Deborah Maffettone has always had a heart for animals. When she moved to Aiken, South Carolina, four and a half years ago, she sought opportunities to make a difference in the local rescue community. Her journey led her to Halfway to Heaven Mustang Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the care, training and adoption of wild American Mustangs. For Maffettone, it was the beginning of a life-changing experience—one that brought her closer to the majestic horses she had always dreamed of as a child while watching John Wayne movies with her grandfather.
Halfway to Heaven Mustang Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Aiken that specializes in preparing wild mustangs for adoption. The organization, led by Lisa Mallory and Bill Finger, provides training, health enrichment and care for these iconic symbols of the American West, offering them a second chance at life.
When Maffettone discovered the rescue, she immediately connected with Mallory, quickly forming a friendship built on a shared love of animals. Through Mallory, Maffettone learned about the Mustang Summit Auction, an event that would change her life. She decided to attend the auction, curious to see the Mustangs and learn more about the adoption process.
Maffettone spent time visiting the horses up for adoption at the Mustang Summit Auction. As the bidding approached, she noticed a special connection with a Mustang named Tally. Deborah joked with herself that if the trainer, Bryan Smith, randomly drew Tally’s banner, it would be a sign that Tally was meant to be her horse.
In what Maffettone describes as divine providence, Smith indeed drew Tally’s banner. Without hesitation, Maffettone bought Tally outright and brought her home.
With Tally now part of her family, Maffettone knew she wanted the best start possible for her mustang. She reached out to Smith, the trainer she admired, who operates Funny Farm Mustangs, an organization focused on gentling and foundation training for Mustangs. Smith works closely with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Mustang Heritage Foundation to prepare mustangs for adoption.
Smith emphasized the importance of “trust before training” when working with Mustangs. Often taken from the wild, these horses require patience and understanding to build confidence in their new environment. He praised Maffettone for her commitment to the process and dedication to Tally’s training.
“Deborah has done an amazing job staying committed to Tally,” Smith said. “The bond they’re building is a testament to her dedication and love for animals.”
Wild Mustangs are a living symbol of the American West, embodying freedom and resilience. However, their numbers have reached critical levels, with an estimated 73,520 wild horses and burros living in the Western United States and over 60,000 more in government holding facilities. Organizations like Halfway to Heaven Mustang Rescue and Funny Farm Mustangs work tirelessly to save these animals, providing them with the care and training needed to find loving homes.
“Mustangs are incredible animals,” Smith says. “They’re strong, intelligent and deeply intuitive. They just need a chance.”
Tally isn’t the only rescue on the farm. She joins a family of other animals who have been given a second chance at life by Maffettone, including Ollie, a horse saved from a kill pen, and Spanky, a spirited donkey. Alongside her equine companions, Maffettone also cares for six canine rescues: Turbo, Clifford, Daisy, Mac, Dakota and Petey.
Since bringing Tally home, Maffettone has been amazed at their progress together. She describes their growing bond as transformative and deeply fulfilling. “Tally has such a sweet spirit,” Maffettone says. “I’m already blown away by the relationship we’re building. She’s becoming part of the family.”
There are many resources available for those who share Maffettone’s passion for animals and are interested in mustang rescue. Organizations like Halfway to Heaven Mustang Rescue and Funny Farm Mustangs are committed to educating potential adopters about the process and providing support throughout the journey.
“Mustang adoption is a rewarding experience,” Maffettone says. “These horses have so much to offer, and it’s incredible to see them thrive when given the chance.”
Maffettone’s story reminds us of the impact one person can make on the lives of rescue animals. Through her work with Tally and her dedication to her farm full of rescues, she is fulfilling her childhood dream and giving back to animals in need.
Her journey is proof of the importance of organizations like Halfway to Heaven Mustang Rescue and Funny Farm Mustangs. By adopting, training and providing care for wild mustangs, these groups are helping preserve the American West's spirit while giving these animals a new lease on life.
Halfway to Heaven Mustang Rescue and Funny Farm Mustangs offer invaluable resources if you also have a heart for rescues and want to learn more about mustang adoption. Together, you can help give these majestic animals a second chance and experience the unique bond of working with a wild American Mustang.
Halfway to Heaven Mustang Rescue
555 Kimball Pond Road Aiken, Sc 29803
halfwaytoheavenrescue.com
Lisa@halfwaytoheavenrescue.com
(336) 870-9398
Funny Farm Mustangs
funnyfarmmustangs.org