Special Reports

  Jim Tindell and his family thought they were trapped, as the Buckweed fire burned towards their Santa Clarita horse ranch.

Tindell acted fast, moving his family out of harms way. Then he did the unthinkable, going back into the firestorm to save horses that are used as therapy for children with disabilities. He saved the horses, but suffered serious burns in the process.

CBS 2's Sandra Mitchell tells us about this incredible story of sacrifice and courage in her report.

 Send Get-Well Wishes And Thanks For Jim Tindell

 Send Donations To The Heads Up Therapy Charity


Your Messages To 'Horse Hero' Jim Tindell

"Hello Jim, The world would be a much better place if we had an abundance of selfless people like you. You'll never forget that day for the rest of your life, and its my hope that your local community never forgets it either. Yes, you'll have burns and scars which is unfortunate, but that huge sacrifice has made life for those with a disability that much richer. Please be assured that you are a hero, it's probably a tag your not comfortable with, but wear it with pride…"
Take care mate,
Shane Drew
Brisbane, Australia


"Hello Jim from Australia! I think what you did was selfless and heroic - to go back into the fires to save those magnificent horses - which would definitely have perished if not for your getting them out to safety - God was certainly with you. I pray that your burns will heal quickly and that despite your physical pain - you can wear your scars with pride - because you put your life on the line to help other living beings have a chance to live, when the odds were against them, and as a result of that, have given these children the greatest gift of all - the opportunity to enjoy life!
I wish there were more people in the world like you.
Get better soon."
Lea Budge
Station Manager
101 FM
Logan City
Australia

"Dear Jim
Thank you from all of us who believe every living thing is of value. Your selflessness will be rewarded now and in heaven. We will pray for another miracle that you will be healed and your family will be reunited and have a permanent job with horses."
Sincerely,
Sallie

"Hi Jim
Just to let you know how your selfless actions brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for giving me faith in humanity in a world where so many people just don't care about anyone but themselves. My gift to you - check up this device to help heal your burns: http://www.lumenphoton.com You can call the owner Ron Patterson who has a clinic using this technology. He is a very helpful caring man. A doctor he knows healed herself of a 3rd degree burn in 4 hours with this device that is used by NASA to help astronauts rebuild muscle and bone mass from long space flights. I can send you the article if you like. I use this device myself and my cats and they love it.
Bless you, you are an angel,"
-Menkit P. of Australia

"I heard your story on CBS and thought how wonderful a blessing you are to those around you. It is so sad that you were hurt in the process, but God will hold your hand through the healing process. A few years back I worked with 2 special needs boys who did horse 'therapy'. It is such a great thing for special needs children. We wish you the best in your healing, for you, the horses and your whole ranch family. Keep up the great work with the kids."
-The Wrathall family

"Hi Jim, You and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers since the fire. We hope that you get well fast, and that your pain level, and quality of life improve quickly, and that your time in the hospital, and recovering go fast and seem like a distant memory in no time."
-Jay, Grace, Erin, and Bruce

"Jim, YOU ARE A HERO! Thank you so very much for your courageous decision to put your life on the line to save those magnificent horses. Your effort not only saved the lives of those animals but also rescued the children who connect with them in therapy. My prayers go out to you in hopes that you recover soon. I hope that the goodness that you have shown in your actions will someday be rewarded 1000 fold. God bless you my brother."
-Bill


"Dear Jim Tindell & Family, I am so proud of what you have done to save the horses that have touched so many childrens lives. My son has Autism and connected immediately to the horses he rides at his Therapy center in San Juan Capistrano. We pray you make a quick recovery, and find encouragement through the miracle you have done.God will continue to show his miracles through you and through the horses you saved from the fire. My son is now 10. He can sit up straight and has language because of his horse therapy. Thank you for your courage."
-Guinevere

"When I heard your story of heroism today it made me emotional to think of the risk you took, not just to save the horses, but to save this program which has touched the lives of children in need. You are an angel and I know that God will bless you for your sacrifice. I am praying for your complete recovery and for the restoration of the Heads Up Therapy Ranch program. God bless you and your family."
-Sue

