Meet Jim Gath of Tierra Madre Horse & Human Sanctuary in North Phoenix/Cave Creek

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim Gath.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
We started Tierra Madre Horse Sanctuary in 2005, as a forever home to horses that had been abandoned, neglected, injured, abused or surrendered. Over the years, Tierra Madre has been home to nearly 60 horses &, today, 30 wonderful spirits call Tierra Madre their home.

About two years ago, we realized that our horses – most of whom wouldn’t have real ‘jobs’ because of some physical issues – were actually helping people with challenges of their own. Scores of children on varying levels of the autism spectrum, those transitioning from homelessness back into society, people recovering from substance abuse issues, people who were having emotional & spiritual challenges – began spending time with our horses & telling us that they were being helped considerably.

And that’s when Tierra Madre Horse Sanctuary became Tierra Madre Horse and Human Sanctuary.

Today, we have specific programs for specific groups & individuals to help address their needs.

We’ve come full circle: people helping horses to heal, who are – in turn – helping people to heal.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road. As a non-profit, we have faced some real financial challenges along the way. And, of course, we still face them. It goes with the territory.

Another thing that goes with the territory is dealing with many of our horses’ physical issues. Some of our horses, because of earlier injuries or diseases, need extra veterinary & farrier care, along with our having to treat them on a daily basis.

But that’s what we do.

We are committed to giving them the happiest, healthiest lives they ever could have imagined.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Tierra Madre Horse & Human Sanctuary story. Tell us more about it.
The thing that sets us apart is that, once our horses get here, they are here forever. We don’t – & we never would – adopt out our horses. They’ve faced enough challenges in their lives &, now, their struggles are behind them.

Also, because of the love & care we give them, they are loving & caring, themselves.

And that enables them to be teachers, counselors & good friends to all of the two-leggeds who enter our ranch, whether they’re clients or volunteers or simply visitors.

We always put the horses first, no matter the expense, the time, the work or the challenge.

Tell us about your childhood, what were you like growing up?
I grew up in the 1950s & 1960s. I was a kid who grew up watching Roy Rogers, ‘Leave It To Beaver’ & ‘Rawhide’. I played Little League baseball & schoolyard football. I was in the Grange.

My dad died unexpectedly when I was 12 years old so I had to kind of grow up fast.

I idolized my grandfather – Grandpa Jake – & he was a horseman & had a farm. And when I grew up, I wanted to be just like him. I wanted to be a farmer, which was kind of frowned upon in the late 1960s when kids were expected to go to college & get a good ‘career’.

Contact Info:

• Address: Jim Gath
  TIERRA MADRE HORSE & HUMAN SANCTUARY
  27115 N. 45TH ST.
  CAVE CREEK, AZ 85331
• Website: www.tierramadrehorseandhumansanctuary.org
• Phone: 480-747-1070
• Email: jim@tierramadrehorsesanctuary.org
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ranchotierramadre

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