"We've become a throw-away society, where anything less than perfection holds no value," said Finch, 57. "From cars to computers to coffee pots, if there's a problem, we'd rather replace it than fix it.

"But when it comes to animals, we can't let that happen. Old dogs with arthritis, cats that shed endlessly and disabled horses should never end up in the trash cans and slaughterhouses of our world. They walk through this world with the same intense desire to live that we have. They need love and respect just as much as we do," he said.

It was Finch's respect and love for animals that led him to start the nonprofit Habitat For Horses, which is based on a 25-acre farm in Hitchcock. The organization aids in the seizure and recuperation of abused horses, and helps educate the public about equine health. It originally was funded with his own money.

The organization adopted out almost 50 horses this year, and rescued countless others. Most rescued horses are so traumatized or abused, nobody can ride them or even approach them for several months. Trust is the key, Finch said.

"The majority of horses we receive are retrained using gentle training methods before they are placed for adoption," he said.

The organization supports Equine-Assisted Activities, which gives troubled teens a chance to explore connections through caring for horses. Many participants come from broken homes or are involved in gangs, Finch said.

"One of the greatest moments I've witnessed was when a 16-year-old tough guy faced off in a round pen with an abused and angry horse," Finch said. "The horse wasn't impressed with the young man's expensive sneakers, his backward hat or his gang signs, and the young man couldn't find a way to communicate with the horse.

"An hour later, after throwing away all the false fronts he had created, after showing the horse that he, too, was afraid and angry, the horse stood still. The young man walked up to the horse, stroked his face, put his arms around the horse's neck and broke down in tears," he said.

But the work can be overwhelming for Finch, said Debbie Pendleton, a Friendswood resident and Habitat for Horses volunteer.

"He's a warm, gentle, loving man," said Pendleton, who recently adopted two horses from the organization. "He just wants these beautiful animals to be safe and to be loved."

The organization always is looking for help, Pendleton said.

"Donations are the best, because we can get exactly what the horses need," she said. "But we don't need just the $500 donations. A single $5 donation can provide enough food for a horse for nine days. And volunteers are always needed. It's a rewarding experience, and caring for these horses has made me a more compassionate person. I'm softer now."

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