1) What does this mean for your current horses?

A: In short, nothing changes. Those who we have in sanctuary will remain in sanctuary for the remainder of their lives, as we always planned. Those who are adoptable remain adoptable. Those who are in rehabilitation remain in rehab and will be cleared for adoption or placed in sanctuary as their situation dictates.

2) What does this mean for horses you've already adopted out?

A: We remain a 'lifetime safety net' organization which will take back, rehome, network, or provide a place for any animal we have previously adopted.

3) My friend/neighbor/cousin needs to give you a horse. Why can't you help?

A:  For several years, we have assisted in networking horses into new homes rather than take up our precious, limited foster spots with horses that could be rehomed by other means. We will continue to offer our Friends Helping Friends networking resources which have proven successful in finding new homes for several well-loved, deserving horses. Most of the horses we've brought in and adopted out over the past three years have been due to owner health or death. During COVID, we provided some spaces and assistance for horses that were victims of circumstance that we would not have otherwise been able to assist. Now, we often assist in these situations via Charlie's Fund, rather than putting horses through stressful moves and unnecessary life changes when no amount of veterinary care will help them live a pain-free life.  

4) So, what about cases of neglect in our area?

A: We do have, and will continue to have, a couple of foster homes which specialize in rehabilitating neglect cases, and we are open to assisting in these circumstances - it's just not the "only thing" we will be doing. That said, until the enforcement of laws protecting horses in Tennessee are taken seriously, ‘neglect’ continues to be a frustrating source of contention within the rescue community, as the time between initial reporting and any action continues to increase. It has been increasingly frustrating for us to assist in these cases, partially because it's difficult for us to "hold space" on ongoing cases when we don't have an answer as to whether or not any action will be taken to actually help the horses involved. We encourage reporting of horses in questionable condition to both the Department of Agriculture and the local authorities.

5) Why does your donation information still say "Safe Harbor Sanctuary"?

A:  Our legal entity is "Safe Harbor Equine & Livestock Sanctuary and Rescue." Quite a mouthful, isn't it? Our Standardbred program is just one aspect of what we do, but for simplicity's sake (and your typing fingers), we've decided that "Safe Harbor Standardbreds" is the best way to reflect our current mission. "Sanctuary" itself can be a bit confusing, since we do so much more.

6) What exactly are you doing at this point?

A:  We have shifted our equine focus to Standardbred horses, either freshly retired from racing, or in need of an easier career after the Amish. We will continue to have 4-5 sanctuary spots for horses that need end-of-life supportive care or are otherwise “unadoptable” due to physical or emotional limitations. Our community outreach continues to expand, with Charlie's Fund, outreach events, clinics, classes, and more to come in 2024.