Our Story
Wild Hearts Refuge was born from a simple but powerful truth: healing happens when broken hearts are met with patience, safety, and unconditional care. Horses know what it means to survive hardship. Many come to us neglected, abandoned, or misunderstood—carrying fear, resilience, and a quiet hope for something better. The people we serve often arrive carrying the same things. Founded by lifelong advocate Autumn Whisler, Wild Hearts Refuge was created to be a sanctuary where rescue horses and humans heal side by side. Through compassionate care, groundwork-based connection, and intentional programs, we create space for trust to be rebuilt—one step at a time. Our mission goes beyond rescue. We believe in restoration. We believe in second chances. And we believe that when humans and horses meet without judgment, something profound happens. Unbroken and unbridled, we rise together—healed by love, one stride at a time.
About the Founder
Wild Hearts Refuge was founded by Autumn Whisler, a lifelong advocate, horsewoman and compassionate leader dedicated to creating spaces where healing is possible—for both animals and people. Autumn’s commitment to this work is deeply personal. Through her own journey of trauma and healing, she experienced firsthand the quiet, transformative power of connection with horses—most profoundly through her bond with a horse named Truffles. That relationship became a turning point, teaching her safety, presence, and trust during a time when words and traditional supports fell short. Alongside this lived experience, Autumn’s work has long centered on helping those who have experienced trauma, instability, neglect or loss.
She has spent years advocating for veterans, volunteering with foster children, and working directly with individuals who needed safety, trust, and someone who would not give up on them. Horses have been a constant in her life — teachers of patience, resilience, emotional awareness, and honest connection.
Her approach is rooted in trauma-informed care, ethical horse rescue, and structured ground-based Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL). She believes healing does not require pressure or performance — only presence, consistency, and compassionate accountability. Through intentional interaction with horses, participants experience immediate, nonverbal feedback that strengthens emotional regulation, communication, leadership, and self-trust.
Her approach is rooted in trauma-informed care, ethical horse rescue, and structured ground-based Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL). She believes healing does not require pressure or performance — only presence, consistency, and compassionate accountability. Through intentional interaction with horses, participants experience immediate, nonverbal feedback that strengthens emotional regulation, communication, leadership, and self-trust.
As Founder and Executive Director, Autumn remains deeply committed to protecting the mission, the horses, and the people served by the organization — ensuring Wild Hearts Refuge is built on integrity, transparency, safety, and love.
Our First Steps
Wild Hearts Refuge is currently in its foundational phase, intentionally building the systems, partnerships, and resources needed to responsibly rescue and care for horses. Rather than rushing growth, we are prioritizing safety, sustainability, and long-term impact — ensuring that every horse and every participant is supported with integrity. This phase allows us to establish veterinary relationships, care reserves, program protocols, and community partnerships before expanding rescue or programming. We believe that lasting healing begins with a strong foundation.
Board of Directors
Autumn Whisler – President and Executive Director
Coleen Killam – Vice President
