Red Bell Run

Red Bell Run Home to The Sanctuary at Red Bell Run, a Special Needs Equine Sanctuary. They come here in need. We fulfill as many of those needs as we can.

The Sanctuary at Red Bell Run is home to special needs equines, those with medical or behavioral issues that make them unadoptable. Many times our residents are able to have a good quality of life with managed care; care that other organizations may not be able to provide due to staffing or financial restrictions. We strive to give each horse, mule, or donkey we care for the things that they lacke

d before coming to Red Bell Run. We do a lot of things here but at the Sanctuary, the most important thing we do is simply love them. OUR MISSION:
To rescue abused, neglected or at risk equines and other animals, offering rehabilitation and permanent placement including lifelong sanctuary. Foster the animal-human bond through empathy building, community assistance, educational and therapeutic programs.

Isaac trotted right over to show off his excellent weed‑pulling skills- grazing muzzle and all. 😂
07/30/2026

Isaac trotted right over to show off his excellent weed‑pulling skills- grazing muzzle and all. 😂

Donkeys are highly social animals and almost always prefer the company of other donkeys. But, just like people, every in...
07/29/2026

Donkeys are highly social animals and almost always prefer the company of other donkeys. But, just like people, every individual has their own personality and preferences.

Vinnie is our exception. He has never really been fond of other donkeys here, but he's found exactly what he was looking for in our beautiful appaloosa, Fancy Pants. Part of sanctuary life is honoring who they are- not who we think they should be. ❤️

Apache would like to know if you've forgotten something... like his hay. 🤨
07/28/2026

Apache would like to know if you've forgotten something... like his hay. 🤨

Volunteer lesson of the day: If you're going to give JB a bath... expect to get one too. 😂
07/27/2026

Volunteer lesson of the day: If you're going to give JB a bath... expect to get one too. 😂

Long ears aren’t the only thing donkeys and rabbits have in common. 🐰🫏Rabbits and donkeys (as well as other horses, mule...
07/27/2026

Long ears aren’t the only thing donkeys and rabbits have in common. 🐰🫏

Rabbits and donkeys (as well as other horses, mules, and hinnies) are hindgut fermenters. Their cecum—which is the part of the large intestine before the colon—is larger than that of other animals and houses an abundance of bacteria that ferment what equines and rabbits eat. This process converts what they eat into short chain fatty acids and protein for energy, muscle growth, etc. This is what allows equines to become so muscular by just eating grass! 💪🏼

In fact, veterinarians can sometimes use their knowledge of horses to treat rabbits, especially when it comes to digestive issues. If only equines were also coprophagic like rabbits, it would make cleaning stalls here at Red Bell Run a lot easier. 😅
Photo and caption by Stuart Filler

P.S. Coprophagic means they eat p**p! 💩

🌟 Bonus Staff Spotlight: Stuart 🌟As summer comes to a close, we’re saying “see you later” to one of our seasonal staff m...
07/26/2026

🌟 Bonus Staff Spotlight: Stuart 🌟

As summer comes to a close, we’re saying “see you later” to one of our seasonal staff members, Stuart. While we’re sad to see him head back to school, we couldn’t be more excited to watch him continue working toward his dream of becoming an equine veterinarian. This fall, Stuart returns to the University of Georgia to begin his third year of veterinary school, and we’re so grateful he chose to spend another summer caring for the residents of Red Bell Run.

🐴 How did you end up at Red Bell Run?
“My first visit to Red Bell Run was back in 2019 when the Sanctuary had taken in some donkeys my mom was helping rehome. I came to visit them and even took one of them, Vinnie, on walks a few times. After COVID, life got busy with undergrad at Clemson, and I didn’t make it back until last spring when my mom arranged for me to shadow Dr. Emilie during one of her visits. After that, I asked Mary if she had a summer position available, and I’ve now spent the past two summers working here.

Unfortunately, this is my last summer as a staff member because veterinary school keeps me busy through next summer. I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I hope to stay connected with both the equines and the incredible people I’ve had the privilege of working alongside.”

🩷 Favorite sanctuary resident?
“Punky (sorry, Rowdy!). She’s just so sweet, little, and independent. She also does this adorable thing where she tilts her head to the side whenever she thinks you might have treats.”

🐴 Which sanctuary resident has a personality most like yours?
“I don’t think I’m exactly like any one equine, but Thomas and I definitely have a few things in common. He’s calm, keeps to himself, and is a little mysterious.”

