Suzanne Sersun 08/02/1963 - 10/06/2024
Help support the horses of BixRo in Suzanne's memory
My sister, Suzie, helped launch BixRo Horse Haven years ago when we were in Bixby, OK. Suzie helped save the lives of Kai and Sheldon, then Cookie (shown getting pure Suz love!) and soon after, Penny. Suzie and I grew up riding in Joplin, MO and it was our shared life-long passion.
Kai is relaxed and enjoying time with one of her all time favorite people, Suzanne. It's not Kai's norm to seek out the loving, but Suzanne and Kai truly have a unique bond.
Summer 2024
There's something magical about the connection between a horse and a child that is priceless to witness!
Cindy Roragen, CEO & Founder
About Us
Our Vision
BixRo Horse Haven envisions a future where all domestic horses are part of a safe herd, free from the threat of slaughter. Unlike most horse rescues, we do not re-home; our horses will live here forever. We seek donations to optimize care for our horses and to save the lives of more!
Our Mission
BixRo aggressively works to alter the horse slaughter pipeline epidemic which, sadly, is unknown to most horse owners and the general population. BixRo works with animal control entities, horse care professionals, and caring people to save horses' lives. The horses who come to BixRo will receive the unconditional love and individualized health care they richly deserve: for life!
Our Tactics
Our tactics to fulfill our vision and mission are simple! Horses at-risk for abuse and slaughter are brought to BixRo Horse Haven. Typically a "ransom" is paid to remove the horse from the slaughter pipeline. Once transported to Girard, the horse will receive all needed care (medical, hoof, teeth) and will be quarantined from the herd until they are confirmed free from contagious disease. Then, gradually, they are integrated with the herd. We know our horses well and have a structured integration protocol to ensure all horses stay safe. This is an amazing experience to observe and a great opportunity for our supporters to witness and, if safe, help!
Unlike most horse rescue organizations, we do not re-home. We have learned that each time a horse moves to a new home, their chance for ending up in a kill pen increases. This commitment to the life of every horse who comes to BixRo is something we are proud of, and one we hope people will want to support.
BixRo has integrated a new tactic into our arsenal to prevent at-risk horses from a devastating trajectory. BixRo strives to offer short term assistance to horse owners who are temporarily unable to care for their horse, but with the drive and intent to do so soon.
meet me, cindy roragen, founder & ceo of bixro horse haven
About Me
Horses have been my passion since the age of twelve. Most of my youth was spent simply enjoying riding - trail riding, galloping through pastures, swimming my horse in the pond, showing in multiple disciplines, and riding in a mounted drill team.
Fairly early in my life with horses, however, I learned the dark truth that thousands of horses are sold by their owners, both wittingly and innocently, to kill-buyers for transport across our borders where they are kept inhumanely and cruelly slaughtered for human consumption.
I learned what makes a horse at-risk for slaughter, how they end up in a kill pen, and, critically, how I can make a small impact for individual horses. I can't save them all, but with support from caring people, I can save some.
I am intrinsically motivated and determined to be a better person for my horses. In this quest, I've studied Pat Parelli, Clinton Anderson, Julie Goodnight, Mustang Maddie, Marijke de Jong, the iconic Lyons & Brannaman, as well as the amazing horse people in my personal circle.
I've taken bits and pieces from all, accepting what works for me, my values, and my individual personal relationships with horses. I'm fascinated by the horse as a sentient creature and have learned about them as a prey animal with a unique physiology differentiating them from humans, mandating that I interact with them in their sphere. Understanding this drives my dedication to protecting them.