Dear Mr. Tindell, Animals are such an important part of my families' life as they are of yours. They depend upon on us so much and your unwavering devotion to those horses makes me want to yell 'Thank you'. I hope that you and your family know how much this act of love has touched our lives. We wish you a speedy recovery so that you can once again take care of the animals and the children that they help. I had not heard of The Heads Up Therapy Ranch prior to your heroic efforts, but will be making a contribution in your name. I have a dog that has Lupus and know that God gave him to me so that he will have the best possible care. Again, please feel better and the best to you and your family!"
-Sharon

"Bless you Jim! You are a true hero rescuing those that can't rescue themselves. Thank you!"
-Diane

"Jim, you are a wonderful person. You thought more of the lives of those horses than your own. God looks out for special people like you. Please tell Jim for me that I wish him all the best and that I will say a prayer or three for him. Thanks!"
-Kristy

"You have restored my faith in humankind. I hope those who read or hear about your heroic efforts will be inspired to have and show more compassion towards human beings and animals alike (myself included ). My hope is that you recover swiftly & thank you. PS: Isn't it incredible what can transpire out of tragedy and disaster?"
-Sandy

"Thank you for what you did to help the horses and in turn help the children. You are a true hero! Our best wishes to you and your family and a BIG get well soon. Thank you."
-Mari & Tim

"Hi Jim Tindell. Get well soon!"
-Dave Kaplan

"Putting your life at risk to save the horses is a true act of heroism. May your recovery be swift. You are a true hero!"
-Debi

"Jim, Truly there are still heroes! What you did was absolutely amazing! May you recover quickly. You will be in our prayers. God bless you,"
-Tracy

"Thank you so much for being so brave and sacrificing so much to save the horses. My husband (a Los Angeles City fireman) and myself were so touched by your story we were in tears over our lunches today. You truly are an amazing man and we wish you a speedy recovery. God Bless you and your family and the Heads Up Ranch and all of the wonderful things you do for those children."
-The Manzo Family

"Thank you for what you did to help the horses and in tern help the children. You are a true hero! Our best wishes to you and your family and a BIG get well soon."
-Thank you, Mari & Tim

"Hi Jim Tindell, Get well soon!"
-Dave

"Dear Jim, thank you for answering many prayers that were said during the California fires last week for people and animals. Your heroic and selfless act in rescuing the Noah's Wish horses after finding safety for yourself and your family is deeply appreciated by all, especially animal lovers. God truly inspires people to do acts beyond the call everyday and you were blessed to be on of those so inspired. Angels do walk among us everyday in all forms. I am living in Germany with my US Army veterinarian husband and have horses in North Carolina who have weathered hurricanes but thank God no fires. You are a true hero and an example to us all. Prayers will continue to come your way during your recovery and convalescence so keep the faith. Thank you for preventing all of the kids in the therapy program from having to deal with the death of a loved one as well as saving the lives of one of God's most noble and selfless creatures who truly show unconditional love and devotion. If ever God created an animal abounding with love, it is the horse. Hugs and kisses to a true hero; I will never forget your story. Love to you and your family."
-Trish

"As a trained volunteer for Noah's Wish, the international animal disaster rescue organization, I was dispatched last week where we were invited to serve: QualComm Stadium, to care for hundreds of animals -- including many horses -- of San Diego fire evacuees. The primary directive of our rescue training is to stay safe so you can continue to help others, and to take no unnecessary risks, but I cannot help but admire your very apparent treatment of your horses as members of your family who had to be evacuated with everyone else. This relationship that transcends species is the reason why I and many others do disaster rescue work: we get it. So I humbly wish to commend you for your bravery and compassion, and will contribute what I can to help make Heads Up Ranch and your own home whole again. I know that many of my fellow animal disaster rescue workers will pledge to do the same. Get well soon, Jim...your family, your horses and the world need you, and more people like you."
-Marguerite Topping
Animal Disaster Rescue Volunteer, Noah's Wish Region 5


"Dear Jim,
The story of your heroic efforts to save these horses has been an inspiration for me. What an exceptional human being you are ! It would be wonderful if this world had more "Jim Tindell's", but we will be thankful for the one we have. May your wounds heal quickly."
- Roni, Noah's Wish

