MARYVILLE (WATE) – Two years ago, Joan rescued by Horse Haven of Tennessee starving, severely injured and close to death. Now she is a therapy horse helping people cope with grief.More online

• Knoxville restaurant helps the community with free food truck
• Dancing for the Horses raising money for Horse Haven of Tennessee
• Donate to Horse Haven/Vote for Stephanie Beecken

“The only place for water was this pond and she fell down the embankment and she was trapped upside down overnight and her legs was trapped around that wrong caused severe damage,” said founder of Horse Haven of Tennessee Nina Margetson.

After a year, the organization was able to get Joan healthy enough to be adopted. She is now a therapy horse at the Maryville non-profit Mane Support.

At Mane Support horses and ponies provide therapy, for people like Julie Corl. Joan has helped her get through a difficult loss of a loved one.

“There was one particular event where I was really experiencing some deep pain,” said Corl.

Joan’s leg is still injured, but founder of Mane Support Kim Henry says she will not be ridden. Instead, Joan will be used in horse therapy for kids, adults and families to cope with grief.

“From brushing to obstacle courses and painting on the horse what it’s like to paint a memory and what it’s like to touch that memory and you can wash it way with the horse being right there, present all the time,” said Henry.

“Joan and Elvis have both helped me feel safe and to heal,” said Corl.

Horse Haven of Tennessee’s biggest fundraiser is going on now, Dancing for the Horses. WATE 6 On Your Side Reporter Stephanie Beecken is taking part in the event.

Help the horses in need by going out. On March 31, visit 5 Bar and Restaurant in downtown Knoxville, mention WATE 6 On Your Side or Horse Haven, and 50 percent of your bill will go to Horse Haven as a donation. Every donation means a vote for Stephanie and all the money goes to Horse Haven.