Barry Presley
I have lived many lives in one lifetime.
I began as a country boy with big dreams and a strong work ethic. That foundation shaped everything that followed. Over the years, I became a soldier, learning discipline, courage, and sacrifice. As a drill sergeant, I trained and mentored others, pushing them beyond what they believed they were capable of becoming.
My journey did not stop there. I answered a higher calling and became a minister, dedicating my life to guiding others spiritually. That calling led me into some of the most challenging and meaningful work of my life—serving as a state prison chaplain, a federal prison chaplain, and an Army chaplain. In those roles, I met people at their lowest points and walked beside them, offering hope, redemption, and faith.
Beyond the uniform and the pulpit, I embraced other passions. I became a father, which remains one of my greatest honors. I coached little league baseball, teaching young athletes not only how to play the game but how to build character. I trained horses, learning patience, trust, and partnership—lessons that mirror life itself.
Each role shaped me. Each season stretched me. From the quiet fields of my youth to seeing the world through military service, my story is one of growth, faith, resilience, and service to others. This is the story of a country boy who saw the world—and answered every call placed before him.
Kristina Rupp
Kristina Rupp has loved animals for as long as she can remember. From an early age, they became a source of comfort and steady companionship during a difficult season in her childhood. That foundation of unconditional love would later shape the course of her life and calling.
Kristina earned her degree in Communications from California State University, Los Angeles, equipping her with the skills to connect, lead, and advocate. Horses became especially significant after the loss of her mother to breast cancer. In a season of grief, a simple drive past an open house sign became a turning point — and the beginning of something far greater than she could have imagined.
Feeling called to “take up the cross and follow Him,” Kristina and her husband made the bold decision to move from Florida with their two children to a rural community in Ripley. There, they founded a horse rescue that would grow into a thriving ministry.
Five years later, what began as a rescue has become a place of restoration — not only for horses, but for hearts. Through the sanctuary, more than 500 children and families have been served. Many have encountered faith, hope, and healing, with some choosing salvation and baptism. Guided by the Lord and supported by faithful hands along the way, Kristina continues to lead with compassion, conviction, and gratitude.
Her mission remains simple and steadfast: to care for the horses entrusted to her and to create a place where children can experience the love of Christ in a tangible way.
Neill Gathings
As a horse enthusiast for 32 years, started in my teens, riding and caring for neighbor’s horses on a small hobby ranch in North Texas most of my life. Being taught how to ride on lakeside trails, general health care, barefoot trimming of hooves with natural training practices led me to respect the work it takes to embrace horsemanship as a passion in my life.
Currently live in Cookeville, TN with my wife America, 3 teenage children that love being around horses on our little place we call the “G5 ranch”.
We have focused our journey on trail riding and moseying enjoyment of our small herd ( 4 horses currently) with friends, family and our church youth to bring horses and people closer together.
Our relationship with Home Safe Horses began with donations of riding supplies for kids and eventually placing a great older horse named “Honey” there for teaching children how to ride in a safe place.
I am pleased to serve and volunteer alongside HSH as the mission continues to bring horses and people in need together to fulfill God’s greater purpose.
Taylor
Taylor is an accomplished and motivated student volunteer with a strong background in agricultural leadership and animal science. As an FFA Historian, Taylor has earned the Greenhand Degree and Chapter Degree, along with recognition in floriculture, poultry judging, parliamentary procedure, soil judging, and veterinary science.
With a lifelong love for animals of all kinds, Taylor aspires to become a zoologist, majoring in agricultural science and ultimately earning a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. They began volunteering at the ranch while completing community service hours and quickly demonstrated dedication, responsibility, and a genuine passion for animal care. Taylor is driven by both knowledge and compassion, making them a valuable part of the team and a promising future professional in the animal science field.
