What began with one abandoned mare named Mocca slowly grew into something much bigger than I ever imagined.

Over the years Ninovan has become a small sanctuary for rescued horses, a place where people can meet the herd, learn about their needs, and understand why awareness and education matter.

We have cared for horses who arrived malnourished, injured, or simply unwanted. Some stayed only a short time before finding a better situation. Others became permanent members of the herd.

Along the way, many people have walked through the gates at Ninovan — volunteers, visitors, neighbors, children seeing a horse up close for the first time.

Some came to help.

Some came to learn.

Some simply came to spend time with the horses.

All of them became part of the story.

Ten years later, the work continues. Caring for horses requires patience, responsibility, and community. It also requires people who believe that animals deserve compassion and respect.

As we move into our tenth year, our focus is on sustainability — ensuring that the herd receives the consistent care they need and that Ninovan can continue responding when horses on the island need help.

We hope you will continue walking this path with us.

Because Ninovan has always been about more than rescue.

It is about awareness through education.

If you would like to support the care of the Ninovan herd, consider becoming a monthly sponsor.

Ninovan is now home to several rescued horses, each with their own story.

In addition to caring for the herd, we also help guide people when they encounter horses in need across Faial and sometimes other islands in the Azores.

Through rescue, education, and community engagement, Ninovan continues to work toward a future where horses are treated with the respect they deserve.

Our guiding principle remains the same:

awareness through education.

Ninovan was founded by Kim Howard, an artist and longtime resident of Faial.

What began as an attempt to help one abandoned horse gradually evolved into a small sanctuary and community initiative dedicated to improving the lives of horses on the island.

Over the years, Kim has worked together with volunteers, neighbors, and supporters from around the world to build Ninovan into a place where rescued horses can recover and where people can learn to better understand and care for them.