The peaceful ranch stretches over 35 acres of gently rolling terrain with open spaces, oak forest, mesquite trees, and a creek. All pastures offer more or less trees inviting the horses for a snooze in the shade. And, yes, there is plenty of room to run and play. Enjoying life to the fullest includes playful races, bucking, and squealing, taking a quick brake just to go at it again before settling down for a slow peaceful rest of the day grazing. This is life as it should be for all horses – everywhere.

We pride ourselves with the accommodations and care we provide to our sanctuary residents. Only the best will do. Actually, we affectionately call our new barns “the villas”. Most of the time unless extreme weather or illness throws us curb balls, all shelters are open to the main area and can be used by the horses as they please. The main area provides two hay rings with round bales of excellent Bermuda hay placed in the shade under large oak trees. It’s a kind of always open “all you can eat hay buffet”. Granted, our hoofed friends are all a little on the chubby side – but then – aren’t many of us, too?

 

There is an easy ebb and flow of activity at the ranch. Just enough to prevent all this luxury from turning into boredom. 1-on-1 time is a big deal around here. This means individual horses are frequently taken out for walks, rides and other things such as grooming by a qualified caretaker. Pressure is a thing of the past though. All activities and learning exercises are carefully structured to feel like play to the animal. This provides some mental and physical challenge that is enjoyable and can help overcome past trauma. So, for example, has our good old “Charlie Boy”, a 21+ year old Tennessee Walker, formerly described to us as intensely barn sour, discovered that going for rides can be so much fun, he no longer has any intention to pull towards the barn. Why go home when you are having fun being out and about?

 

Our wonderful Arabian “Shylo” who had to experience extreme pressure, neglect and abandonment before was “not from this world spooky” when he came to us. Among other things, it was a complete impossibility to walk through the oak forest with him especially on windy days. Today, if he feels up to it, he takes us for walks! And proudly leading the way, too. Now, if something on the trail concerns him, instead of loosing his mind and going out of control, he slows himself to take time to think it through. Sometimes, he will turn to his person asking for guidance on what to do next. He has discovered that we are here to be his partners and help him grow into the beautiful self confident horse he was meant to be instead of placing pressure and demands on him he isn’t ready to fulfill.

 

This is how we define dignity. A life style that encourages not only physical health but mental and emotional health as well. Challenges but not pressure. Leadership but not tyranny.

 

Many who have visited our ranch have found this place and the peaceful aura of our herd tranquil. The lightheartedness with which these animals now approach life is certainly contagious and a blessing to be around.

 

So, this is our ranch and sanctuary. Not only a sanctuary for animals after all.

above: two tired Mustangs arrived at the ranch after a stressful rescue

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above: peaceful pasture in morning light

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above: Charlie with big eyes inspecting his brand new very own villa

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