Heartbeat Farm & Rescue Sanctuary
The Heartbeat Farm & Rescue Sanctuary in Aiken, South Carolina is a place of healing and hope—not only for the animals who live there, but also for the people who witness their transformation.
How It Began In 2014, Steve and Kate Gamble began rescuing animals from lives of neglect, abuse, and abandonment. What started with just a few rescues quickly grew into a dedicated ministry program. The Gambles soon committed their farm property as a permanent safe haven for displaced animals who had nowhere else to go.
Who We Serve Over the years, the sanctuary has welcomed horses, donkeys, goats, cows, pigs, chickens, feral cats, and even a tortoise. Many of these animals were on the road to slaughter, facing unnecessary euthanasia, or surviving in abusive conditions. The sanctuary has also rehabilitated abandoned dogs—arriving emaciated and sick—and placed them in loving homes where they can thrive.
Today, more than 50 animals call the sanctuary home. Each receives proper nutrition, veterinary care, socialization, and—most importantly—a safe and loving environment to live out their lives with dignity.
Why It Matters As part of Heartbeat International Ministries’ domestic outreach, the Farm & Rescue Sanctuary reflects God’s compassion for all creation. It is a living testimony that the same love extended to people in need also extends to vulnerable animals.
How You Can Help Caring for this many animals is a tremendous responsibility. Veterinary care, feed, and shelter bring significant ongoing costs. Your donation directly supports the daily needs of the sanctuary’s animals—ensuring they continue to receive the love and care they deserve. Every gift, large or small, helps change lives forever.
Thank you for partnering with us to protect and provide for these precious animals.
Pumpkin – Pony | Pumpkin is truly a character. She is the only equine on the farm with complete freedom to roam and graze all day (though she’s safely tucked in at night). She feels more like another dog than a horse. I first noticed Pumpkin on Equine Rescue of Aiken’s site and was drawn to her as a miniature version of Charlotte. She had come from severe neglect, and while I couldn’t stop thinking about her, I knew we were at our limit and trusted she’d soon find a loving home. Months later, a couple moved in next door with several minis—and among them was Pumpkin. When I mentioned my earlier interest, the woman immediately asked if I wanted her. My heart raced at the thought of Pumpkin grazing in my front yard. She explained Pumpkin hadn’t taken to driving, didn’t fit in with their team, and with her husband ill and plans to move to Scotland, they needed to rehome her. Within minutes I was leading Pumpkin down the road to our farm. She walked gracefully beside me as if she already belonged. Today she’s spoiled, stubborn, and endlessly loved—a joyful presence in our lives.
Baby & Sissy – Mini Horses | Baby and Sissy arrived without names, like many rescues. Their story began with a blurry ad online for a $100 stallion mini. Something felt off, so we drove over an hour to Georgia to see him. What we found were two neglected minis in a cramped dog kennel. The mare was healthier, but the stallion—soon named Baby—was dwarfed, a heartbreaking result of poor breeding. The owners were elderly and could no longer care for them. They called the stallion “the small one” and the mare “the sister.” I knew instantly they both needed rescue, though the woman demanded $500 for Sissy. We managed to save Baby that day, but my heart ached for his sister. Just days later, the woman called back, desperate to rehome Sissy for $100. We returned immediately. Both were wild, fearful, and resistant to touch, but slowly, with patience, they began to trust us. Baby and Sissy now live freely on acres of pasture with other rescues. They still dislike halters and grooming, but they know they are safe, loved, and finally home.
Brownie – Mini Horse | Brownie came from a semi-neglect situation when friends alerted us to a neighbor’s unwanted minis. When I arrived, I could see the owners had tried, but their circumstances made care impossible. Brownie and Macho were confined to a tiny paddock with donkeys, ungroomed, unhandled, and in need of hoof care. Despite this, they were fairly healthy and eager for fresh grass and freedom. We brought both minis home, determined to give them the chance they deserved. Brownie adjusted quickly, showing a sweet personality and surprising willingness to trust. With gentle handling, he soon became socialized and fit right into the herd alongside Baby, Sissy, and Jake. Today, Brownie thrives in the sunshine with ample pasture to graze and friends by his side. Though he started with little human contact, he now enjoys attention, brushing, and the calm routine of farm life. Brownie is proof that even a horse once overlooked can blossom into a beloved companion when given love and space to be himself.
