A Haven for Horses
Gold Star Stables and Sanctuary
By Sonia Duggan
Tucked away on 70 serene acres in Farmersville, Gold Star Stables and Sanctuary has been a refuge for horses in need since its establishment in April 2014.
Founded by Mollie Hines, the sanctuary currently cares for 55 horses, 12 boarder horses, four miniature horses, two ponies, two llamas, chickens, barn cats, and even a rescue dog.
Over the years, Gold Star has evolved from housing a handful of owned horses to becoming a sanctuary for older horses and those with medical issues.
Hines said she started with “maybe eight or nine horses,” many of which she purchased herself. Today, the sanctuary is at full capacity.
“I have a limited amount of space,” she said. “I’m full right now.”
Hines, a former corporate lawyer, has earned a reputation as someone who will not let a horse go uncared for — and it is reflected in the sanctuary’s mission, “to provide a safe and nurturing environment for horses who might otherwise face uncertain futures.”
Since trading in her power suits for jeans and boots over a decade ago, Hines’ life has transformed dramatically.
Her days often revolve around managing Gold Star and its occupants with the help of barn manager Judith Black, who lives on-site. Hines also maintains an active law license and does some legal work and she is a licensed real estate broker.
Many of the horses come from trying circumstances — owners unable to care for them, military families relocating, older horses with medical issues and horses rescued from kill pens.
For each one, Gold Star offers a fresh start.
Copper, the sanctuary’s most recent addition, is a 26-year-old horse surrendered by a military family relocating from the Denison area. Hines has also taken in ponies and miniature horses, including Nugget, a retired national champion Shetland pony, and Dexter, born to a mare rescued from a kill pen.
Their smallest miniature horse, Pancake, is the size of a big dog and suffers from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
“He’s got horse issues,” Hines said. “But people just don’t seem to get that. They’re horses and they’re not dogs.”
The sanctuary’s oldest horse —who was blind and deaf— passed away last summer at age 41.
Hines also mentioned a dwarf mini horse who had deformed ears and legs that passed away two years ago.
“She was thought to be about 50 years old,” she said, adding that “they can live a very long time.”
Gold Star also became a home for horses left behind when another Farmersville rescue, Throwaway Ponies, closed and the owner moved out of state four years ago.
“With a 501(c)(3), Hines said, “equipment and stuff like that” must be donated to another 501(c)(3), and the horses must go to another sanctuary.
“I got her eight horses that were left and couldn’t be placed because they were old.”
While two of them are still alive, the others have since passed due to their advanced age and health issues, said Hines.
The sanctuary has also provided a lifeline for individuals who could no longer care for their horses due to health issues.
“At one point, we had a horse for several years whose owner was an elderly lady in a wheelchair and could not keep her horse,” Hines said. “Her daughter called us and then we took the horse.”
Stables, Volunteering, and More
To help support the sanctuary, Gold Star Stables offers boarding, riding lessons, training and a summer camp for kids. The property boasts three barns, a large outdoor riding area, a spacious arena, and two round pens for year-round training.
The sanctuary regularly hosts educational opportunities for children and adults, giving locals a chance to meet the animals and learn more about equine care.
“It’s important for people to understand the responsibility that comes with owning and caring for horses,” Hines said. “It’s not just about riding them — it’s about forming a bond and understanding their needs.”
Hines emphasizes community involvement, noting that Gold Star participates in Collin County’s community service program. Also helping at the stables are students who need volunteer hours for National Honor Society, homeschoolers needing PE credits as well as youth with a passion for horses.
“The kids that come to us love horses and have an interest in them and they want to work with horses more,” Hines said.
Volunteers of all ages play a vital role in the sanctuary’s daily operations, from feeding and grooming to assisting with lessons for local children and much more.
However, running a horse sanctuary comes with its challenges. Gold Star relies heavily on donations, grants, fundraisers, and local trades to cover the costs of hay, senior feed, shavings, and veterinary care.
“It’s a typical nonprofit, because there is no profit in this,” she said.
Veterinary expenses can be staggering. Hines talked about an 11-year-old thoroughbred who was surrendered to them years ago but developed a severe eye problem. He spent almost two months at an equine hospital in Aubrey, racking up a $4,600 bill.
“We saved his eye,” she said, explaining that he wouldn’t be a horse she’d rehome due to his accident-prone nature.
“The goal when I get these horses… is not to rehome them because of the type of horses that I get,” she said.
Most of the sanctuary’s residents live out their lives in the golden pastures, receiving the love and care they need.
For those looking to support the sanctuary, donations of quality hay, senior feed or financial contributions are always appreciated. Hines also encourages individuals to consider sponsoring a horse. Sponsorships help cover the cost of care for specific animals and allow supporters to form personal connections with the sanctuary’s residents.
“It’s a meaningful way to give back and be part of their journey,” Hines said.
The work is both heartbreaking and rewarding. Hines knows the day will come when Crash, her beloved 18-year-old horse who has been battling cancer, will cross the Rainbow Bridge.
But until then, and for every horse under her care, she remains steadfast in her mission.
“They’ve found their forever home here,” Hines said. “And we’ll do everything we can to make sure they’re happy and healthy for the rest of their lives.”
Gold Star
17131 CR 603, Farmersville, Texas
972-732-9253