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.

There is nothing like the welcoming light from a barn where you know the animals within it are well-fed, happy and loved...
11/15/2025

There is nothing like the welcoming light from a barn where you know the animals within it are well-fed, happy and loved!
-Mary Adams

⁉️Did you know that miniature horses have the same number of bones as full-sized horses—around 205—even though they stan...
11/14/2025

⁉️Did you know that miniature horses have the same number of bones as full-sized horses—around 205—even though they stand less than 34 inches tall? Their small stature doesn’t make them any less complex or special though. 🥰

Each of our equines have individualized care plans- their meals are pre-portioned, their hay servings are weighed and each one has a daily exercise and grooming log. This keeps us organized and the equines happy and healthy. 💪🏻

Enjoy this photo of Snowflake enjoying one of his meals. 🍴

Every equine at The Sanctuary has a story—many began with hardship, but all continue with kindness. 💞On World Kindness D...
11/13/2025

Every equine at The Sanctuary has a story—many began with hardship, but all continue with kindness. 💞

On World Kindness Day, we celebrate the volunteers, caregivers, and supporters who show what true kindness looks like: patience, love, and the belief that every life is worth saving.

Because when kindness leads, healing follows. 🐴✨
Pictured- Lincoln at the sale and now, safe at The Sanctuary at Red Bell Run. ❤️

🐴💦 Pinto Bean’s Spa Day… Farm Edition 💦🐴Some call it “mud.” Pinto Bean calls it natural exfoliation with earthy underton...
11/12/2025

🐴💦 Pinto Bean’s Spa Day… Farm Edition 💦🐴

Some call it “mud.” Pinto Bean calls it natural exfoliation with earthy undertones. 💅

He swears it’s the secret to a healthy shine and unstoppable confidence- I mean look at that smirk! We’re not sure about the beauty benefits, but he’s definitely feeling fabulous. 😎

❤️🤍💙Today, we pause to recognize and thank the brave men, women and animals who serve and have served our nation with co...
11/11/2025

❤️🤍💙
Today, we pause to recognize and thank the brave men, women and animals who serve and have served our nation with courage, dedication, and honor. Their sacrifices—both seen and unseen—have preserved the freedoms we cherish every day.

This Veterans Day, we remember that freedom isn’t free—and we honor those who have given so much to protect it.

2026 Calendar Photo by Christine Holm Wellmon

🐴📚 Just a few spots left for Read with Rescues at The Sanctuary at Red Bell Run!Looking for a fun and heartwarming way t...
11/10/2025

🐴📚 Just a few spots left for Read with Rescues at The Sanctuary at Red Bell Run!

Looking for a fun and heartwarming way to spend your afternoon? Come out to Red Bell Run on Saturday, November 15, for our next Read with Rescues event!
This special day invites children to enjoy the magic of reading while spending time with our rescued mini horses. Bring your favorite book or choose one from our collection.

📅 Date: Saturday, November 15
📍 Location: Red Bell Run
🕒 Time: 1:30-3pm

It’s the perfect way to encourage literacy, kindness, and connection with animals.
✨ To reserve your spot or learn more, visit: www.redbellrun.org/events
We can’t wait to see you—and our rescues can’t wait to hear your stories! ❤️🐴

Seline, Alberto, and Larry are here to let you know that donkeys get cold! 🥶These sweet long-ears may be tough, but they...
11/09/2025

Seline, Alberto, and Larry are here to let you know that donkeys get cold! 🥶

These sweet long-ears may be tough, but they aren’t built for chilly weather the way horses are. Donkey hair is not hollow like a horse's and doesn't insulate them as well even though they may appear to have a 'heavier' coat in the cold months.

At Red Bell Run, that means extra care:
• Warm, dry shelters to get out of the wind and rain
• Plenty of hay to help them stay warm from the inside out
• Blankets for seniors or those who need extra support
• Close monitoring during cold snaps for anyone showing signs of discomfort

Have questions about whether or not your donkey needs a blanket? Here’s some info from The Donkey Sanctuary:
If your donkey is young and healthy and has constant access to shelter, they are unlikely to need a blanket as their coat will naturally thicken as winter approaches.

