MEET THE SANCTUARY HERD

Jo Pas Wish is a special resident at Sanctuary Farm in Virginia. After spending most of her life as a broodmare, she was returned to the sanctuary when it became clear that she was no longer suitable for riding. Despite her inability to be ridden, Jo Pas Wish has found her place in the sanctuary and is valued for who she is. The staff at Sanctuary Farm understands that horses have worth beyond their ability to be ridden, and they provide Jo Pas Wish with the care and respect she deserves. As a broodmare, Jo Pas Wish likely endured the demands of breeding and may have experienced physical and emotional challenges. At the sanctuary, she is given the opportunity to heal and enjoy a more relaxed and peaceful life. Jo Pas Wish is given ample space to roam in spacious pastures, allowing her to engage in natural behaviors and socialize with other horses. The sanctuary staff ensures that she receives proper nutrition, veterinary care, and any necessary accommodations for her well-being. While she may not be able to be ridden, Jo Pas Wish still brings joy and companionship to the sanctuary. She serves as a reminder that every horse has value, regardless of their abilities or past experiences. Her presence at Sanctuary Farm shows the dedication and compassion that sanctuaries have for providing a safe and loving home for animals in need. Jo Pas Wish's story is a testament to the importance of recognizing and respecting the individual needs and abilities of each animal. At the sanctuary, she is able to live out her days surrounded by care and compassion, knowing that she is valued for who she is, not just what she can do.

Emma, a 20-year-old Haflinger mare, found herself in a difficult situation when her owner faced financial hardship in 2023. Recognizing that they could no longer provide the care and support Emma needed, they made the difficult decision to surrender her to a sanctuary.
Although Emma is no longer able to be ridden, the sanctuary stepped in to ensure that she would receive the care and attention she deserved. Despite her inability to carry a rider, Emma's value as a sentient being remains unchanged.
At the sanctuary, Emma is provided with a safe and loving environment where she can live out her days with comfort and dignity. The dedicated staff ensures that she receives proper nutrition, veterinary care, and any necessary medical attention to maintain her well-being.
While Emma may not be able to participate in riding activities, she still has the opportunity to form meaningful connections and friendships. The sanctuary encourages interactions with other horses and provides enrichment activities to keep her mentally stimulated and engaged.
Emma's story serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible ownership and the need for support systems to help individuals facing financial difficulties care for their animals. By offering a sanctuary for horses like Emma, these organizations provide a lifeline for both the animals and their owners, ensuring that they receive the care they need during challenging times.
Through Emma's journey, the sanctuary aims to raise awareness about the importance of compassion and support for animals and their owners. Her story inspires others to consider the well-being of their animals and to seek assistance when needed, ultimately promoting a more humane and caring society for all creatures. 


Rock, a 19-year-old standardbred, was rescued from a Pennsylvania kill pen in 2022. Prior to his rescue, Rock had been an Amish horse, serving in the demanding world of harness racing or as a working horse in the Amish community.  Although Rock had spent the majority of his life working, his time at the kill pen marked a turning point in his story. Recognizing his value and potential for a second chance at a peaceful life, the sanctuary stepped in to provide him with the care and compassion he deserved. Unfortunately, due to the physical toll of his previous life, Rock is no longer able to be ridden. The demanding work and potential lack of proper care have taken a toll on his body, making it unsafe and uncomfortable for him to carry a rider.  However, at the sanctuary, Rock has found a place where he can live out his days with dignity and without further physical strain. The dedicated staff ensures that Rock receives specialized care and attention to manage any health issues that may arise as a result of his past. Living in the sanctuary, Rock is free from the demands of his previous life. He can enjoy the company of other horses, graze in open pastures, and simply be himself. The sanctuary provides him with a safe and peaceful environment where he can experience a well-deserved retirement. Rock's presence at the sanctuary serves as a powerful reminder of the need for compassion and understanding towards working animals. His story highlights the importance of responsible ownership and the need to provide appropriate care throughout an animal's life, even after their working years are over. Through Rock's journey, the sanctuary aims to raise awareness about the mistreatment of working horses and the importance of supporting organizations that provide sanctuary and rehabilitation for animals in need. His story serves as an inspiration to advocate for the welfare and humane treatment of all animals, regardless of their past.

Melody, a 4-5-year-old mare, was saved from a Texas kill pen along with her colt last year. It was clear that Melody had endured a challenging past, as she was returned to the sanctuary when it became evident that she would not be able to fulfill the expectations placed upon her. Melody's previous owner had bred her at a young age, which had detrimental effects on her body. This unfortunate situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible breeding practices and the potential long-term consequences that can arise when mares are bred too early. Recognizing Melody's physical limitations, the sanctuary made the compassionate decision to retire her to their farm. Here, she can live out her days in a safe and supportive environment, free from the pressures and demands that were once placed upon her. The sanctuary's dedicated staff ensures that Melody receives the specialized care she needs to maintain her health and well-being. Regular veterinary check-ups, appropriate nutrition, and a comfortable living space are all provided to ensure that Melody can enjoy a peaceful and pain-free existence. Melody's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of education and responsible ownership. Through her experiences, the sanctuary hopes to raise awareness about the consequences of breeding mares too young and the long-lasting impact it can have on their bodies. By providing a forever home for Melody, the sanctuary offers her the opportunity to heal and recover from her past experiences. She can now enjoy a life of comfort and companionship, surrounded by other animals at the sanctuary farm who understand and share her journey. Melody's presence at the sanctuary farm serves as a powerful reminder of the need for compassion and understanding in our interactions with animals. Her story inspires us to advocate for responsible breeding practices and to treat all animals with the care and respect they deserve.