Macho Man – Mini Horse | Macho Man arrived with Brownie from the same semi-neglect situation. Both had lived in cramped conditions with little handling, but while Brownie quickly warmed to human affection, Macho was more guarded. His aloof nature suggested he had learned to protect himself by keeping his distance. When we brought him to Heartbeat Farm, we gave Macho time. Slowly, he began to observe the rhythms of the barn, the kindness of a gentle touch, and the safety of his new home. Though still independent, he found his place in the herd with Sissy, Baby, Jake, and Brownie. Macho remains a bit reserved, not as eager for affection as some of the others, but he has a quiet dignity that endears him to us. He enjoys the freedom of grazing on lush pasture, basking in the sun, and simply being part of a family of rescues. While he may never be the most social, Macho is content—and for us, that is enough.
The Goats | Our goat herd began with just two fainting goats, Chewy and Obe, who soon gave us a kid named Sky. Their funny “faints,” caused by a hereditary condition called myotonia congenita, brought endless laughter to the farm. Over time, we added Nigerian Dwarfs and pygmy goats, some rescues and a few purchased, and the herd grew into a lively mix of personalities. Watching baby goats, or “kids,” leap and play was pure joy. We eventually rehomed many to nearby farms and sanctuaries when the herd grew too large, but each one left us with memories and love. We still hope to produce goat milk again someday, perhaps for soap and other farm products. Our goats have carried names as colorful as their personalities: Laverne, Shirley, Elsa, Anna, Bambi, Penny, Spirit, Stinky, Bella, Patti, Princess, Ben, Jerry, Holly, Clayton, Cleo, and Caesar. Whether fainting dramatically or climbing where they shouldn’t, they remind us daily that farm life is meant to be playful.
Kisco – Sulcata Tortoise | Kisco is one of the few animals here who isn’t a rescue. My lifelong fascination with turtles made him feel like destiny. When we first moved to Aiken, a turtle basking in sunlight greeted us on our land—a perfect sign. Soon after, I found a local breeder offering Sulcata tortoises, and though I expected a football-sized creature, I was handed one the size of a quarter. Sulcatas are the third-largest tortoise in the world, growing up to 200 pounds and living over 100 years. Kisco has grown steadily, and today he’s too big to lift, full of personality, and surprisingly smart. He knows my voice, follows me curiously, and has even mistaken my red toenail polish for a juicy strawberry! Strong and determined, Kisco can push almost anything not bolted down. He spends his days grazing on grasses and vegetables, basking in the sun, and reminding me that patience and longevity are true gifts.
Jake – Mini Donkey | Jake came to us through a Craigslist ad. While searching for farm supplies, I stumbled on a photo of a small donkey lying in a dirt road. His listing said he was friendly but had a limp and needed a home with space to roam. Something about him tugged at my heart, so we went to see him. The situation was difficult. The woman rehoming him was struggling, with children and health issues, and needed Jake gone immediately. When we returned with a trailer, we found him roaming freely, hard to catch, and clearly neglected. After a long, wet chase, we finally got him loaded and safe. Though the rehoming fee kept changing, I paid it gladly. Jake’s limp was from poor nutrition, but with proper care, he grew strong and now runs happily across our pastures. Jake is a character—playful, affectionate, and full of charm. He may have been unwanted once, but today he is cherished. His story reminds me that sometimes the ones who need us most find their way to us in the most unexpected ways.
Charlotte – Tennessee Walking Horse | Charlotte is my dream horse. I first saw her on the Equine Rescue of Aiken’s page and instantly felt a connection. She’s a striking brown-and-white paint and, to my delight, a Tennessee Walker—a breed I had always hoped for. Her story was heartbreaking. Charlotte had been discovered wandering on the property of her deceased owner, completely forgotten until realtors stumbled across her. Frightened and neglected, she was taken to Equine Rescue where she received the care she desperately needed before coming to us. From the start, Charlotte captured my heart. She is strong, elegant, and has a natural grace that’s mesmerizing to watch. Among the herd, she rules as the boss mare, second only to Bubba, and carries herself with quiet authority. Seeing her move across the paddock in her signature gait to greet me is one of the most beautiful sights on the farm. Charlotte is not just a rescue—she is a symbol of resilience, beauty, and dreams fulfilled.
Bubba – Horse | Bubba came to us through a Facebook message from an old high school acquaintance. His friend Pat, widowed and battling cancer herself, needed to rehome her beloved horse and ensure he’d live safely for the rest of his days. I couldn’t say no. Pat and I spoke and quickly connected, and soon we were driving to Atlanta to bring Bubba home. He came with one quirk: he’s a cribber, meaning he chews wood and fences. To me, it was no problem—every rescue has its challenges. Bubba fit in beautifully. He’s a goofy, gentle giant who loves companionship and trail rides. His playful nature makes him a barn favorite, and his easygoing spirit helps balance the herd. Pat passed away several years ago, but I often think of her when I’m with Bubba. She entrusted me with her horse, and in doing so, gave me a gift of friendship, connection, and joy. Bubba carries her spirit with him, and every time I see him, I’m reminded that love lives on.
