Maury “Jonesy” Jones, a lifelong horse enthusiast and owner of a riding stable, founded the Jackson Hole Horse Rescue in 2008 after witnessing his favorite horse develop arthritis and recognizing the need for a safe retirement home for aging and ailing horses. Operating primarily in Wyoming and Colorado, the nonprofit rescues horses that are lame, too old to work, or have chronic conditions, providing them with pasture, medical care, and a peaceful environment. Jones secured a unique partnership with Trinity Ranch, gaining 40 acres of irrigated pasture in exchange for offering horseback rides to the ranch owner’s family and friends, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement.
The rescue currently cares for about 24 horses on-site and fosters another 10-11, offering adoption and sponsorship opportunities to help cover the roughly $3,000 annual cost per horse. Volunteers assist with daily chores such as grooming, feeding, and hoof care, and the rescue also serves as a therapeutic outlet for people coping with grief. Jones and his wife Linda, both in their late 70s, continue to dedicate themselves to the horses’ well-being, providing them a “good old folk’s home” where they receive tender care until the end of their lives. The organization now benefits from community fundraising efforts, easing the financial burden Jones once shouldered alone.
