HEALING HEARTS THROUGH EQUINE RESCUE
At Brooksprings Farms Rescue 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Java, Virginia, we rescue horses from slaughterhouses, offering them a new beginning and a vital role in assisting humans to better their lives. Our sanctuary provides a haven where horses and individuals with depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, trauma, abuse, grief, and special needs can discover peace, trust, and joy. Through our unique equine-assisted therapy and recovery programs, we facilitate mutual healing and transformation, empowering both horses and humans to rebuild their lives, feel secure, and embrace a brighter future together.
Reach out to us at BrookspringsFarmsRescue@gmail.com to schedule your session or to join our compassionate mission.
MEET OUR DEDICATED TEAM
Our compassionate team is committed to making a difference for horses and humans alike.
DANIELLE YEAGER
FOUNDER AND CEO
Inspired by the profound connection between horses and humans, Danielle founded our horse rescue to create a sanctuary where both can heal and thrive. While living in Northern Nevada, she fell in love with the wild mustangs as they ran through the open ranges and mountains near the ghost town that she lived in, while she was pregnant with a rainbow baby. She begin to research and follow what was going on with the mustangs across the US and was determined to one day be part of the rescuing of those beautiful creatures. Just observing the mustangs helped in healing her as she was going through PPD, anxiety, PTSD, and grief from the loss of her oldest son to malpractice. After moving to Virginia many years later and having 3 more sons, she began to follow the rescue efforts of a local nonprofit that was working hard to save animals off the slaughter pipeline but witnessed as many perfectly amazing animals were not being saved. With most horse rescues full and unable to take on anymore horses, she watched 11 horses go to slaughter with more than half of them being 1 to 2 year old babies, her heart was broken and she decided it was time to take action to stop allowing this to happen so she created this rescue. While new to the horse field, her vision is to foster a unique sanctuary where rescued horses and people can find solace and renewal in each other’s company. She believes in the transformative power of this bond, where every horse and human deserve a second chance and is committed to nurturing it.
MICHAEL BROOKS
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
Michael brings a fresh perspective with a focus on creating a harmonious environment. He ensures that our operations support the mutual healing journey of horses and humans alike. Michael is married to Danielle and agreed with the need of a rescue to save horses but also to save humans. He understands the recovery journey himself as he has faced the recovery road and knows it all too well. From his own experience with addiction and grief from the loss of his oldest son, he understands the need for more than traditional care. Many adults and children fall into the gaps of the system and do not find the help they need to find recovery and are able to heal to have a healthy, good life. He looks forwards to being part of the therapy and recovery efforts that are equine-assisted. He finds just sitting and being around horses as a relaxing and peaceful present moment that he believes every one should experience themselves. He is the builder and creator of all the housing, fencing, and anything needed for the animals. He designs and builds by hand everything used to shelter and give them a home. He is also the rescue horse hauler and enjoys seeing the horses finding their homes, and being free and alive. He is happy to be part of an innovative effort that reimagines rescue and rehabilitation as a shared path to well-being for horses and humans on their journeys to recovery.
BRIANNA CARTER
DIRECTOR
Brianna's love for horses began at the tender age of six, during a friend's birthday party at a horse barn. It was there that she experienced the joy of riding for the first time and discovered a passion that would shape her life's journey. For a decade, Brianna rode competitively, refining her skills and deepening her connection with these majestic creatures. Transitioning from competitor to coach, Brianna dedicated herself to guiding students and sharing the serenity and joy of horseback riding with others. Some of her most cherished moments include taking people for rides along the beach to allow them to experience the unique peace that only a horse can provide. As a director of our nonprofit rescue, Brianna's commitment to horses extends to saving them from the slaughter line. She tirelessly works to aid in fundraising efforts, helping to rehome these beautiful animals, and integrate them into our equine-assisted therapy programs. Her horsemanship leadership ensures that the rescue not only saves lives but also fosters healing and transformation for both people and horses. She is on this mission to create a positive impact in the world of equine rescue and therapy, where every horse is given a second chance and every individual can find healing through their bond with these incredible animals.