Fire at horse rehab in High River burns 62 bales of hay

Shelby Opheim, who runs a horse rehab in High River, recently lost 62 bales of hay in a fire. (Photo: Facebook/GetConnectedHighRiver)

A campaign is underway to raise funds for a High River woman who rehabilitates horses and recently lost all her hay in a fire.

Shelby Opheim runs 2Hearts Equine Rehabilitation, and according to her friend Courtney Quinn, “Over her time in High River, Shelby has taken in dozens of horses from all types of situations, from bad homes to saving them from meat buyers at auction to give these beautiful animals a second chance.”

Opheim stirred up controversy in 2024 when she rode her horse into the town of High River to get coffee at the Tim Horton’s

Along with the horses, Opheim takes care of other animals, including a peacock named Richard.

According to the 2 Hearts Equine Rehabilitation Instagram page, “On Saturday, two hearts lost all 62 of its hay bales for the year.

“If you can donate it would be greatly appreciated, if not, please help us share our GoFundMe page.”

High River fire crews were able to extinguish the fire Saturday.

On the GoFundMe page, Quinn wrote, “She has brightened the day for many people in High River with her rides through town to Tim Hortons, her wonderful peacock Richard who was just featured on CTV, or her trips to the park with her mini-horse Gus whom the kids just adore everywhere.

“She is well-known for giving back, volunteering with the 4H club in High River, and making people smile with her love of animals.

“For years, Shelby has worked so hard with horses, working towards a better future and through her so many horses that have found their forever home.

“And now she needs help,” she added. “She has so many mouths to feed with her horses that have come in to her life to get a second chance at the life they deserve. And she works hard to make sure they get that chance.

“And she needs our help now to keep doin what she does best, helping horses.”

CTV Calgary has reached out to Opheim and Quinn for further comment.

The GoFundMe campaign target is $7,500 with around $2,695 raised so far.