Our Story
Founded in 2023, Mercy Reins Farm began as both a dream and a calling.
Its founder, Laura Stuart, has loved horses for as long as she can remember—beginning with her first pony, Sugar, when she was just five years old. Her deep connection with horses, and her belief in their ability to be loyal companions, honest partners, and gentle messengers of God’s love, was strengthened through her first horse, Rinkles. It was during a time when Laura most needed confidence and purpose that Rinkles helped her rediscover both.
Laura’s vision for Mercy Reins took shape after she listened to a podcast featuring Kim Tschirret, founder of Hope Reins in Raleigh, North Carolina. Kim’s story—especially her book Joey, about rescuing a blind horse from neglect and pairing him with hurting children—inspired Laura deeply. She felt an undeniable call to bring that same kind of hope and healing to her own community.
Together with her husband, Tim, Laura purchased twelve acres in Farmington, New Hampshire, and began building what would become Mercy Reins Farm. She has since completed training through The Academy, the program developed by Kim and the Hope Reins team.
Today, Mercy Reins is home to four rescued horses, each with their own story of abandonment, neglect, and redemption. They offer one-on-one mentorship sessions—pairing a mentor, a rescued horse, and a child—to help young people discover purpose, resilience, and the healing power of unconditional love.
How It Works
The connection between horses and children who have experienced trauma lies in their shared hyper-vigilance and nonverbal nature. As prey animals, horses are highly intuitive to shifts in body language and intent. This allows them to act as safe, non-judgmental mirrors, helping children build trust, regulate their emotions, and develop healthy attachments.
For children who have endured abuse, neglect, or loss, working with horses provides a stepping stone. By forming a healthy, trusting bond with an animal, they can slowly learn how to form healthy relationships with the human caregivers and teachers in their lives.
Our Story Conintues!
