Support Travellers Rest Farm Sanctuary's Mission

Travellers Rest Farm Sanctuary has given permanent homes to many horses over the years. Our sanctuary horses never leave the farm and remain with us until their passing. Some only stay for a short time, while others stay with us for many years. During their time with us, they receive 365/24/7 access to hay, shelter, and water. They also receive medical and farrier treatment as needed, along with daily feedings. All the horses bring something unique to the farm and leave imprints on our hearts despite how long they stay. 

Our primary mission is to provide a safe haven and safety net for horses in compromised or at-risk situations, including horses rescued from neglect and other emergencies. Although we wish we could help every horse, our space and resources are limited.

Horses often live into their late 20s or early 30s. Assuming the lifetime cost of caring for healthy, privately owned horses solely through fundraising would limit our ability to help horses with nowhere else to go. For this reason, Travellers Rest Farm Sanctuary (TRFS) does not accept owner surrenders solely for retirement purposes.

Horses We May Consider

Subject to available space and resources, TRFS may consider horses:

• Rescued through law enforcement or animal control
• Removed from severe, documented neglect
• Facing a credible risk of neglect, abandonment, an unsafe sale, or another emergency
• Facing auction or slaughter
• Owned by someone facing significant financial hardship or extraordinary circumstances that prevents continued safe and responsible care

Owners seeking routine retirement care or placement assistance may wish to contact the Maryland Equine Transition Service (METS) for assistance in Maryland, or a member of The Homes for Horses Coalition.

Financial Hardship

Financial hardship must be supported by reasonable documentation, such as proof of income, unemployment or disability records, or evidence of job loss or a significant reduction in income.

Documentation will be kept confidential and reviewed only to evaluate the surrender request.

Acceptance Is Not Guaranteed

All requests are considered individually. Acceptance depends on available space and resources, the horse’s physical and behavioral needs, and the best interests of both the horse and the sanctuary.

A deadline, auction consignment, threat of abandonment, or other ultimatum does not obligate TRFS to accept a horse. If a horse is in immediate danger, please contact the appropriate animal control or law enforcement agency.

Intake Requirements and Restrictions

To protect our volunteers and resident herd:

• TRFS accepts mares and geldings only. 
• Stallions are not accepted.
• TRFS cannot accept draft breeds or mules.
• Horses with a history of biting, kicking, striking, or other dangerous behavior may not be accepted.
• A horse’s physical condition, medical needs, and compatibility with our facilities will be evaluated before acceptance.

For owner surrenders, veterinary and care records must be provided before arrival. Unless TRFS approves an exception, horses must be current on vaccinations, Coggins testing, dental care, and farrier care and must arrive without shoes. Requirements may be modified for horses coming directly from documented neglect, law enforcement, or emergency situations.

Completing a Surrender

If TRFS agrees to accept a horse, the owner must sign TRFS’s current surrender agreement and permanently relinquish all rights, title, interest, and possession of the horse.

All decisions concerning the horse’s care and future will be made solely by TRFS. All surrenders are final.

These limits allow us to protect our resident herd, use our resources responsibly, and preserve space for horses with no safe alternative. Thank you for respecting our mission.