If your donkey is elderly, sick or in poor condition, they will find it harder to maintain body heat. They may need a well-fitted donkey blanket to keep warm. Your elderly donkey may also benefit from a heat lamp in their stable for extra warmth.

Remember to remove your donkey’s blanket daily and brush their coat before replacing the blanket. (Do not brush your donkey if their coat is wet. Brushing while wet will move water and dirt onto the skin and could make them cold.)

⁉️Have more questions? Send us a message or give the office a call! 828-863-2017

Stella took her quality-control duties very seriously yesterday— she was the first to inspect our newest products at Red...
11/08/2025

Stella took her quality-control duties very seriously yesterday— she was the first to inspect our newest products at Red Bell Run! 🐾♥️

From lotions to candles, she made sure everything passed the “paws and whiskers” test.

Every purchase directly supports the equines in our care, so if you’ve been thinking about treating yourself (or grabbing a gift!), now’s the perfect time. Stella approves — and she has excellent taste. 😉

Come shop our selection of FarmHouse Fresh Skincare, Grey Horse Candle Company and Red Bell Run merch (including our 2026 calendar) in the foyer outside the main office!
Hours:
M-F 9am-5pm
Call ahead for Saturday shopping.
385 Blackwood Road
Columbus, NC 28722
828-863-2017

Our charming Old Spice is serving his signature look to remind you that it’s time to grab your 2026 Red Bell Run calenda...
11/07/2025

Our charming Old Spice is serving his signature look to remind you that it’s time to grab your 2026 Red Bell Run calendar!

Each month features one of our beloved rescued residents—like Old Spice—and every calendar purchased helps care for the 125+ equines who call Red Bell Run home. ❤️

✨ All proceeds directly benefit our rescues.
📦 Order yours today and enjoy a year filled with the faces (and personalities!) you help support. (Available for shipping or local pickup at The Sanctuary.)

➡️ https://square.link/u/ViZuX3p0

Photo by Christine Holm Wellmon

11/07/2025

Nothing like a roll in fresh shavings. ♥️

❄️Snowflake came to Red Bell Run in August 2021 after living for ten years in a pasture with one other equine. When his ...
11/06/2025

❄️Snowflake came to Red Bell Run in August 2021 after living for ten years in a pasture with one other equine. When his companion left, he suddenly had nowhere to go—and it turned out this miniature horse was very sick.

During his intake exam, Snowflake was found to be suffering from laminitis in all four feet (imagine your foot being hit with a hammer🔨, then encased in concrete while swelling painfully) and was also in liver failure. He had foundered (the bones in his hooves had rotated) and showed signs of Cushing’s Disease, which blood tests later confirmed. The liver issue was likely caused by eating a poisonous w**d in his pasture.

Our vet wasn’t very hopeful, but Snowflake quickly stole everyone’s hearts so if love could help.... well, he would have that in abundance. He was placed in ice boots, given pain medication, and started on Sam-E to help his liver. X-rays were taken, and with our farrier’s help, a plan was made to correct the founder.

Within 30 days, Snowflake was more comfortable, the Sam-E had begun repairing his liver, and he started Prascend to manage his Cushing’s Disease (a pituitary disorder that causes multiple health issues). His hooves began returning to a more normal shape, and our farrier still checks him every three weeks to maintain proper angles. 🧲

Today, at almost 30 years old, Snowflake lives happily in our Mini Heaven barn with his girlfriend Daphne—and he’s thriving! A true testament to care, love, and second chances. ❤️

When you support Red Bell Run you support equines like Snowflake. Interested in becoming a supporter?
Book a free tour and see our mission in action!

11/05/2025

NEWS: We applaud Emirates and Air Canada for uniting against the donkey skin trade with a worldwide ban on the carriage of donkey skins on all flights. 👋✈️

By joining forces with leaders in transport, we can disrupt the supply chain which enables the cruel donkey skin trade ➡️ bray.news/47WArbl

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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