Restoring dignity, purpose, and wholeness
In 2008, Laurie Higgins-Kerley’s life changed forever when her husband of 25 years passed away from cancer. In the months that followed, she found herself drawn to the quiet comfort of her ranch near Canyon, Texas. As she walked the land, the horses seemed to sense her grief, drawing close and offering wordless companionship. Their empathy became the foundation for what would later become Dove Creek Equine Rescue.
Laurie founded the rescue in 2012 with a mission to help the nation’s growing unwanted horse population — animals no longer needed, useful, or adequately cared for. The ranch became a place where horses could be rescued, rehabilitated, retrained, and rehomed with compassion and dignity.
Within a year, Laurie was joined by her husband, Greg Kerley, whose business experience helped structure and expand Dove Creek’s operations. Together, they grew the rescue into a respected, accredited nonprofit and a recognized member of both the Homes for Horses Coalition and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.
In 2017, Laurie launched Led By Horses, an Equine-Assisted Learning and Coaching program inspired by her healing experience with the herd. Through this program, Dove Creek expanded its mission to include helping people find healing, clarity, and connection through the wisdom of horses.
Today, Dove Creek Equine Rescue continues to serve both horses and humans — a place where every act of rescue creates a ripple of hope across the Texas Panhandle.
The People behind the mission
Each day, the Dove Creek team and board members work together to give horses a second chance and support people on their own journeys of healing
Leadership & Staff
Laurie Higgins-Kerley
Founder and Executive Director of DCER / Founder of the Led By Horses Program
Ali McEwen
Director of Equine Operations and Volunteers
Erika Mcgee
Office Manager & Led By Horses Program Coordinator
Caitlin Higgins Naulu
Marketing & social media manager
Patty Roberson
Design & Brand Consultant
Eva Severance
Head Horse Trainer
Natalie Fuller
Rescue Assistant
Thank You
to our board of directors
Laurie Higgins-Kerley
Executive Director
Dusty Doyle
President
Greg Kerley
Treasurer
Whitneyrose Upchurch
Secretary
Lexa Craddock
Kaitlin Brown
Julie Puckett
Haley Miller
Kim Taylor
Jade Miller
Integrity, Accountability, and Trust
We are committed to operating with complete transparency and the highest standards of ethical governance. Dove Creek Equine Rescue adheres to all federal nonprofit requirements and maintains memberships and accreditations that reflect our values of compassion, accountability, and professionalism.
Open Pastures, open books
We believe in open pastures — and open books. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Dove Creek Equine Rescue is accountable to our community and transparent with donors, partners, and supporters. Every dollar raised helps give horses a second chance at life and provides humans with the opportunity to heal through connection.
