Tucked away in the beautiful Texas hill country is a haven for abused, injured or otherwise unwanted horses.

Sandra Burger of Medina, Texas has been operating Meadow Haven Horse Sanctuary for five years and has placed over 350 horses in loving homes.

With open arms, Burger receives all kinds of horses into her shelter. Some come to Meadow Haven in good health. Others require special medical attention for malnourishment, injuries or other chronic heath issues before they are rehabilitated and adopted into new homes.

"You never know what you are going to get," Burger says of the horses that come into Meadow Haven. Some of her rescued horses have ended up having unexpected pasts.

After tracing the history of one neglected standardbred brought into the shelter, Burger discovered that the horse had brought in over $125,000 of harness racing winnings in his younger days.

Many Meadow Haven horses, once unwanted, also leave the sanctuary and go on to accomplish big things. Bingo, a bay pony, became a high-point hunter jumper in his new Dallas home.

Some horses valiantly overcome health problems to become happy long-time residents of Meadow Haven. Under Burger's care they are made comfortable and enjoy life at the sanctuary with their pasture buddies.

One such horse is a 27 year old quarter horse gelding, named Notch because of the mysterious notches on the tops of his ears. Because an intestinal problem keeps him from eating hay, he requires special feed and medicine. Burger is currently looking for a sponsor for Notch, one of the favorite horses at the sanctuary.

"He is the sweetest horse," says Burger. "He tolerates everything and has never spooked at anything. Kids who know zero about horses can brush him and halter him."

Burger, who has been taking in unwanted animals all her life, takes special care to ensure all the Meadow Haven horses end up in good homes where they can have a bright future. All potential adopters must be approved before a horse can leave the sanctuary.

Burger has had horses ever since she was five years old and started Meadow Haven almost by accident.

"I thought it would be nice to have some retired horses out in the pasture," says Burger. "I put the word out that I was looking, and they just started coming in."

Burger admits that sometimes it can be exhausting taking care of all the horses and carrying the worries that come with operating a non-profit for animal welfare. But she is strengthened by the knowledge that she is giving horses a second chance.

Burger discovered EquineMax software while searching the web for a new horse management program.

"I had bought another software that did not work," says Burger. "I didn't want to go through that nightmare again.

"Being able to try EquineMax for 30 days was the sales pitch for me. I could look at it first."

Burger says the medical records, especially the multi-record updates, are helpful considering the number of horses she must remember to administer wormers and vaccinations to.

She also likes being able to use the reporting system in the software to print out records for each horse that leaves the sanctuary with a new owner.

"I like being able to give them something that looks professional," says Burger.

Meadow Haven Horse Sanctuary relies on fundraisers and donations to provide the care and rehabilitation it offers to unwanted horses.

If you are interested in donating, sponsoring a horse, adopting or simply finding out more about Meadow Haven, visit www.horseadoption.net.

Note: Since this interview, Meadow Haven now has a new location, contact information and staff. Darla Cherry is President and Executive Director of Meadow Haven Horse Rescue. The Rescue is now located in Nixon, Texas. Their website is www.meadow-haven.com