Why do we need your help?

Our sanctuary has always been a labor of love, and for several years we've dedicated ourselves to giving our horses a safe and loving home. But to secure their futures and uphold the promises we've made to them, we need to transition from an informal sanctuary to a self-sustaining entity. This will also allow us to expand and serve more horses and people in the future.

As two independent contractors our own income can fluctuate, making it challenging to provide the consistent support our horses deserve. While we've managed to do this on our own so far, the reality is that relying solely on our variable income is not a sustainable long-term solution. Horses can also live for 30 years or longer. Our horses may well outlive us! So it’s important that - whatever happens to the two of us - they are safe and have a secure future.

We’re also building what we hope will be our legacy: long after we’re gone, we’d love for the Missed Path Sanctuary to be in a strong position to continue its work.

By establishing a dedicated fundraising effort, and enlisting the help of passionate staff and volunteers, we can ensure that our sanctuary remains a stable and nurturing environment for our horses, regardless of our personal circumstances, well into the future.

How can I contribute?

• Donate: Your financial support will directly contribute to the care and maintenance of our horses, ensuring they have everything they need.

• Volunteer: We welcome volunteers who are eager to lend a hand with daily operations, from feeding and grooming to administrative tasks and helping with events.

• Spread the Word: Share our mission with your friends and family to help us reach more people who might be interested in supporting our cause.

By working together, we can create a sustainable sanctuary that honors our commitment to these wonderful horses and secures their futures for years to come.

How will my donation be used?

Every dollar donated goes directly to the care and well-being of our horses. This includes feeding, veterinary care, shelter maintenance, and enrichment activities. We ensure that your contributions are used efficiently to provide the highest standard of care.

Our other aim, with sufficient donations, would be to buy adjacent land and expand our operation to provide homes for more horses - and more equine experiences for our visitors!

Can I visit the sanctuary and see the horses?

Absolutely! We encourage our supporters to visit the sanctuary and meet the horses they are helping. Visits can be arranged by appointment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both visitors and our horses.

Can I ride the horses?

While some of our horses are capable of being ridden, we do not offer riding as part of our programs. Our primary focus is on rehabilitating the horses and engaging them in groundwork activities with our visitors. This approach is rooted in several important considerations:

• Safety: Groundwork activities are inherently safer for both the horses and our visitors. This allows us to create a secure and comfortable environment where meaningful connections can be made without the risks associated with riding.

• Horse Well-Being: Many of our horses come from backgrounds where they may have experienced trauma or have physical limitations that make riding uncomfortable for them. By focusing on groundwork, we respect their histories and ensure they are not put in situations that might cause them stress or harm.

• Enhanced Experience: Groundwork offers a unique and profound way to interact with horses. Activities such as grooming, leading, and communicating through body language can be incredibly rewarding and allow for a deep bond to form between humans and horses. These interactions can be more accessible and impactful for our visitors, providing opportunities for personal growth and connection.

We believe that our approach not only prioritizes the well-being of our horses but also offers our visitors a richer, more meaningful experience.

Do you offer equine therapy?

While we deeply appreciate the value and impact of equine therapy, our sanctuary does not offer this service, for some important reasons. Working with people who have past trauma or learning difficulties can be very challenging and stressful for the horses involved. These horses often need recuperation time and may have to rotate in and out of therapy programs to avoid burnout. This type of stress is not what we envision for the horses in our care.

Our focus is on providing equine experiences that are enjoyable and beneficial for both the horses and the entire community. We believe in creating an environment where our horses can thrive without the additional pressures that therapy work can bring. By offering programs that everyone can participate in, we aim to foster connections and personal growth through safe and meaningful interactions with our horses.

What kind of volunteer opportunities are available?

We have a variety of volunteer opportunities, ranging from hands-on horse care to administrative support. Whether you have experience with horses or not, there’s a place for you in our volunteer family.

Many people would love to have the experience of working with horses but - due to financial or space considerations - aren’t able to by themselves. Working with us as a volunteer can be a rewarding way to feed your soul!

Maybe your skills are in event planning, social media or photography? Maybe you’re a great cook or can help out at events? These are all valuable volunteer activities too! Talk to us about how you can get involved.

How can I be sure that my contribution is making a difference?

We are committed to transparency and accountability. Regular updates, newsletters, and reports on our website will keep you informed about how your support is impacting the lives of our horses. You can see firsthand the improvements and successes we achieve together.

What does 501(c)(3) status mean for The Missed Path Sanctuary?

Missed Path Sanctuary has been officially recognized as a nonprofit organization by the IRS under section 501(c)(3) of the tax code. This status allows us to receive tax-deductible donations, grants, and other funding sources that are crucial for supporting our mission to rehabilitate and provide safe sanctuary for our horses.

What are the benefits of donating to a 501(c)(3) organization?

When you donate to Missed Path Sanctuary, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. This means you may be able to deduct the value of your donation from your taxable income. Additionally, donating to a 501(c)(3) helps us access more resources, including grants and matching funds from companies, making your contribution go even further in supporting the horses and programs at our sanctuary.

What if I want to make a recurring donation?

Recurring donations are incredibly valuable as they provide a stable and predictable source of income for the sanctuary. No monthly amount is too small and every penny counts. You can easily set up monthly donations at whatever level is comfortable for you, ensuring ongoing support for our horses.

Can I include the sanctuary in my will or estate planning?

Absolutely, including our sanctuary in your will or estate plan is a wonderful way to ensure the continued care and support of our horses for years to come. By making a planned gift, you can leave a lasting legacy that reflects your commitment to animal welfare and our mission. See our “Planned Giving” page for more information.

How do you ensure the long-term sustainability of the sanctuary?

By establishing dedicated fundraising efforts, recruiting passionate staff and volunteers, and creating a comprehensive plan for financial stability, we are building a foundation that will support the sanctuary for years to come. Your support is a crucial part of this plan.

Can I sponsor a specific horse?

Yes! We offer horse sponsorship programs where you can choose a specific horse to support. Sponsors receive regular updates, photos, and can visit their sponsored horse to see the difference they are making.

What sets your sanctuary apart from others?

Our sanctuary is unique because it’s not just about providing a home for horses; it’s about creating a lasting bond between humans and horses. Our programs aim to help people reconnect with themselves through these magnificent animals, making our mission deeply impactful for both horses and humans.

What happens to your horses after they’re rehabilitated?

Many sanctuaries rehab horses and then sell them on after they’re deemed fit and well. While this can be a useful way of raising funds and recouping the financial outlay, you will appreciate that it’s not always in the best interests of the horse. Having invested the time and effort to rehabilitate them and rebuild their trust in people, we believe it’s better for them to stay with us. This gives them the opportunity to live out their days without this added stress..

So, one of the other things that distinguishes the Missed Path Sanctuary is that we aim to give all of our horses forever homes.

How can I stay informed about the sanctuary’s progress and events?

You can sign up for our newsletter (see below), follow us on social media, and regularly check our website for updates. We host events and open days where supporters can come and see our work in action.