Spirit Keeper Animal Sanctuary

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Spirit Keeper Animal Sanctuary Sanctuary for life program optimizing welfare for special needs and at risk horses, dogs, cats, rept

Spirit Keeper Animal Sanctuary, a 501(c)(3) public charity whose mission started out to save at-risk horses from slaughter and neglect by providing a safe place for retired, elderly, and special needs horses where they could be cared for, nurtured, treated with respect, and protected for the rest of their lives and to provide enriching environments where the well-being of each individual horse was

a priority has evolved to accept all species of animals that our facility and staff can accommodate. Thes include animals with speical needs, including at-risk horses with medical or nutritional needs, elderly horses, and horses which for whatever reason are no longer "usable" by the equestrian industry or who have been deemed "unadoptable" by rescue organizations. We want to make sure horses are kept out of the slaughter industry, are free from neglect and abuse, and that they experience good quality of life for as long as possible. Spirit Keeper Animal Sanctuary offers a re-homing assistance program for individuals no longer able to keep their animals. We investigate each situation individually, gather information about the animals in need of new homes, screen potential new homes for a good match, and mediate the transfer. In some cases we may bring the animals to Spirit Keeper Animal Sanctuary where they stay temporarily until they move to their new homes. Spirit Keeper Animal (formerly Equine) Sanctuary staff is dedicated to the total well-being of horses and other animals. We promote science-based animal management, cooperative care training, and microchipping. We believe strongly that the more informed and better educated animal keepers are, the better quality of life their animals will have. Our educational program services include: positive reinforcement animal training adhering to the least intrusive minimally aversive principle, cooperative care training, choice-based interactions, starting untrained horses cooperatively, public or private educational classes in: animal emergency preparedness, caring for special needs and geriatric animals, equine behavior and handling, snake behavior and training, dog training and behavior modification, animal identification and theft prevention, personal safety for animal owners, and other topics upon request. Spirit Keeper Equine Sanctuary, DBA Spirit Keeper Animal Sanctuary Executive Board of Directors,

Lori Torrini, Carol Torrini, Angeline Canney, James Barrentine, Juan Ramos, and Shelley Carbonara-Ramos

501(c)(3) EIN 46-4534803
[email protected]
www.SpiritKeeperEquine.org
(719) 478-0080 office
(303) 921-0785 ranch
(719) 339-0312 cell
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Blog Post
13/07/2025

Blog Post

By Cait Mistral & Lori TorriniOriginally written by Cait Mistral and adapted with permission for publication by Lori TorriniThe recent rescue of 67 snakes from a case of criminal neglect has drawn attention to an often-hidden crisis: animal hoarding. While updates on the rehabilitation of these snak...

12/07/2025

Recent research published in the journal Animal shows a clear link between horse welfare and rider safety.

Horses in facilities with better welfare—characterised by fewer health problems, higher haemoglobin levels, and more positive behaviour towards humans—were associated with the lowest number of rider falls during lessons.

In contrast, horses showing signs of poor welfare, such as chronic pain, apathy, aggression, or anaemia, were associated with more rider accidents.

The study also found that positive, attentive human-horse interactions during care and riding improved welfare, while rushed or minimal interaction worsened it.

Management practices like the frequency of turnout or the teaching strategies employed by riding instructors—were also found to be highly influential.

For example, the facility with the best welfare outcomes provided more frequent turnout and riding instruction that emphasised horse comfort rather than strict control. This approach not only improved horse welfare but also resulted in safer riding environments and a reduced risk of accidents.

This study, though modest in scale, clearly demonstrates that investing in horse welfare brings tangible benefits beyond simply having healthier, happier animals.

Facilities that make even small improvements in management—such as increasing turnout and providing more attentive care—see direct enhancements in horse welfare, which in turn results in fewer rider accidents during lessons and lowers the risk of costly legal claims for riding centres.

Ultimately, prioritising horse welfare is both an ethical responsibility and a sound, practical strategy for creating safer, more sustainable riding operations.

Full Study: L. Gueguen, R. Palme, P. Jego, S. Henry, M. Hausberger,
Differences between facilities in horse welfare profiles: slight differences in management/working conditions may be enough,
animal, Volume 19, Issue 6, 2025

paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/1213006Reminder: donations to PayPal Giving Fund made no later than July 15th will be p...
10/07/2025

paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/1213006
Reminder: donations to PayPal Giving Fund made no later than July 15th will be paid out to the animals on July 25, donations made after the 15th of the month are received by the animals the following month, so August. If you are donating to a specific animal or specifically to the snakes, horses, dogs, or cats, you can let us know what you want your donation to go towards by messaging us here or sending us an email to [email protected]

Thank you!
paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/1213006

Babbie and Emmy supervising meal preparation.
09/07/2025

Babbie and Emmy supervising meal preparation.

Sadie, 9 year old Smooth Collie.
06/07/2025

Sadie, 9 year old Smooth Collie.

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