KNOXVILLE (WATE) – Horse Haven of Tennessee, a non profit organization that saves horses from neglectful and abusive situations, works with law enforcement on animal cruelty cases.More online:

• Donate to Horse Haven/Vote for Stephanie Beecken
• More on Horse Haven of Tennessee

The founder of the Knoxville-based organization says she pours her heart and soul into it, which has saved the lives of hundreds of horses.

Horse Haven is currently caring for 30 horses rescuing the horses from abuse and neglect. Since 1999, Horse Haven of Tennessee has helped 810 horses.

Nina Margetson has always loved horses. She found out in 1999 that law enforcement was in need of a place to shelter neglected and abused horses while they investigate animal cruelty cases, so she started Horse Haven of Tennessee.

“The horses were brought on. We took care of those first four horses. We hit the ground running and we haven’t stopped since,” said Margetson.

Horse Haven transports the horses to their farm and pays for their vet care, farrier and feed.

“We don’t charge the county for our service so they are less apt to turn a blind eye, because now they have a place they can bring the animals,” she said.

Horse Haven runs on donations only and survives only with help from the community.  They don’t charge law enforcement, so coutnies will continue to have enough resources to persue animal cruelty cases.

Margetson says some of the horses that come in are close to death. The abuse is hard for her to deal with emotionally.

“We go on a case. We are professionals. We are there to help the counties. When we leave the property is when we can cuss and cry and scream, and we do a lot of that.”

So often Horse Haven is able to save the horses.

“It’s just great when an animal gets back up and we find them a new home. A lot of the volunteers hate to see them leave, but know they are going to a better place and will have a good life after that,” said Margetson.

Horse Haven of Tennessee is a non-profit. All the donations go toward helping horses and ponies get healthy and find a forever home.

Their biggest fundraiser is going on now, Dancing for the Horses. WATE 6 On Your Side Reporter Stephanie Beecken is taking part in the event.

Every donation means a vote for Stephanie and all the money goes to Horse Haven.