Our Story
Our ethos
Horses and People: a timeless connection
Throughout history, horses and people have shared a profound and enduring bond. For countless centuries, these majestic creatures have been an integral part of human civilization. They’ve worked alongside us, carried us into battle, helped us to farm, and provided transportation, in a relationship that has spanned millennia. It is only in the last 150 years or so that we have slowly drifted apart from our equine friends, mainly due to the rise of industrialization and the advent of modern technology.
But it’s essential to remember that the connection between horses and humans runs deep, engraved in our shared history and DNA. There is an unmistakable magic that horses can unlock within us. Beyond their physical strength and beauty lies an extraordinary ability to touch our souls and awaken something profound within. It is a connection that transcends the limitations of language and cultural barriers, reaching deep into the core of our being.
A mirror for ourselves
Horses possess an innate ability to mirror our emotions and respond to our unspoken cues, allowing us to forge deep bonds based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding. In their presence we find solace, companionship, and a profound sense of unity with the natural world. They teach us patience, humility, and unconditional love — the kind of love that is free from judgment or expectation. And horses never lie…
A chance to reconnect
This magical connection, born from the partnership between horses and humans over countless generations, is not limited to a select few. It resides within all of us, waiting to be rediscovered and reignited. In our fast-paced, modern lives, it may be easy to overlook the subtle whispers of this ancient connection. But when we make the effort to slow down, to listen to the wisdom of both our hearts and the equine world, we unlock a hidden source of vitality and inspiration within ourselves.
In the hustle and bustle of the digital age, Missed Path Sanctuary and the Thirsty Horse Academy’s aim is to help us remember our shared history with horses and the undeniable magic they awaken in us. In rediscovering this ancient bond, we find a pathway to rediscover our own authentic selves—a journey guided by the wisdom and grace of our hoofed companions.
Our journey
Missed Path Sanctuary is the brainchild and passion project of Marc DiFrancia and Mike Cooper, who moved from London to Western North Carolina in 2014.
It was never our original intention to start a sanctuary, but when Marc followed his lifelong dream to start riding in 2019 he soon discovered that the reality of life for all too many horses was not a happy one… Too many of these beautiful animals suffer, one way or another, at the hands of the very people they depend on.
From horses whose owners deem them too old to work or be “useful”, to horses whose owners are no longer - for whatever reason - able to look after them, many end up slaughtered, neglected or just plain abandoned.
While we can’t help them all, we’re committed to doing what we can for those we can help, rehabilitating them so that they’re able to trust and work with people, and to take part in the leadership and development programs we run on site.
Our challenge
Missed Path Sanctuary is nestled on Marc and Mike’s beautiful property in Candler, at the base of Mount Pisgah—an inspiring setting that provides a peaceful haven for our horses. With 19 acres of lush forest and open space, the sanctuary is a place of healing, connection, and possibility.
Looking ahead, our vision is to expand—acquiring additional land, creating new access roads and trails, and developing more open areas to welcome more horses into our care. We’re also exploring opportunities to offer unique guest experiences, including camping spaces, yurts, or tiny homes, where visitors can immerse themselves in nature and participate in our programs and trainings.
To bring this vision to life, Missed Path Sanctuary operates as a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation, allowing us to grow sustainably and expand our impact. This status enables us to receive tax-deductible donations, apply for grants, and collaborate with like-minded organizations to further our mission. By securing additional resources and support, we can continue providing a safe haven for more horses, offering transformative experiences for humans, and developing programs that foster connection, leadership, and healing.
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