JJ & Matt McLaughlinFounders and Owners of MJM Horse Rescue
JJ has been around Horses her entire life. As she says “ I was riding before I was walking…” and would tell us how she WAS the sandbag her “papa” would toss up onto a horse to see how it would react. Her passion for Horses has never ceased to this day.
Several years back JJ was contacted by an acquaintance who had rescued a horse from another rescue but had NO prior experience or knowledge on how to take care of a horse. She reached out to JJ for help. She began with the basics and worked with her until she was comfortable and both she and the horse were in great hands together. The idea of another rescue allowing her to drive away with a horse she had no knowledge or experience on how to care for, was very upsetting to JJ. That led JJ and her now husband, Matt to begin their own rescue. |
They started with one leased pasture with no electricity (which made winter rough!) and have evolved to what and where they are today.
More land, more fences, more shelters, more horses…more work :)
But with that growth also came help, more volunteers, more community support, more blessings.
More land, more fences, more shelters, more horses…more work :)
But with that growth also came help, more volunteers, more community support, more blessings.
Lynda WhiteLynda first met JJ when a horse had gotten out (he shall remain un-named and innocent until proven otherwise!) *ahem! Lightening* and when she saw him grazing in her schoolhouse yard, she asked who he belonged to… next thing she knew, they were multiplying, and there were 12! Once the volunteers made their way over the hill and led them home, she walked up to meet the owner and see if she needed a stable hand and hasn’t left the rescue since. She can be seen there a couple times a day for chores, collecting content, and spending time with the horses, some of which she has now rescued herself.
Lynda is a board member as well as our media director and all things social media. She is a neighbor to the rescue that lives 23 paces away (but who’s counting!) and is heavily involved in the rescue’s day-to-day operations. |
Something fun about Lynda: She lives in the very same school house she went to elementary school in. She is currently building stables in her yard and is looking forward to having coffee with her horses every morning!
Aspen Warriner
Aspen was introduced to JJ through Lynda and brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the rescue and our programs.
Aspen and JJ offer riding lessons at the rescue and has helped shape and continuously evolve those programs. Aspen is also a board member and is heavily involved with the day to day operations. Aspen is also a neighbor who lives “at the bottom of the hill” (small town directions) and can be found in and out of the rescue all day, every day. She is very knowledgeable on home remedies and natural products which is something she helped introduce the rescue to and is now a core practice. |
Thanks to Aspen’s research and knowledge we often times are able to replace chemicals with natural items that are just as, if not more effective and certainly more cost effective.
Something fun about Aspen: She herself is an entrepreneur and has published a children’s book. You can find her book on Amazon!
Something fun about Aspen: She herself is an entrepreneur and has published a children’s book. You can find her book on Amazon!
Rachel Schizas
Rachel found JJ when she and her family were looking for a rescue horse. After a few conversations and an offer to volunteer at the rescue Rachel became part of the MJM family. She has since not only adopted one of the rescues (Patriot), but she is very active in the day to day operations.
Rachel may not be a “neighbor,” but she is only 15 minutes from the rescue and at one point could be found doing chores IN THE DARK in the early, EARLY morning hours, sometimes in her work clothes, only to drive under an hour to work…that’s dedication! If and when you need something, Rachel is there. She has a way of helping get things accomplished quickly with a pleasant and positive attitude. She is important to our rescue and our values. |
Meet Our Team
BetsyMeet Betsy! Betsy is a volunteer at MJM and has played a crucial role in caring for our horses at our off-site locations. In the early hours, Betsy manages to get herself & her family ready and out the door on time and still manages to stop by and care for the animals at off-site locations prior to going to work. Ensuring the animals are getting all they need and want (within reason!) and plenty of attention. As we rotate pastures throughout the year, Betsy’s stops rotate so we appreciate her willingness and dedication to the horses in ensuring their well taken care of.
Betsy’s involvement, knowledge and dependability is appreciated and crucial to our continued growth and she’s appreciated more than words can express. |
TaraMeet Tara! Tara has rescued many horses from MJM Horse Rescue. She has her own beautiful herd now which includes horses and donkeys! Tara was the lucky rider to rescue “Skip” who is pictured here. He is a gentle giant and has a beautiful bond with Tara.
Tara plays an important role within MJM with organizing events and keeping us all on time and prepared. That’s a hefty task if you know us! She has an amazing skill of seeing what needs to be done for an event and getting it done. She is a very busy and hardworking mother who makes time for what and who she loves and fortunately, we made the cut. Tara works many hours as a nurse and brings value to anything she is a part of. She is fun, she is honest and we’re so proud to have her as part of our MJM family. |
CameronMeet Cameron! Aka “Cam”
Cameron is JJ’s son and is an experienced young rider who is active in 4H and showing horses. Cameron is interested in many things (as all great young minds are!) and horse training and knowledge is among them. He can be found working with his horse or making content for our social media platforms. Cameron helps with chores, intake of new rescues, social media, events and more. He is as invested as his mom and Matt in making MJM a success and helping as many animals as he can. Cam is an example of a young gentleman and we look forward to watching him grow as a trainer and whatever else he decides to do. |