by Boehringer Ingelheim / January 26, 2026

For Olivia Dixon, every horse has a story, and every story deserves a second chance.

As the Equine Manager at the Kentucky Humane Society’s Willow Hope Farm in Simpsonville, Kentucky, Olivia leads with empathy, expertise and an unwavering belief that no horse is beyond healing. Willow Hope Farm is home to the Equine C.A.R.E. program: Connect, Assist, Rescue and Educate. The team’s mission is to move horses from crisis into safety, provide rehoming support for owners in need, and match horses with adopters who can offer them a brighter future. 

Before joining the Kentucky Humane Society in 2019, Olivia served as a horse trainer for the Kentucky Equine Humane Center, evaluating and working with horses to determine their adoptability. Prior to that, she was an exercise rider at Silverton Hill Farm. Both of these experiences helped build the foundation for her current role. But it was her family, especially her mother, who fueled her desire to work with horses. 

“My great uncle was a Thoroughbred breeder, my great grandfather was a trainer, and my mom was a freelance trainer, helping people in our rural Kentucky community figure out how to work with their horses,” says Olivia. “She was also a great source of knowledge for everyone; always willing to help solve a behavioral problem or minor medical issue. She inspired me, and I wanted to make her proud.” 

Olivia’s mother has reason to be proud. In recognition of her dedication to caring for horses in need, Olivia was nominated for the Boehringer Ingelheim Share the Care program, which recognizes equine caregivers who dedicate themselves to keeping horses healthy and happy. More than 300 submissions have been received from around the country. 

Annabelle Pike, who nominated Olivia, states, “On a regular basis, Olivia navigates complex medical situations for horses that have been abandoned, surrendered or removed by law enforcement. She gives every horse an individualized approach to healing, whether it’s through clinical care, training or just time to decompress.” 

Olivia’s dedication has allowed the Equine C.A.R.E. program to take on some of the toughest rescue cases in the region, including assisting law enforcement with the capture of feral horses abandoned on strip mines in eastern Kentucky. 

Her leadership was also critical in a case that drew international attention: the rescue of the “Franklin 13”, a group of severely neglected horses found in Franklin County, Tennessee, including a former racehorse. All were suffering from severe malnutrition and living in unhealthy and unsafe conditions. 

“The rescue was only possible because of Olivia’s knowledge, determination and care,” says Annabelle. “What I admire most about her is that no matter how ‘important’ or how ‘forgotten’ a horse is, they all get great care, respect and love from Olivia. She is the best horsewoman I know.” 

In 2025, Olivia was recognized by the Kentucky Humane Society as the recipient of the Humane Hero: Excellence in Animal Advocacy award, a fitting honor for someone who gives so much of herself to the animals that need it most. 

“Olivia’s tireless work for what otherwise might be forgotten horses is a shining example of the Share the Care program,” says Sarah Happel, U.S. Head of Marketing, Equine, Boehringer Ingelheim. “We are excited to include her in our inaugural group of honorees.” 

But for Olivia, it isn’t about recognition; it’s about connection. Each rescue, each recovery and each adoption represents the mission she lives every day: to give hope back to horses that have lost it.