Who we are
Our History, Vision, & Mission
St. Jude Horse Rescue was founded in 2016 after our director, Lissette Hernandez, rescued a horse from an auction where she was destined for slaughter.
That horse, we named Sierra, arrived in heartbreaking condition—severely neglected, emaciated, and carrying countless physical and emotional scars.
Through patience, compassion, and dedicated care, Sierra's journey to recovery became the inspiration behind our rescue.
Lissette believed that every horse deserves a second chance.
Even when horses are no longer considered "working horses," they still have value, purpose, and so much love to give.
Her vision extends far beyond rescuing horses. She hopes to create a sanctuary where people of all ages can experience the healing connection between humans and animals through education, volunteerism, and community outreach. She believes that every rescued horse has a story worth preserving and that every act of kindness has the power to change a life.
Through faith, compassion, and the support of dedicated volunteers and donors, Lissette continues to pursue her mission of ensuring that every horse has the opportunity to live a life filled with safety, respect, and love.
Meet Our Founder
Lissette Hernandez is the founder and executive director of St. Jude Horse Rescue. Although Lissette didn’t grow up around horses, she has loved animals for as long as she can remember. As a child, her dream was to become a veterinarian because she wanted to spend her life caring for animals. Whenever she visited family members who owned horses, she was captivated by their beauty, intelligence, and gentle spirit. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong admiration for these incredible animals.
Her journey into the equine world truly began at the age of 18, when her parents purchased their first racehorses. Fascinated by the sport, Lissette immersed herself in learning everything she could. She worked alongside her family’s horse trainer as an assistant, gaining hands-on experience with the daily care, conditioning, and management of Quarter Horse racehorses.
At just 20 years old, Lissette earned her California Horse Racing Trainer’s License and went on to train racehorses for nearly a decade. During those years, she celebrated many victories on the racetrack and developed a deep respect for the dedication, athleticism, and heart of every horse she trained.
While racing brought many rewarding experiences, it also gave her firsthand insight into the challenges horses often face once their racing careers end. Injuries, retirement, and changing circumstances can leave many horses in need of new opportunities and loving homes.
After leaving the racing industry, Lissette realized how much she missed working with horses and felt called to make a difference in their lives beyond the finish line.
That calling became St. Jude Horse Rescue.
Today, the rescue is dedicated to providing neglected, abandoned, retired, and at-risk horses with compassionate care, rehabilitation, and the opportunity for a brighter future. Lissette believes every horse deserves to be treated with dignity, regardless of its past or purpose.
In addition to her extensive equine experience, Lissette earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, allowing her to combine her passion for animal welfare with the organizational and leadership skills needed to build a sustainable nonprofit dedicated to serving both horses and the community.