Safe Harbor Sanctuary

27/01/2025

Buttercup, looking forward to spring!

24/01/2025

Did you know?

Many of our recurrent expenses are covered by our wonderful weekly and monthly sponsors! It is easy to give, and as little as $5/month can help feed a horse, pay a farrier visit, cover a vet bill, or assist with unexpected emergencies.

Visit our website or the link in the comment below if you are interested in supporting a Safe Harbor horse.

23/01/2025

Have you noticed that the photos of our horses look like several different farms?

Well, that's because they ARE!

We are a network of foster farms throughout middle Tennessee and south central Kentucky. We do not own "a farm."

We cover a wide geography - and we are always looking for like-minded, horse-experienced folks to join us!

23/01/2025

Registration

22/01/2025

We haven't done one of these in awhile so...It's , that day we toss it to you to ask questions of us.

Procedures?
Policies?
Our horses?
Horses in general?

22/01/2025

Throughout our decade +, we have referred to our organization as a "safe harbor for all." 10 years ago, that was 'all' livestock in need, plus the foster children our board members worked with. For the past few years, in an unofficial capacity, that has meant those dealing with life's challenges who are in need of a soft nose and understanding ear.

In a way "the barn" lends itself to a place of no judgement, of quiet connections, and of peaceful solitude.

As we look around today, we simply wanted to state that we are committed to remaining a safe harbor for all.

21/01/2025

Just look 👀 at Native Speed.

As soon as the weather cooperates (his foster does not have an indoor), we're tacking up and finding out what he knows under saddle!

*Please excuse Mr Goofy Face for needing to know why his foster was behind him taking a photo 🤪

21/01/2025

Your periodic reminder: There are certain questions you should ask before donating to or supporting rescue organizations.

People get hung up on "can I visit today" which for us is a no, not unless you are an approved volunteer, foster, or adopter - simply because most of our foster farms are private residences who happen to provide for one of our horses. However, we are more than happy to provide details on anything outlined here, as should any organization you give your time, money, services, or items!

20/01/2025

We are gearing up for the Southern Equine Expo (February 21-23 in Murfreesboro)!

At our booth:
- New and gently used tack (saddles, bits, headstalls, girths, saddlebags, pads, blankets, etc.)
- Certificates for FREE castration
- Coloring pages for the kids
- Information on TWO new programs we're launching in 2025
- & more.

See you soon!

📸 Finn (adopted)

19/01/2025

Mic. Drop.

There are no shortcuts to training horses when it comes to developing proper physical fitness.

You cannot speed up muscle acquisition with draw reins.

You can just force a false result quicker but the fact remains that the horse doesn’t have and won’t develop the musculature to carry a position quicker just because you try to force it to happen.

Just like you can’t go to the gym one day and decide you want to bench press 300lbs that day, your horse cannot suddenly develop enough top line and core strength to pack you around in a perfect frame overnight.

17/01/2025

This is extremely important!

When you add a new horse to your home, the horse is learning a new routine, new handling, and new herdmates. There will be bumps in the road more often than not. Set yourself and your horse up for success.

For more information, see our blog on the "rule of 3s" - https://www.safeharborhorses.org/from-the-horses-mouth/six-weeks-in

16/01/2025

"He's just thin because he's OLD."

Guarantee you, that's not true.

He's thin because:
▶️ He needs his teeth floated
▶️ He needs the support of a senior feed
▶️ He needs a broad-spectrum deworming
▶️ He needs pain support for his arthritis
▶️ He can't chew the hay you're feeding
▶️ He can't digest the hay and grain you're offering
▶️ He has an underlying metabolic issue
▶️ He has an underlying organ disfunction
▶️ He has an underlying cancer

As a general rule, old horses are not "easy keepers" - just like humans, age-related illness and infirmities arise - but there is ALWAYS an underlying maintenance/management reason for one that is too thin.

It's up to us and the knowledge we've learned over the past 50 years of study to keep them as healthy and comfortable as possible. When we can't, we should ethically let them cross the Rainbow Bridge.

📸 Paisley, 24 years old. Not an easy keeper. Not too thin.

15/01/2025

Like/follow and check in on our website for more information!

14/01/2025

Here is an updated list of reputable places to donate to help with LA fire recovery.

Equestrians interested in helping California horse owners, riders and animals affected by the wildfires are encouraged to donate money through established organizations and registered nonprofits. Local residents are asked not to show up at animal shelters unannounced and instead should contact the o...

14/01/2025

Did you know?

Our volunteers love sharing their love of horses. Several of our foster farms are ready, willing and able to host Brownie troops and help them earn their "I Love Horses" badge!

Reach out to us today!

14/01/2025

Adopted Sybil (now "Sarah") is doing a bit of foxhunting in her adoptive home. We are overjoyed to see this amazing partnership continue to grow.