Hope has a home at Whispering Grace Horse
Staff
Tori Belden: Assistant to Founders
Having loved horses all her life, Tori found Whispering Grace Horses while she was a sophomore in high school at Jackson nearly 6 years ago. Now a senior at Walsh University, Tori is studying Behavioral Science and Spanish. She will pursue a Master's degree in School Counseling following the completion of her undergraduate credits. Tori holds many positions at Walsh including that of a Resident Assistant, a peer tutor, and an orientation leader. Tori is also the Co-President of Walsh University's Equestrian Team, which competes at various universities such as Findlay, Oberlin, Lake Erie, and Tiffin. At Whispering Grace Horses, Tori assists in the training of new session leaders, performs individual sessions every week and helps with training of the horses.
Katie Walkup
Katie has always had a love for horses and helping people. She grew up riding and showing quarter horses and as time went on, her passion turned into a ministry calling. Throughout the years Katie has been able to find comfort in horses and her faith through life’s ups and downs. “I believe that horses can teach us so much about the gospel; forgiveness, trust, relationship—these are all things we can have with Christ and build with horses.” Katie also has a heart for veterans. Her uncle, both grandfathers, and grandfather-in-law all served in the military. Katie helps facilitate Freedom Farm at Whispering Grace Horses by leading sessions and operations. She is a blessing to each individual that visits the farm.
Mike Yoder
Mike is a young man we met at Newpointe Church. He visited us at Whispering Grace Horses just as Freedom Farm began to take shape. It did not take us long to notice how motivated and how willing Mike was to take part in just about every facet of our operations at both farms. His knowledge of farm operations is tremendous since he grew up on a dairy farm and his ideas began to truly impress all of us. He quickly learned from his grandfather how important it was to work with his hands. Now that young man is a problem solver, a resourceful and passionate individual that is true to his faith with the skills so necessary to help Freedom Farm and Whispering Grace Horses grow to its fullest potential. We are fortunate to have found Mike and we look forward to utilizing his skills for years to come.