Horses

About Horses

Most of us love horses. We have grown up with stories about horses, such as Black Beauty, Misty of ChincoteagueMy Friend Flicka, and The Black Stallion. We marvel at wild horses, show mounts, and even working horses. However, each year, approximately 100,000 horses are sent to Canada or Mexico to be brutally slaughtered. Like other animals sent to slaughter, horses are shipped without food or water in crowded trucks, on a trip that often lasts more than 24 hours.

Once at the slaughter house, the skittish nature of horses makes the time just before slaughter all the more difficult. Horses are often subject to repeated blows and sometimes remain conscious during dismemberment. The USDA has documented rampant cruelty and severe injuries to horses in the slaughter pipeline. This is despite the fact that over 90% of horses sent to slaughter are in good condition and would be able to live productive lives.

If you would like to help support one of our precious farm animals or give a unique gift to the animal lover in your life, consider Sponsorship!  You can make a difference!  It’s easy! Just click one of the options below and know that you are truly changing lives.

You will receive a certificate that includes a photo of your sponsored animal and their inspiring story! The certificate is customizable for gift giving purposes! Sponsorship certificates show your respect and compassion for farmed animals everywhere. 

One-Time      Monthly

 

Houston

Houston had some guardian angels looking out for him because he twice faced death. His “owner” had an appointment to euthanize him in late November of 2021 prompted by the decision to no longer care for him due to a busy work schedule.
 
We welcomed this stately horse to our family in December of 2021 when he was 28 years old. He was partially sighted in one eye but otherwise healthy. We are so glad we can provide him with a safe and loving home to live out his golden years free from stress and fear. He is a gentle and observant boy and is eager to make friends with our other horses. In 2023, we were strongly advised by vets to have Houston’s eye removed due to the pain and discomfort caused by extremely high pressure. Although Houston and Chance hadn’t bonded yet, Chance became quite upset when Houston departed for his surgery. Once Houston returned, he and Chance bonded and now these two friends can often be seen side by side grazing in the pasture together.

 

Chance

Chance was found in a crowded holding pen near a Pennsylvania auction house, two days before he was to be packed on a truck headed to Canada for slaughter. His big, brown soulful eyes caught the eye of a compassionate person who made it her mission to save him and get him to a sanctuary. 

We eagerly welcomed Chance to our family in the Summer of 2015.  When he arrived, his ribs were showing, his coat was dull and dirty, and his long tail so laden with burrs that he couldn’t even swish the flies away. With lots of love, nutrition, and vet care, Chance has learned to trust people and enjoy life as he never could before. 

 

About Miniature Horses

Miniature horses are found all over the world; they usually range from 34 to 38 inches tall at the withers and include several breeds. They are too small to be ridden and were often used to pull carts, most notably in the coal mines of Wales. Many of these hardworking little horses were blind from spending their whole lives in the dark mines and never seeing the light of day.

 

Cory

This sweet miniature horse came to our sanctuary in 2009. She lived the first 18 years of her life with one family in New Hampshire. As the years went by, and the children grew, the family acquired several large horses and Cory was no longer getting much attention. Cory’s loneliness led to compulsive rubbing and overeating.

Her family heard about Safe Haven and felt she would thrive at our sanctuary. We welcomed this precious little horse to our family with open arms. Our dedicated staff gave her mega doses of love and attention.

When another horse named Chance joined our family, he and Cory quickly became friends.  They have formed a deep bond and enjoy spending their days exploring the pasture together. Cory will never feel lonely again.