Philadelphia, Pa. — October 27, 2026 — Monastery Stables is pleased to announce a generous $16,500 grant from the Foxwynd Foundation to support the adoption, care and training of a rescue horse from Last Chance Ranch (LCR) in Quakertown, Pennsylvania.
The grant will help Monastery Stables welcome Emerson, a former Amish plow horse, into its herd and provide the ongoing care and training he needs to transition to a new life as a riding and program horse. Emerson will be trained to work safely and effectively with a wide range of people as Monastery Stables expands its programs for underserved populations, including individuals who are formerly incarcerated.
“Emerson represents so much more than the rescue of one horse,” said Kim Murphy of Monastery Stables. “With the support of the Foxwynd Foundation, we have the opportunity to give Emerson a new purpose while creating meaningful opportunities for people who may not otherwise have access to horses and equine programs.”
The $16,500 Foxwynd Foundation grant will help cover the costs associated with Emerson’s care, including his transition to Monastery Stables, training, veterinary care, feed and other expenses necessary to prepare him for his new role. When ready, Emerson will join equine-assisted programs serving people affected by trauma, incarceration and other challenges. These programs offer psychological, emotional and physiological benefits to individuals who might otherwise lack access to this support.
The partnership creates a ripple effect for animal welfare. By adopting Emerson from Last Chance Ranch (LCR), Monastery Stables helps make room for LCR to rescue another horse in need—potentially saving that animal from neglect, abuse or even slaughter.
“Rescue partnerships like this one allow us to do more for horses in need,” said LCR Executive Director Jackie Burke. “When a horse finds a permanent home through adoption, it opens an opportunity for us to help another horse who needs us.”
Emerson’s journey from working plow horse to equine program partner reflects the potential for second chances—for horses and for people. As he learns to carry riders and participate in programming, Monastery Stables hopes Emerson will become an important part of efforts to connect underserved individuals with horses, nature, responsibility and the restorative benefits of equine interaction.
The grant builds on the Foxwynd Foundation’s commitment to supporting organizations that use horses and equestrian programs to create positive opportunities for people and communities.
"Every animal deserves a safe home and a chance for a better life. What makes Emerson's story especially meaningful is that his rescue will also create opportunities for people facing challenges in their own lives. One act of compassion can truly change more than one life," said Jenn Hebert, Trustee of the Foxwynd Foundation.
Monastery Stables is grateful to the Foxwynd Foundation for its investment in Emerson and in the people whose lives he will touch. Through this partnership with Foxwynd Foundation and Last Chance Ranch, one rescued horse gets a second chance while another horse gets the opportunity to be rescued.
This grant was made possible through the Foxwynd Foundation Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) to Monastery Stables.
About Monastery Stables
Monastery Stables & Community Grounds is six acres of working stables, historic buildings, and open space in Philadelphia. Nestled inside the Wissahickon Valley Park, it's a place where people gather, children meet horses for the first time, neighbors connect, and the city's pace gives way to something older and more grounded. Monastery Stables is operated by The Boarders and Stewards of the Monastery and is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We believe horses, open land, beauty, history, and connection shouldn't be reserved for the few.
About Last Chance Ranch
Last Chance Ranch® (LCR) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization rescuing and rehabilitating equines, farm and domestic companion animals. LCR is dedicated to promoting and educating the public to humane and responsible treatment of equines, farm animals and other domestic companion animals including dogs and cats. LCR provides a safe and secure refuge for abused, unwanted or neglected animals. LCR rehabilitates the physical ailments of these rescued animals and places them into homes where they receive the love, attention and care they deserve. Our follow-up programs, educational seminars and clinics ensure their continued well-being.
About the Foxwynd Foundation
For more information about Foxwynd Foundation, please visit www.foxwyndfoundation.org.
Media Contact:
Kim Murphy
Board of Directors, Monastery Stables
484-432-0306
monasterystables@gmail.com
www.monasterystables@gmail.com