Dreamscape Inc.
Eagleville, Tennessee
By Kelley and Caitlin Reason
Nestled in the middle of the state, among the rolling hills of Tennessee, lies a place of refuge and hope thanks to one woman’s vision and determination. Dreamscape Inc., a 501c3 equine rescue located in Eagleville was founded by Kelley Reason, a lifelong educator and horse enthusiast.
Kelley’s introduction to horses began as a child and evolved over the years to owner, exhibitor, breeder, successful riding instructor and overall spokeswoman. As a member of the American Saddlebred Association, American Paint Horse Association and American Quarter Horse Association her breed knowledge is diverse and extensive.
For many years, Kelley has rescued and rehabilitated horses from auctions with her former husband and trainer. Many of the horses she found and purchased at kill buy auctions have gone on to win World Champion titles at the American Saddlebred World Championship Horse Show. One of the horses Kelley saved went on as an undefeated WGC Road Horse named Invincible Summer, aka “Dreams”. The saving and subsequent winning title by “Dreams” was Kelley’s turning point and realization that if one horse could be saved and accomplish so much, how many more are waiting for their second chance? This is where “Dream”scape became a reality.
A note from Kelley's daughter: The saving of Asher.
My mom called me yesterday. I was ready to hear her usual daily rescue story, but this time she got my attention in a different way. I knew she had been working tirelessly trying to save #105, a Saddlebred from going to a slaughter house in Canada. After getting all her Dreamscape Inc. donations together to save this horse, it was too late. The horse was already on a truck headed to the plant. He had been forgotten and abandoned. Then, a miracle happened. The auction's owner told her that if she paid right at that moment for the horse he would have the truck stopped immediately, which was almost to Canada, and have the horse sent back to her. She didn't think twice and paid the amount. The Saddlebred is now on his way to her where he will live happily, healthy and loved.
This Saddlebred was only miles from a slaughter plant, yet my mom didn't give up. She fought to save his life, even though he seemed out of reach. If the donations came faster, or maybe a little more from people who are able, then maybe our industry’s
I am usually too busy to put too much energy into doing things for her rescue, as horrible as that may sound. But what she explained to me over the phone gripped me deeper than usual. I share her passion for animals and horses but I turn my head at a lot of the horror stories at the slaughter houses. Sometimes I tell my mom to just stop talking about it because it makes me uncomfortable and upset. I am guilty of this just like many of you. People are so concerned that they might make others angry or uncomfortable, but here's the thing, this happens BECAUSE we turn our heads. There are not very many people in our industry, let alone in the world, who are willing to fight like my mom. She is an extraordinary woman trying to save the lives of horses that nobody else will. For years, my mom has put hundreds of thousands of dollars from her own pocket to fund a fight that few will acknowledge, and now finally has her own rescue, Dreamscape Inc. To date, in 2017 she has saved over 30 horses out of the slaughter pipeline, mostly Saddlebreds, but also Hackneys, Morgans, Quarter Horses and a very lucky Tennessee Walking Horse colt. Several have gone on to be very successful lesson horses, winning academy classes at top shows. Two are in training and may even have their chance on the green shavings this year. Some have become beloved pleasure horses. Many others are being rehabbed and evaluated to find their place in a loving home. However, there are still those waiting to be saved…
Please skip Starbucks one morning and contribute. Go another week without getting your nails done. Don't buy the matching jacket. A donation as small as $10 or $20, or even as large as $100 can save a life. Save what you were already going to spend on something unnecessary and put it towards a life. Acts like these are priceless and will carry with you for a lifetime. I'm pledging to step up and help my mom in any way I can, I ask that you do too. Please donate via Paypal to [email protected] or paypal.me/dreamscaperescue or send checks to Dreamscape Inc. 957 Elm Street Eagleville, TN 37060.
Dreamscape Inc. is an approved 501c3, so all donations are tax deductible. Adoption applications are also being accepted. Call Kelley at 615-775-6245 or visit www.dreamscaperescue.com.
This Saddlebred was only miles from a slaughter plant, yet my mom didn't give up. She fought to save his life.
50 / Sport and Trail Magazine