Although I have never met her in person, I feel I have known her for life.  I have spoke with Shirley on the phone and found myself not wanting to hang up.  She's like talking to someone that is so wise and so real all at the same time.  I was able to help out a couple months ago with delivering a trailer to a friend that will deliver it to Shirley.  At the same time I helped with a silent auction that was held for the horse rescue.  The feeling I felt from helping Shirley was indescribable.  After talking with her I knew that she's just the kind of person that should be doing what she's doing.  Her heart and soul goes into everything she does....including loving every single rescue for who they are.  That is the kind of person I want to call my friend....and I proudly do. 

Kim Moody
Freeman, Missouri

I haven't met Shirley personally, I only have read about her work and her love of horses and other animals.  She cares for other people and helps them out as well.  She goes through a lot of misfortunes etc., but never gives up. Her determination and dedication has saved many horses.  She is very knowledgeable and helped out others with problems they have had with their horses.  She is an inspiration to many, due to her determination to forge ahead to do the impossible that others have determined was a worthless cause, to take in and care for horses that have seen better days, and were mistreated, starved, beaten for they were unwanted.

Patricia Powelson

(Ann Wheeler)  

Shirley has been an inspiration to me.  When I began having problems reading and communicating with my very sensitive, very smart Arabian Mare, Shirley related her experiences with various Arabians she dealt with throughout her life.  I felt much, much better - no longer felt like an abysmal failure as a horse person.  She gave me new insights into the Arabian horse.  I can stand back and see things from a different perspective.  I don't know if I will ever be the partner my horse is looking for but our relationship certainly has improved. 

Becky Andrews

(RA)

Occasionally, if one is very, very lucky, there comes into their life a person who helps them realize that every effort makes a difference; a person who, with a word or a gesture, brings to attention the fact that each individual has power to elicit change.

I am one of these fortunate people because Shirley McCans of Ozland Horse Rescue came into my life. Shirley has done much to encourage me and many others to step forward and act on the behalf of horses that have fallen victim to abuse or neglect. She helps by giving tangible, concrete suggestions for health care, nutrition, removal from harm and hostile environments. Her no-nonsense influence is felt across North America and spans other continents; she wields this considerable influence with a paucity of words and the rare face to face meeting. How does one woman achieve such recognition from literally thousands of people? She is an incredible horse person whose spirit is undeniable and whose abilities are apparent from the success stories that abound at Ozland.

From my interactions with Shirley, I have learned to not despair over all I cannot save, but to rejoice over the ones I do have the ability to help. More importantly, she showed me what is possible. Like a pebble in a still pond the ripple effect of what Shirley does, who she is, is tremendous. She is unaware of just how much she accomplishes each day because her life is the rescue; she is uninterested in hearing praise. I am pleased to be able to share with others how much I respect this dynamic woman.

Warmest regards,
Deanna

Drafthorse

When I first met Shirley, I wasn’t too sure about her.  She definitely told it how it was to anyone that wanted to hear it.  Took her a bit to warm up to me, as me to her.  We just weren’t quite sure how to take each other.  But once we did, WOW!  I see all that Shirley does for the horses that nobody else in Arkansas does and it just amazes me.  Especially when I know how much pain she is in daily and how she uses her money when donations run low (which is ALWAYS).  Her horses and animals come first.  I truly love Shirley for everything she does and stands for.  I cannot wait to actually meet her one day.

