I am Sabine Schnatz, a 64-year-old Shiatsu and massage therapist living in the Dominican Republic since 2008.

For many years, I have dedicated my life to caring for animals in need. Until now, I have been able to cover all the costs for the animals and this project on my own. Unfortunately, expenses have continued to rise, and my savings are now exhausted.

I have reached a point where I can no longer manage everything by myself. I am asking for support so I can continue providing food, medical care, and a safe place for these animals.

Any help, no matter how small, would mean so much—to me and to the animals who depend on this project.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Our Sanctuary

Our sanctuary was created to give five rescued horses and nine dogs a safe, peaceful place to heal. Many of them come from difficult and painful pasts. Here, they are given the time, space, and care they need to feel safe again—to be seen, heard, and understood.

We believe that animals, just like humans, do not need to be told who to be. They simply need to be accepted for who they already are. Through this understanding, a natural and powerful healing can take place—for both animals and people.

Our vision is to build a sanctuary in nature where people can step away from the noise and disconnection of everyday life. By spending time with the horses, the dogs, and the natural surroundings, visitors can reconnect with themselves in a deeper and more meaningful way.

Each day begins with caring for the horses—feeding, grooming, and spending quiet, attentive time with them. Our work is based on trust, patience, and positive reinforcement, whether on the ground, in liberty work, or during peaceful rides and walks in nature.

The dogs are an essential part of the sanctuary. They live freely, learning from one another while also being guided with consistency and care.

Every animal here has a story of resilience.

We would like to share the stories of Shuki, Laila and Julie, 3 of our rescues

Shuki

In 2016, I first noticed Shuki in a dry pasture between Sosúa and Cabarete. He stood under a leafless tree, trying to find shade, with no green grass left to eat during the drought.

The next time I passed by, I felt a strong inner knowing: if I didn’t take him now, he would die. I returned immediately and found him in a state I had never seen before—severely wounded, his body being eaten by worms, barely alive.

When I contacted the owner, he simply said I could take him. They had left him to die.

With the help of Angela from the Singing Horse Foundation, we rescued Shuki that same day. His recovery took time—over a year of patient care, treatment, and support from kind people. The veterinarian later said it was remarkable how well he healed.

Today, Shuki is a strong, healthy horse—and a living reminder of what care, compassion, and timely action can change.

Laila

In 2020, Laila appeared in the pasture at the equestrian center where Shuki was living. The two of them connected instantly, and I felt a quiet wish to connect with her as well.

In the beginning, I couldn’t come closer than a few meters. She was deeply afraid of humans. I later learned that she had been abused and mistreated in the past. She had also been involved in a traumatic accident with another horse and a truck while she was pregnant and being ridden, with her young foal beside her. It left her with a deep sense of fear and mistrust.

At the equestrian center, she lived freely in the pasture, with almost no contact with humans, and when she did, it was often forceful.

Building trust with Laila took time—months of patience before she allowed me to come close, to touch her, and eventually to place a halter on her. Later, when I left the center, I was grateful that I could bring her with me.

In a safe and calm environment, her healing continued. It took another two years for her to truly begin to trust that she would not be harmed.

Laila taught me patience in the deepest way. Even today, she can still be sensitive in new situations or around unfamiliar people. But at her core, she has become an incredibly gentle, calm, and loving horse.

Julie (November 2024)

Julie belonged to an older man in the neighbourhood. People in the village told me that her owner had serious eye problems and had to go to the hospital. Around that time, Julie gave birth to twelve puppies. The situation was neglected, and she was tied on a short chain without proper food.

I went to see for myself and found nine eight-day-old puppies lying on a thin, dirty blanket—three had already died. It had been a very rainy season, and everything was wet. Julie was on a one-meter chain, barely able to move between standing and lying down beside her babies. In her bowl was pig feed.

We immediately took Julie and her puppies to my home. Her companion Gina was there too, and we could not leave her behind. At that time, I already had four rescued dogs—so suddenly there were fifteen of them.

One more puppy did not survive, but the others grew into healthy, beautiful dogs and now have responsible homes. I kept two of them.

Julie and Gina did not want to return to their owner, who was overwhelmed due to his failing eyesight, so they came back to live with me. He lives near my horse center, and Julie still goes to visit him from time to time.

Coming from a background where I started riding at just eight years old, I was taught the “traditional way”—to control a horse, to make it do what I wanted, even if it meant using a whip. For a long time, I truly believed this was the right way.

As I grew older, I began to see things differently. I became more aware of what I was doing with the horse—and, more importantly, of how the horse was feeling. Something inside me shifted, and competing no longer felt right.

What truly mattered to me was being out in nature together—walking side by side, riding freely, and sharing quiet adventures.

In my twenties, I met people who opened my eyes to a completely different way of connecting with horses. Through them, I discovered natural horsemanship, liberty work, and the beauty of simply being present with a horse—listening, understanding, and building a bond based on trust.

The Intuitive Listening Horse Center is meant to be a space where animal lovers can meet, connect, and learn from one another. It is a place where people—like I once did—can gain new understanding through both knowledge and lived experience, and begin to approach animals and other humans with greater awareness and a different perspective.

The aim is to share this older wisdom with those who may still handle animals in forceful ways, and to offer an alternative rooted in understanding, respect, and connection.

The long-term vision is to build a supportive community where learning is shared, personal growth is encouraged, and both animals and humans are treated with dignity. With your support, this center can become a place where knowledge, experience, and connection come together to inspire lasting change.

Current Situation

In the Dominican Republic, between Sosúa and Cabarete, I own a 4,000 square meter property located in the hills, about a 10-minute drive by car from the main street. The land includes many trees and natural vegetation.

When I purchased the property, there was already a basic structure consisting of two rooms and a covered outdoor area. There is also a cistern that collects rainwater from the roof.

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Work Completed Over the Last 3 Years (Approximate Costs)

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Current Projects

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Future Projects

Monthly Animal Care Expense Report

Overview

This report outlines the monthly expenses associated with the care and maintenance of horses, dogs, and cats. All costs are presented in Dominican Pesos (DOP) with updated approximate equivalents in U.S. Dollars

1. Horses

Daily & Feed Costs

Care & Maintenance

Total Horse Expenses: 56,300 DOP (~957 USD)

Average Cost per Horse: 11,260 DOP (~191 USD)

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2. Dogs (9 Total)

Feeding

Care

Total Dog Expenses: 15,800 DOP (~269 USD)

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3. Cats (3 Total)

Feeding

o Special diet (skin condition): 2,300 DOP

o Regular: 550 DOP

Total Cat Expenses: 5,400 DOP (~92 USD)

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4. Summary of Monthly Expenses

Category Cost (DOP) Cost (USD)

Horses 56,300 ~957

Dogs 15,800 ~269

Cats 5,400 ~92

Total 77,500 ~1,318

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Why We Need Your Help

So far, this project has been self-funded. To complete the next phase and open the space to others, we are seeking support.

Your contribution will help us:

Every donation, big or small, brings us one step closer to making this vision a reality.