takes Hold
In 2012, Amy Bennett of The News-Press contacted the rescue to feature their work in the newspaper’s Twelve Days of Giving series. Once the story was published, an outpouring of support followed. People from across the United States reached out to donate, volunteer, and encourage the mission - an overwhelming and inspiring response that reinforced the importance of the work being done.
2013: Becoming a Nonprofit
As more people visited the rescue, met the horses, and offered donations of hay, grain, and supplies, one visitor - who managed a private foundation - recognized the need for the rescue to grow sustainably. With her assistance, South West Florida Horse Rescue obtained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, opening the door for greater impact and long-term planning.
2014: A Permanent Home
In 2014, South West Florida Horse Rescue was awarded a $450,000 grant to purchase the 40 acres the organization still calls home today. With land secured, construction began on a purpose-built rescue facility, developed entirely from the ground up to support a growing equine population.
2026: Where We Are Today
Today, South West Florida Horse Rescue currently cares for over 20 rescued horses who have come from neglect, abuse, and abandonment. Many of the horses in our care are senior or sanctuary horses who will live out their golden years in a safe, loving environment.
