Our Mission
A Sanctuary of Healing and Hope
Patch's Place is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit sanctuary created for draft horses who need a little more care and a lot more love. We open our hearts and our gates to draft horses with special medical and behavioral needs who are unable to be adopted, rescued from the auction and slaughter pipeline, giving them something many have never truly known—a safe place to call home for the rest of their lives.
Here, every horse is cherished. They no longer have to face illness or injury alone, wonder where their next meal will come from, or live in fear of what tomorrow may bring. Instead, they are surrounded by kindness, comfort, and people who believe their lives matter.
Our promise is simple: to give each horse the dignity, peace, and compassionate care they deserve, honoring their journey and ensuring their remaining years are filled with love instead of hardship, and hope instead of fear.
Horses Heal Souls
Every horse and human deserves to feel safe, loved, and wanted.
At Patch's Place, our partner rescue draft horses from the auction and slaughter pipeline,. However, there are many that have special medical or behavior needs that cannot be adopted out. That's when we come in and become their forever home, ensuring they get the medical care and treatments they deserve. Giving these "unadoptable" horses forever homes and giving lifelong sanctuary. Here, they will never face hunger, fear, or suffering alone again.
But healing doesn't stop with the horses. Through free equine-assisted services, we also help veterans, survivors, children, and others facing life's hardest challenges discover hope, strength, and healing—one hoof at a time.
Why Patch's Place
Some stories never leave you.
Growing up in West Texas, my dad's family struggled just to get by. When he was only six or seven years old, they made him leave his beloved dog on the side of a lonely highway because they couldn't keep him. Heartbroken, he spent the next few days collecting soda bottles so he could earn enough money to buy a package of bologna. He was certain his dog would still be there, waiting for him.
When he finally made it back, his best friend was gone. He had been hit by a car.
That heartbreak stayed with my father for the rest of his life. And through the stories he shared, it became a part of mine too.
Because of that loss, my dad made sure every animal that crossed our path knew love. My parents never turned away the strays I brought home. There was always room for one more, always another bowl of food, another warm place to sleep.
One of my favorite memories is hearing my dad sing Patches by Clarence Carter to my sister and me. The song tells the story of hardship, resilience, and hope, beginning with the words, "I was born on a farm way back up in the woods. I was so ragged that folks used to call me Patches." Somehow, those lyrics always reminded me that where you begin doesn't have to define where you end.
So when it came time to name this sanctuary, there was never really another choice.
Patch's Place is named in honor of my father, the dog he never forgot, and every animal who has ever been abandoned, overlooked, or left behind. It's a promise that here, they will be seen, they will be loved, and they will always have a second chance.
This one is for them.
Why draft horses with special medical needs?
Some stories never leave you.
Growing up in West Texas, my dad's family struggled just to get by. When he was only six or seven years old, they made him leave his beloved dog on the side of a lonely highway because they couldn't keep him. Heartbroken, he spent the next few days collecting soda bottles so he could earn enough money to buy a package of bologna. He was certain his dog would still be there, waiting for him.
When he finally made it back, his best friend was gone. He had been hit by a car.
That heartbreak stayed with my father for the rest of his life. And through the stories he shared, it became a part of mine too.
Because of that loss, my dad made sure every animal that crossed our path knew love. My parents never turned away the strays I brought home. There was always room for one more, always another bowl of food, another warm place to sleep.
One of my favorite memories is hearing my dad sing Patches by Clarence Carter to my sister and me. The song tells the story of hardship, resilience, and hope, beginning with the words, "I was born on a farm way back up in the woods. I was so ragged that folks used to call me Patches." Somehow, those lyrics always reminded me that where you begin doesn't have to define where you end.
So when it came time to name this sanctuary, there was never really another choice.
Patch's Place is named in honor of my father, the dog he never forgot, and every animal who has ever been abandoned, overlooked, or left behind. It's a promise that here, they will be seen, they will be loved, and they will always have a second chance.
This one is for them.
Meet Our Patch's Place Team
Mary-Katherine McNatt, DrPH, MPH, MCHES(r), CPH(R), COI, CWC, EAC
Founder & President
Certified Wellness Coach
Certified Equine-Assisted Coach
Valerie Levi, PharmD
Despite her busy schedule Valerie makes time get to the ranch weekly and gift her time to the horses and the mission. Valerie received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. She is a Director of Field Medical Affairs at Daiichi Sankyo focused in oncology research. Valerie is dedicated to serving and equipping others. She was eager to become involved with the mission of Patch’s Place and help to care for these beautiful horses and the mission of gifting their healing to others.