Sanctuary Herds
Recently, there has been significant debate about providing lifetime sanctuary for rescued horses. In our 20-plus years of rescuing horses, we have found that for trauma survivors, being bounced from auction to rescue to yet another home is often not the best model for their long-term well-being.
Horses internalize trauma as part of their survival instincts. Their guarded and stoic demeanor often masks deep emotional wounds, which can manifest as behaviors that inexperienced handlers might perceive as dangerous. These tendencies make rehoming a poor fit for some horses, and for those individuals, sanctuary can be the kindest and safest option.
Does offering lifetime sanctuary disqualify a rescue from its mission? Does it make a rescue into a “hoarding” operation? In our experience, the answer is a resounding no. Deciding what is in the best interest of each horse is rarely straightforward and often comes with significant costs, but it is a responsibility that must be approached with compassion and wisdom.
Funding a rescue that provides lifetime sanctuary is just as essential to saving lives as supporting a rescue that rehomes every horse. Both models contribute to the mission of saving and protecting vulnerable animals.
For horses that have suffered extreme trauma, trust issues can lead to unpredictable behaviors, posing risks for inexperienced handlers. This reality is why some rescues transition into sanctuaries—it is about prioritizing the horse’s well-being above all else.
Judging a situation from the outside without context is unfair. Taking that judgment further and slandering rescues offering lifetime sanctuary is not only ignorant but also harmful to the entire rescue community. Instead of tearing each other down, we must come together to support one another in the shared mission of saving lives.
Rescuing a horse is just the beginning of a long and costly journey. The real expenses begin once the horse is safe, as demonstrated by these common costs:
Rescue/Bail Fee: $600–$1,500
30-Day Quarantine: $400–$1,000
Vet Check: $200–$1,000
Dental Care: $200–$400
Farrier Services: $70–$200 every 6 weeks
Worming: $40, 3x per year
Medications: $40–$200 per month (potentially)
Training: $600–$1,000 per month
Feeding: $200 per month with supplements
Daily Cleaning: $15–$20 per hour
As you can see, the initial rescue is just the tip of the iceberg. Rescues rely heavily on sponsors, donors, grants, and fees for services to cover these expenses. Making assumptions about rescue operations without firsthand knowledge is a slippery slope to bias and judgment.
If you hear rumors or criticisms about a rescue, don’t rely on hearsay. Visit the rescue in person, meet the people saving lives, and see the care being provided. Nonprofits are transparent by design, and you can review their financials on platforms like Guidestar to verify how funds are being allocated.
Finally, remember that nonprofits are still businesses. They have staffing and overhead expenses like any other organization. While they may not retain earnings, they need reserve funds to sustain operations—ideally covering one to three years of expenses. Supporting these organizations ensures their critical work continues, benefitting both people and animals in need.
Let’s choose to uplift the rescues doing this difficult work rather than tearing them down. Together, we can make a greater impact on the lives of these deserving animals.
Estate planning offers a powerful way to support the causes you care about and provide the long-term funding needed to sustain vital rescue operations. If you love horses and believe in the work we do, we invite you to consider including Zuma’s Rescue Ranch in your estate planning.
Our EIN number is 80-0236203, and we encourage you to review our organization. If you feel confident that your donation would be put to good use, naming Zuma’s in your estate plan is a meaningful way to leave a legacy of compassion and support for horses in need.
Thank you for considering this impactful way to make a difference for the animals we care for.