🌾 What does a typical day at the Sanctuary look like?
“No two days are exactly the same, but a day at Longears Lodge usually includes separating donkeys, feeding grain, giving medications, turning everyone out with breakfast hay, cleaning stalls, refilling water buckets, preparing hay and grain, feeding lunch, grooming, cleaning again, putting out dinner hay, bringing everyone back in, evening feedings and medications, and getting everything ready for the next day.” (Whew! 😅)

💙 What inspired you to work with equines?
“I grew up with horses, and they’re the reason I decided to become an equine veterinarian. I wanted to gain experience working with horses beyond my own, especially those with unique medical needs. At Red Bell Run, I’ve had the opportunity to care for equines that require medications, specialized diets, limited turnout, frequent grooming, and individualized care. It’s been an invaluable learning experience.”

Thank you, Stuart, for the compassion, hard work, and dedication you’ve shown our residents over the past two summers. We know you’ll do amazing things as a future veterinarian, and we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way. Once you’re part of the Red Bell Run family, you’ll always have a place here. ❤️

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Megan Cortez 🌟If you've spent any time at Red Bell Run, chances are you've met Megan or at least seen...
07/25/2026

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Megan Cortez 🌟

If you've spent any time at Red Bell Run, chances are you've met Megan or at least seen a herd of donkeys following her around. Our resident donkey whisperer (who was a small animal vet tech in her previous life) has been part of the Red Bell Run family almost since the very beginning, and the bond she's built with our animals is something truly special.

🐴 Favorite sanctuary resident?
Raisin — "He's so sweet and silly."

💚 Which equine has surprised you the most?
Spicy - Watching him reach milestone after milestone as he learned to trust and love again has been incredible.

😄 Which equine has a personality most like yours?
Zaquita (Just in case you don't know Zaquita- she's independent, determined, and just a tiny bit opinionated.)

🫏 Which equine would make the best coworker?
Early — "He's always ready!"

🎭 Who's the biggest drama queen?
Raisin (Apparently being adorable isn't his only talent.)

😲 What's something people would be surprised to learn about your job?
Just how many animals live together here in harmony. (There are more than 30 donkeys in the Longears zone where Megan works.)

✨ What's one thing you wish everyone knew about sanctuary animals?
"They learn to love again after they've been hurt."

❤️ Anything you'd like to say to our supporters?
"Thank you for caring. It really means a lot. We all appreciate the kindness and love."

Megan, thank you for the countless hours, the patience, the muddy boots, and the love you pour into every single resident especially the long-eared ones. Red Bell Run wouldn't be the same without you, and neither would our donkeys. 🫏💕

🎃👻 Something spooky (and fun!) is coming to Red Bell Run! 👻🎃Mark your calendars for our very first Boo & Bray Fun Run on...
07/24/2026

🎃👻 Something spooky (and fun!) is coming to Red Bell Run! 👻🎃

Mark your calendars for our very first Boo & Bray Fun Run on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at The Sanctuary at Red Bell Run in Columbus, NC!

Whether you're chasing a personal best, walking with friends, or just looking for a fun fall morning, we'd love to have you join us. Expect festive Halloween fun, beautiful scenery, plenty of donkey brays, and the chance to support the rescued equines who call Red Bell Run home.

Every registration helps provide feed, veterinary care, and a safe haven for the animals at the sanctuary, so every step you take makes a difference.

🎃 Costumes are encouraged!
👟 Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome.

🧡 Ready to join the fun? Register here:
👉 https://redbellrun.org/event/boo-bray-5k-vendor-market/

We're also looking for event sponsors and vendors to help make our first Boo & Bray Fun Run even more incredible! If you'd like to showcase your business while supporting the sanctuary, stay tuned- we'll be sharing sponsorship opportunities and vendor information very soon.

Help us spread the word by liking, sharing, and inviting your friends. Let's make our first-ever Boo & Bray Fun Run a hauntingly good time for a great cause! 🦇🫏🍂

Barn cats have a knack for making the most of the amenities and living their best lives, one cool nap at a time. 😹
07/23/2026

Barn cats have a knack for making the most of the amenities and living their best lives, one cool nap at a time. 😹

Even professional troublemakers need a nap. The Longears Barn is enjoying this brief moment of peace while Early recharg...
07/22/2026

Even professional troublemakers need a nap. The Longears Barn is enjoying this brief moment of peace while Early recharges.

Address

385 Blackwood Road
Columbus, NC
28722

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(828) 863-2017

Website

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