Cookie Monster – Horse | Cookie Monster was found feral in the Virginia woods. A local rescue worked tirelessly to gain her trust and provide the medical care she needed. Though still wary of people, she slowly began to accept kindness. When the rescue sought a forever sanctuary for Cookie, we welcomed her without hesitation. She arrived cautious and timid, more comfortable on the edges of the herd than in the middle of things. Her favorite treats—true to her name, cookies—helped us earn her trust little by little. Cookie still carries a touch of her wild spirit. She doesn’t always want to be handled and is often bullied by stronger horses, but here she has freedom, safety, and love. Watching her graze peacefully, knowing she no longer has to fend for herself, brings me joy. Her journey is ongoing, and I look forward to the day when she fully embraces the affection around her. Until then, Cookie teaches us patience, resilience, and respect for each animal’s unique path to healing.
Chickens | Our flock of chickens may be small, but they play an important role at the farm. We first began with rescues from neighbors and friends who could no longer care for them, and over time, the flock has grown and changed. Each hen and rooster brings its own personality to the coop—some bold and curious, others gentle and content to scratch quietly in the dirt. The chickens provide us with fresh eggs, but more than that, they bring life and energy to the barnyard. Their clucking, foraging, and dust baths are a constant reminder of the simple joys of farm living. They’ve also been wonderful teachers for visiting children, showing how food cycles begin and how even the smallest creatures play a big part in a thriving homestead. Our chickens may not have dramatic rescue stories like some of our larger animals, but they are beloved just the same. Each one has a place here, and together they complete the heartbeat of our farm.
Nester – Donkey | Nester came to us through a family connection when his owner, aging and in poor health, could no longer care for his animals. Along with other rescues, Nester needed a safe place to land, and he has since become one of the farm’s most endearing residents. With a larger-than-life personality, Nester is both playful and affectionate. He loves hugs even more than treats and greets everyone—neighbors, guests, or us—with his signature honking bray. Wherever he is in his paddock, he’ll come running when he sees someone approaching. Because he was never gelded, Nester can’t share space directly with the other horses. Still, his paddock adjoins theirs so he can always feel connected, and he seems perfectly content with this arrangement. He is goofy, social, and endlessly loving—a reminder that sometimes the animals who arrive late in life bring the greatest joy. Nester may not have been wanted elsewhere, but here he is cherished beyond measure.
Piggies | Our pigs are some of the most entertaining animals on the farm. Though they don’t have the elegance of the horses or the mischief of the goats, they win everyone over with their charm. Some of our pigs came as rescues, while others joined us through rehoming. Each one has its own quirks—some are playful and vocal, demanding attention at mealtime, while others are quieter, happiest rooting in the dirt or napping in the sun. Pigs are intelligent, affectionate animals, and they quickly learn routines. They love belly rubs, fresh produce, and of course, plenty of mud to roll in. Their antics keep us laughing, and their content grunts are a soundtrack of farm life. While their stories may not all be dramatic, they share a common thread: each pig here was given a second chance. At Heartbeat Farm, they live safely with space to roam, root, and enjoy life as pigs are meant to.
Our Precious Pets | Beyond the rescues, our home is also filled with the beloved pets who are part of our family. Dogs, cats, and other companions have been by our side through the journey, offering loyalty, comfort, and unconditional love. These precious pets remind us daily why we do what we do. While the rescues require patience and healing, our pets provide steady companionship and joy. They welcome visitors, keep us company during chores, and make the farm feel complete. Each one has a story—some adopted, some born into our lives—but all hold a special place in our hearts. They are not just animals living on the farm; they are family.
Heartbeat Farm – A Sanctuary of Love | Heartbeat Farm is more than a home for animals—it is a sanctuary where second chances become new beginnings. Every horse, donkey, goat, pig, chicken, and even our tortoise has a story of survival. Some were neglected, others unwanted, many simply forgotten. But here, they are cherished. Our mission is simple: to provide safety, nourishment, and unconditional love to animals who had nowhere else to go. On these acres, they are free to graze, roam, play, and heal at their own pace. Some, like Pumpkin, arrived spoiled and sassy; others, like Cookie Monster, carry deep scars of fear. Yet all are valued equally, and each teaches us daily about resilience, forgiveness, and joy. This work is not easy. Feed, veterinary care, farrier visits, and proper shelter require resources, and we cannot do it alone. Heartbeat Farm thrives because of compassionate friends who believe that every animal deserves dignity and care. When you support Heartbeat Farm, you become part of every rescue story and every happy ending. Together, we turn heartbreak into hope—and create a sanctuary where love is the true heartbeat of all we do. Help us continue this mission—every gift makes a difference.