Patti Andersen
The Story Behind Quarter Moon Acres
God works in mysterious ways, and Patti (Rust) Andersen is living proof. A lifelong sufferer of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and depression, Patti found solace in equine therapy—without even realizing it at first.
As a child growing up in the 1960s, Patti exhibited all the signs of her disorders, but at the time, they were largely unrecognized. Her struggles intensified over the years, but one constant source of comfort was her palomino gelding, Trigger, whom she acquired at the age of eight. “He was always there for me,” she recalls. “Whenever I was feeling down, I’d go out to him, and he’d lift me up.” Though she didn’t fully understand why being with her horse helped so much, she later realized the powerful healing connection between humans and horses.
Patti’s academic struggles were another clue to her undiagnosed conditions. While attending school in Barron, WI, her grades consistently dropped in the fall and winter—due to the lack of sunlight—and rebounded in the spring. “We had a history of depression in my family, unbeknownst to me,” Patti shared. “I suffered quite a bit from depression and SAD.”
After graduating from UW-Eau Claire, Patti briefly lived in the Twin Cities but soon realized she needed to return to the country. She moved to Amery, WI, in 1987, where she spent years raising Quarter and Paint Horses. In 1994, she joined the Apple River Riders Saddle Club, immersing herself in the equestrian community.
A Calling to Help Others
In 2012, everything changed when the saddle club hosted a fun show in Glenwood City, WI. Several special needs children attended, and Patti watched as fellow club members put aside their passion for riding to share their horses with the children. “They didn’t even want to ride themselves,” Patti recalled. “They just wanted to help these kids. The smiles, giggles, and laughter were priceless.”
That moment ignited a calling within her. She realized she wanted to create a space where horses could provide healing and support for others, just as Trigger had done for her. She envisioned Polk County’s first Christ-centered equine therapy center—a place where individuals could experience the therapeutic power of horses in a safe and welcoming environment.
The Birth of Quarter Moon Acres
Determined to do things the right way, Patti spent countless hours researching and fulfilling all federal and state requirements to establish a non-profit organization. In 2014, Quarter Moon Acres (QMA) was born. But Patti wanted QMA to stand out—so she took it a step further by ensuring it became a PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) Certified Center, meeting the highest standards for equine therapy. “If you’re going to do something,” she said, “go all the way.”
In 2017, with the help of River Valley Riders Equine Therapy Center (then located in Farmington, WI), Patti became a PATH Certified Riding Instructor. While assisting at RVR, she witnessed firsthand the profound impact of equine therapy.
She saw riders who had never spoken to their volunteers or even their parents—but who opened up to their equine friends. She met a man who struggled to walk without a walker, but after weeks of riding—an activity that strengthens the core—he was able to walk on his own. These experiences reinforced her belief in the transformative power of equine therapy.
Today, Quarter Moon Acres continues its mission to bring healing, hope, and joy to individuals through the incredible bond between horses and humans. Patti’s journey—from struggling with undiagnosed disorders to creating a place of healing for others—is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the profound connection between people and horses.
Karole Lee
Karole's Journey to Equine Therapy
Karole Lee has always had a heart for helping individuals with special needs. As a former daycare provider and lifelong horse enthusiast, she found the perfect opportunity to combine her passions when she learned that Patti Andersen was starting Quarter Moon Acres, an equine therapy center in Amery, WI.
“I certainly know what horse therapy can do,” Karole shared.
Originally from Kandiyohi, MN, Karole spent 30 years in the Somerset area working with children. One child, in particular, left a lasting impact on her heart—a boy with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease). She watched him endure dozens of spontaneous fractures, often without even being touched. Witnessing his struggles deepened her desire to support individuals with special needs, though she never imagined she would start something on her own. However, when the chance arose to join a group dedicated to using horses for therapy, she knew it was a perfect fit.
A Lifelong Connection to Horses
Karole’s love for horses began at age six when she received a black and white Paint Horse named Jingle Bells as a Christmas present. Over the years, her bond with horses only grew stronger. One special horse, a barrel racer named Bubba, stole her heart and reinforced her belief that horses were more than just animals—they were healers.
When Bubba fell ill and could no longer keep up with the demands of barrel racing, Karole knew he still had more to give. “He needs a job, and he was too good to put down,” she said. Instead of retiring him completely, she donated him to Dr. Su Anderson, a Native American doctor of naturopathy who used horses to help people navigate inner conflicts. Through this act, Bubba found a new purpose, continuing to provide comfort and healing to others.
A New Chapter at Quarter Moon Acres
After moving to St. Croix Falls, WI, Karole took a position at the Good Samaritan Society and began boarding her current horse, Otis, at Patti’s farm in Amery. It was there that she discovered her own path into equine-assisted therapy.
Now a part of Quarter Moon Acres, Karole is fulfilling her lifelong dream of working with individuals with special needs—helping them heal, grow, and find joy through the incredible bond between humans and horses.
