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River Pines Horse Sanctuary
Welcome to
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EQUINE FACILITATED EDUCATION CENTER
& HORSE SANCTUARY
At River Pines Horse Sanctuary, we give horses in need a forever home. Most of our horses come from situations of abuse and/or neglect, or are surrendered due to an owner’s inability to continue caring for them. They often come to us untrained, elderly, or unhealthy and underweight.
They’re horses with nowhere to go, and that’s where we come in.
We provide a peaceful, herd-based environment offering safety, companionship, and the freedom and space to play and recuperate in Missoula, Montana.
Our Newest Herd Member, Sunny
Sunny, a 20-year-old mini, came to us from a situation of extreme neglect. His owners had both Alzheimer’s and dementia, in addition to being wheelchair-bound, and had stopped caring for Sunny and his five pasture mates, all of whom were dead in the pen with him.
With no access to food or water, his body and organs were shutting down. His hooves were curled up in the front, leaving him unable to walk.
After Missoula County stepped in and confiscated all animals on site, Sunny was being fostered and receiving veterinary care. However, the foster person wasn’t able to keep him and we decided to take him in.
So far he’s making slow and steady progress! He’s gaining weight and after initial foot care, is starting to be able to bend at the knees and move a bit easier. He has some companionship from the welcoming trio of Charm, Brighty, and Promise, and while hesitant, is starting to be more comfortable receiving love and attention.
“and I whispered to the horse:
Trust no one in whose eye you don’t see yourself reflected as an equal…”
Don Vincenzo Giobbe c.1700 a.d.
