Where the Horses Come First
Bit-O-Heaven Ranch: Where the Horses Come First
By: Ellie Hilliard
Since 1997 Tracy Totton-Martin has made it her life’s mission to provide a safe, loving, and forever home for over one hundred rescue horses throughout the San Joaquin Valley. As an equestrian with over fifty years of experience, Totton-Martin has put her heart, soul, and living into the development and upkeep of Bit-O-Heaven Ranch. It is because of her commitment and passion that Bit-O-Heaven has been able to continuously function as a successful, non-profit equine rescue.
Tracy Totton-Martin and rescue horse Chief
Over the past twenty years of the ranch’s operation, countless numbers of abandoned, abused, starved, and neglected horses have been brought to Bit-O-Heaven to receive a last chance at a contented life. The horses are saved, loved, and given a purpose for the remainder of their existences. Irish Rose is just one example of how Tracy Totton-Martin, Bit-O-Heaven, and its numerous volunteers are able to make a difference in the lives of rescue horses. Found abandoned and nearly starved to death, former racehorse, Irish Rose, was taken in by Bit-O-Heaven and completely rehabilitated. She currently resides at Bit-O-Heaven along with thirty-three other rescue horses.
Irish Rose before
Irish Rose after
Unfortunatley Irish Rose is just one of the many horses, needing rescuing and rehabilitation, that happened to be found and taken in by Bit-O-Heaven Ranch. Without the admirable actions of Tracy-Totton Martin and the countless volunteers at Bit-O-Heaven Ranch over a hundred horses would never have been rescued from abandonment, neglect, and abuse. As a non-profit, Bit-O-Heaven relies on contributions through donations and volunteerism. For more information regarding Bit-O-Heaven Ranch, check out their website at www.bit-o-heavenranchinc.org.