Pandemic fallout, funding challenges future of Island horse sanctuary

Lois Ashley, left, Yogi Fell, and Zoe Novaszek work at Handibear Hills Horse Sanctuary in P.E.I. The shelter is facing financial problems after COVID and is starting to regain momentum with their program of horse care for youth. - Judith Mendiolea

(This story was originally published by The Guardian on Nov 28, 2024)

Handibear Hills Horse Sanctuary is struggling to regain its footing after pandemic disruptions forced it to halt programs, leaving its founder, Yogi Fell, with few resources to continue.

Over the past three years, Fell had to euthanize 10 of the 20 horses in the shelter, due to a shortage of funding for their intensive winter care.

For more than 40 years, Handibear Hills has served as a sanctuary for abandoned horses and a place of education for young people. But as the pandemic reduced donations and limited volunteer help, the sanctuary’s future became uncertain. 

Fell, 84, faces the difficult task of securing the sanctuary’s survival without a clear successor.

“I was going to retire when I was 80 and then COVID hit,” Fell said. “It just kind of takes the stuffing out of you, so I’m here until I can’t do it anymore.”

Yogi Fell is the founder of Handibear Hills Horse Sanctuary in P.E.I. She grew up on a farm in Port Alberni, B.C., on Vancouver Island and was always used to deal with horses. She started the shelter when people started leaving stray horses at her door. - Judith Mendiolea

Handibear Hills, located in South Granville, P.E.I., offered horse therapy programs and camps for children, including those with autism, until COVID-19 restrictions shut down gatherings. 

The pandemic’s impact was compounded last spring when the barn manager, Zoe Novaszek, suffered a stroke, further reducing the available staff and forcing the sanctuary to scale back significantly.

"We used to have about 26 clients in our youth program, but COVID shut everything down," Fell said. "It’s been very difficult to gather steam again and get going. Plus, I’m older now —not that 84 is an excuse."

In an effort to sustain the sanctuary, Fell has brought on new help.

Lois Ashley, a young childcare professional from Scotland, joined the team as the barn manager three weeks ago. Ashley brings both experience and a love for horses to Handibear Hills, inspired by her desire to learn more about horse therapy and sanctuary care.

“Yogi has so many stories and learning experiences — not just about horses, but life in general,” Ashley said. “Yogi’s work with natural remedies is something new to me — I’m learning her ways with supplements and herbs, and it’s fascinating.”

Lois Ashley is a childcare professional from Scottland. She is working with Yogi Fell at Handibear Hills Horse Sanctuary to keep the programs going. She always loved horses growing up and now gets to combine her profession with her hobby while in the shelter. - Judith Mendiolea

Ashley first connected with Fell through a local horse group after having worked in another P.E.I., company during the summer.

Despite the challenges, she has quickly found her place at Handibear Hills.

“Horses are always consistent,” Ashley said. “No matter what’s going on in life, they’re there, and you have to be there for them too.”

Fell’s dedication to Handibear Hills is rooted in a lifetime with horses. 

Growing up on a ranch where horses were integral to daily life, Fell worked as a horse trainer and studied animal science before founding the sanctuary in 1979, when abandoned horses started appearing at her farm.

 She soon realized she could help both the horses and the community by teaching local children about animal care.

“I decided I can’t save them all, but maybe I can teach kids how to look after horses,” Fell said. “Horses respond so well to kindness, and I think it’s very calming for people to work with them.”

At Handibear Hills Horse Sanctuary, children learn how to take care of horses as part of one of the programs of the organization. Yogi Fell, the founder, says it is therapeutic for youth to be in contact with these animals and learning their care shows children responsibility.

Handibear Hills grew over the years, hosting camps and therapeutic sessions. 

However, with the lingering effects of COVID-19, her own health struggles, and Novaszek’s absence, Fell has scaled back many activities and now relies heavily on a dedicated team of volunteers and her board of directors to keep operations going.

Ashley’s arrival is a relief for Fell, but it won’t be for long when her visa expires at the end of winter, leaving Fell in the works of finding a way to path forward so that the sanctuary continues to serve the island community for years to come.

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