Safe Harbor Equine and Livestock Sanctuary was formed by a group of concerned animal advocates in Middle Tennessee to fill a gaping void in the world of large animal rescue. While other equine specific rescues do exist, at the time of our inception there was not one single rescue that provided retirement and respite care to animals in need, while also working on rehabilitation, training and adoption to those that are able to have a full life in a new home. We are proud to be the first rescue of our kind in Tennessee, and that others have chosen to follow our lead. Safe Harbor’s mission extends beyond horses and includes all Equidae and Livestock animals that we have ability and capacity to aid.

We are focused on assisting equidae in their time of need. We work predominantly in Middle Tennessee. Animals in our organization are never subject to time limits or age limits. Our programs are divided into multiple areas of focus as follows:

After The Track: Horses who started their lives in the racing industry.
Rescue: Horses who have fallen victim to cruelty and neglect
Therapeutic Outreach: Programs for at risk youth and special needs adults who benefit from interaction with horses.

Our team includes licensed trainers, holistic equine nutritional experts, compassionate volunteers, and children; who will become the next generation that carry on this cause.We have volunteer trainers who work with the animals in our program, and we do complete full assessments of animals to help them find the best adoptive homes. Our rescue horses have competed in competitive trail rides, gone on pleasure trail rides and competed in Hunter/Jumper and Dressage competitions while in foster! We are passionate about horses, and devoted to making sure our fosters get the best forever homes and find the right match at an experience, temperament, and emotional level.

Safe Harbor is a GFAS Accredited Sanctuary, are registered with A Home For Every Horse, and are an Adopt A Pet Approved Equine Rescue. Our Executive Committee members are DART Credentialed Responders certified by FEMA to assist in times of disaster.

GFAS_AccreditedThe Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Safe Harbor Equine and Livestock Sanctuary as of June 6, 2017.

Accreditation signifies that Safe Harbor meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine care standards which are confirmed by a comprehensive site visit. Accreditation also signifies adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization, ethical principles, finances, staffing, education outreach, security and safety and other operational aspects.

We are funded entirely on private donations, and ask that you consider sponsoring an animal in our care. We welcome visits to the sanctuary on scheduled public open house days, and you can see first hand who your generous support is benefiting.

Please take your time exploring our site, getting to know us, and most importantly getting to know the animals. They are the foundation of our mission of compassion.