"You are a true hero... As horse owners, your story brought tears to our eyes. You are a truly amazing man. Our prayers are with you and your family."
-Satina & Ashley

"I love the person you are! I can't imagine I could ever leave my pets behind no matter what but the truth is, you never know until you are in that situation.
You faced a horrible situation and chose to stay and help the horses to safety putting yourself in harms way and thankfully, you all survived. You are a wonderful and courages man and I am so glad you still have your family to go home to and that they have you.
My family and I wish you all the best in life including a full and speedy receovery.
God Bless you for the wonderful person you are!" Link
-The Shlaudeman Family & Pets

"God Bless You for your caring and sensitivity to the horses! We have an American saddlebred and our life revolves around making sure he is healthy and happy! Our horse wishes you a speedy recovery, as do we. Sincerely..."
-Jon and Doug

"Your courage that day in saving the horses is brave beyond words. Thank you for what you did. I am praying for your recovery and that you will be able to have what you need to fully recover. My best wishes to you and your family. You are a special hero."
-D. Paulson

"Hello Jim,
Thank You for your selfless actions in a time of crisis…When others fled you stayed and were an Angel of Mercy for those animals. You and your family are in our Prayers. Love and Light"
-Linda

"Hi Jim and Terry,
Its me, Matt Passovoy, your volunteer that was working at Heads Up through COC. The lifeguard that works at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center. You guys remember me? I'm sure your real busy recovering and all, Jim, but I just wanted to say, Jim, that you are truely a hero. All of your horses are going to live long, healthy lives now thanks to you. Im so glad that they are all okay, even Gypsy. And you too, Jim, of course. Im extremely glad that you are okay as well. And you, Terry as well... Im just so darn glad that everybody is ok!
When I heard that there was fire out in that area last week, you guys were the first thing that I thought of. I wish I could have been there to help you that night. I like you guys so much and I love the horsese so much. You can be sure that in my COC project I am going to mention your heroism as much as I can! I had the honor of working with the man, the legend... Jim Tindell and his devoted wife Terry.
I'm going to get on up to Sand Canyon as soon as I possibly can and check on all the horses. They could probably use a familiar face to see, huh? You guys take care, and I hope to see you both real real soon. ...and Im so glad that you all are alright!"
-Matt

"Dear Jim, I just heard your story on Channel 2. You are indeed a hero. An amazing & caring man. How frightening it must have been, but you went back to save those horses.
I could write so much more, but it would be all the same 'thanking you'. I wish you a speedy recovery, I know you must be going through a lot of pain, all the people who heard the news report I know are wishing you get well soon.
Take care of yourself & again, THANK YOU. I will send a donation to the ranch & hope it will help a little to rebuild.
Sincerely."
-Joy

"Dear Mr. Tindell,
God Bless you and be with you as you heal from your burns. What a beautiful thing you did to save all those wonderful horses. You are truly a hero! Thank you, get well quickly!"
-Vickie

"Jim, You are truly amazing and we wish you a speedy recovery. You are a man who's Spirit truly understands Divinity in all living things. Your courage, dedication and loving heart will be appreciated by not only the children you gave hope to but those beautiful horses you saved.
You are truly a remarkable man and your example helps to wipe away some of the pain and devestation caused by the fire. You're some of the best news we've seen in months. Unfortunately our news media tends to focus on violence, sex and celebrity in our community. Your story restores our faith in humanity. Thank you."
-Sharon and Marty

"You are a true hero. You saved your family and then you saved the horses, putting your own life in peril. I don't know if I could have done the same. Thank you, Jim. We hope you recover quickly and as painlessly as possible. We know how awful burns are, our parents were burned many years ago. Thankfully, they, too recovered. We are praying for you and wish you a speedy recovery. God bless you."
-Jack and JoAnne

"Dear Mr. Tindell,
I live in New York City, so I was not able to see the entire story. From what I did see, you endangered your life and are now suffering due to your heroism. You are not only a hero to the horses, but to me and many others. Those horses have given so much and you valued them enough to save their lives. God Bless you, your family and your horses.
I wish you a speedy recovery and all good wishes. Most sincerely."
-Marjorie Caruso
New York City

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