Comanche is a 20-year-old Paint horse who was rescued from a Texas kill pen three years ago. His previous life was filled with uncertainty and danger, but fortunately, he found his way to a sanctuary farm where he could finally find safety and peace. Upon his arrival at the sanctuary, it became clear that Comanche had experienced significant trauma and was deemed unsafe to be ridden. The sanctuary's compassionate staff recognized his limitations and made the decision to prioritize his well-being above all else. Comanche now resides at the sanctuary farm, where he can live out the rest of his days in a safe and nurturing environment. The staff ensures that he receives the necessary care, including regular veterinary check-ups, proper nutrition, and ample space to roam and graze.  Although Comanche cannot be ridden, he is still able to enjoy the company of other horses and form meaningful connections with them. The sanctuary farm provides him with opportunities for social interaction and companionship, allowing him to experience a sense of belonging and acceptance. The sanctuary's commitment to Comanche's welfare means that he will never have to face the uncertainty and danger of his past again. Instead, he can bask in the love and care provided by the sanctuary's dedicated team and enjoy a peaceful existence. Comanche's story serves as a reminder of the importance of rescue efforts and the immense impact they can have on the lives of animals. Through the sanctuary's intervention, Comanche was given a second chance at life, one filled with safety, compassion, and the freedom to simply be himself. By providing a forever home for Comanche, the sanctuary farm showcases the incredible resilience and capacity for healing that exists within these majestic creatures. They serve as a beacon of hope for other animals in need, demonstrating that even those deemed "unrideable" can still find happiness and contentment in a sanctuary setting.

Smokey, a 24-year-old Saddlebred gelding, was surrendered to the sanctuary farm recently. Despite his age, Smokey still has a lot of life left in him, and the sanctuary recognized his gentle and loving nature. With his surrender, Smokey found a forever home at the sanctuary farm, where he will be able to live out the rest of his life in a safe and peaceful environment. The sanctuary's dedicated staff ensures that Smokey receives the love, care, and attention he deserves. Although Smokey may not have had the best start in life, he now has the opportunity to experience a life filled with compassion and kindness. The sanctuary farm provides him with ample space to roam and graze, allowing him to enjoy his golden years in the company of Annie and other animal friends.  Thanks to the sanctuary's commitment to providing lifelong care, Smokey can finally relax and enjoy his days without any worries. He will be cherished and respected for the incredible horse that he is, reminding everyone who meets him of the resilience and beauty that can be found in older animals. Smokey's story serves as a reminder of the importance of sanctuaries and the vital role they play in providing a safe haven for animals in need. Through their dedication, these sanctuaries give animals like Smokey a second chance at a fulfilling life, where they can thrive and experience love and happiness.


🐴 Meet Waylon, a resilient 30-year-old Standardbred who spent years as a loyal mode of transportation before fate led him to a harrowing end in a kill pen in Pennsylvania. Despite the trials he endured, Waylon's story took a positive turn when he found sanctuary with us a year ago.

Now relishing every moment of his well-deserved retirement, Waylon basks in the comfort and care of our sanctuary. His days are filled with peace and contentment, a stark contrast to his past life of toil and uncertainty.

As Waylon embarks on this new chapter, he seeks a sponsor to support his continued journey. Your sponsorship can ensure that he receives the love, attention, and resources he needs to thrive in his golden years.

If you're touched by Waylon's story and interested in becoming his sponsor, please reach out. Your generosity can make a world of difference in providing him with the happy and fulfilling retirement he deserves. Let's come together to make Waylon's twilight years the best ones yet. 🌟🐴

🐴 Meet Alsie, a remarkable 2/3-year-old mare whose resilience and spirit shine brightly despite the hardships she's endured in her short life. From the moment she entered this world, Alsie faced neglect and adversity, born essentially feral and left unhandled for her first three years.

Tragically, Alsie's early years were marred by trauma when she was attacked not once, but twice, by a dog, leaving her with severe injuries to her back legs. Shockingly, she never received the veterinary care she desperately needed to address these wounds, resulting in torn tendons and mutilated hind legs.

Despite the grim prognosis from the vet, Alsie's spirit remains unbroken, and she defies the odds by remaining sound and sure-footed. Here at our sanctuary, we're committed to providing Alsie with the love, care, and preventive treatments she needs to live comfortably and happily for the rest of her days.

Though Alsie's journey has been fraught with challenges, she has made remarkable progress since finding refuge with us. With each passing day, she grows stronger and more confident, a testament to her incredible resilience and the healing power of love.

As Alsie continues her journey of recovery and rehabilitation, we invite you to join us in supporting her. Your generosity can help ensure that Alsie receives the ongoing care and attention she needs to thrive in sanctuary. Together, we can give Alsie the second chance she deserves and ensure that she knows nothing but love and compassion for the rest of her life. 🌟🐴