Michele (PaintedHorizon)

In September of 2003 I hitched a ride to Ozland Horse Rescue in Arkansas.  I believe there were 12 of us from across the states that made it down there over Labor Day weekend that year.  It was amazing to see what  Shirley, the operator of the rescue, had done for those horses.  She couldn't be more than 5 foot 2, but there's definitely a whole lot of heart in that little body of hers.  She has rescued horses from all walks of life, even some other 4 legged creatures as well.  She graciously and gladly opened her home to all these "strangers" that came to help and meet the legend.  The first night there we sat around and talked like old friends.  Then up early the second morning to start on the fencing operation.  We pounded and sweated and pounded and sweated and stretched and sweated finally getting up a good chunk of fence.   We braved a storm that blew up.  We welcomed the down pour and ignored the lightening.  We were on a mission!  For lunch Shirley made up some of her famous, secret recipe BBQ that was delicious!  I was lucky enough to get to spend a fair amount of time with Shirley.  I couldn't have been more excited to be her self appointed personal assistant for the day.  I followed her around, trying to keep up and helping her with whatever needed done. That weekend came to an end way to soon, before I knew it I was hugging Shirley good-bye, sad because I didn't want to leave.   A lot can be learned from Shirley, she's wise and down to earth.  If I didn't have the ties here in Kansas, I would move down there in a heart beat and make her my mentor, learning all I could from her.  People like Shirley don't come along very often, but when they do, pay close attention, you could not only learn about the animals, you could also learn something about humanity.  

Julie(WildMare)

A note about Oz...

R- Re-invigorating-She can infuse new life into a horse, who has lost its
spirit to continue living. Doesn't matter if the world threw away an old
horse, she'll love, hug, and nurture it until it's healthy again.

E-Expressive.Oz is always ready to offer important advice, and she
masterfully, says it like it is!

S-Spirited. Shirley will always tell you what's on her mind, and share her
wealth of knowledge concerning horses.

C-Caring Oz, lends a hand to whom ever needs help. The depth and width of
her heart knows no boundaries.

U-Upstanding. Shirley has made it her life's project to insure Ozland Horse
Rescue's reputation is without blemish or tarnish.  Each horse is placed
with the ultimate care and understanding because their well-being is a
reflection of the Rescue.

E-Exampilitory. Although, Oz has never had any formal veterinarian or farrier
training, she has made it her business to learn about Equine ailments and
their treatments, whether it be for the head or the hoof.  Her wisdom is
only preceded by her generosity to share it others!

Dez(HorseyDezray)

Small in stature, big in heart, that's Shirley. She has built Ozland Horse Rescue from the ground up basically on her own. Volunteers and donations come and go so a lot of times the work and money involved come out of her own pocket.

Horses and ponys of all sorts end up on Shirley's door step. All sizes, shapes, and ages - some with problems, some just needing a loving retirement home. Whatever the case may be, they are all welcome at Ozland.

Through Shirley's hard work and dedication some find forever homes, others stay and live out the rest of their lives with no more worries of abuse, abandonment, hunger, or pain.

As long as Shirley is capable of caring for a horse, any horse, their will be a place for them to go.....

Lorryta Harms Rattusrat(horse city)

I met Shirley in September, 2003. She needed a fence built and myself and a number of others from across the country decided to make our way to Arkansas, to Ozland Horse Rescue, to help her build a fence.

I knew Shirley a little and had spoken with her through my keyboard on Horse City's bulletin board. My first impression of Shirley when we met, was that she was so tiny! I guess I pictured her as being taller and more stout looking. After all, she ran a horse rescue all by herself, and horses often involve heavy work. I soon learned that she is fully capable of doing the work physically, and has the brains and heart, too.

Her big heart and love for the horses in her care is what shines through. I think Shirley is a very determined woman and fairly opinionated when it comes to horse abuse and neglect. She doesn't accept any excuse for mistreating horses, or any animal for that matter.

The horses on her farm are happy and healthy, or in the process of getting healthy. I saw that for myself when I was there. I am proud to know Shirley. I want to go back again, and someday I will.

Elma Gibson, "Wild Rose" on Horse City.com
Hibbing, MN

" It's amazing the way that the horses respond to her. While visiting, I got to witness a paring of friends that will last a life time. A horse that found a loving new home and a man that will have stars in his eyes for years to come. She is just as wonderful to the people she comes into contact with. I am proud to call her Friend."

Kimberly Rowlett,
Rowlett Farms,
Guy, Arkansas