Retired Horse Sanctuary

Commitment to the Horse is one of CTRC’s defined Core Values. Ensuring that our horses are treated with dignity and respect in all phases of their lives is a mainstay of our organization. Consequently, in 2010 we established our Retired Horse Sanctuary (RHS). When we retire a horse and, due to a multitude of factors, that horse is deemed “unadoptable” but with proper care can continue to live a happy and comfortable life, CTRC commits to retiring that horse to our RHS. These horses live out their lives in a safe, comfortable, and familiar environment – surrounded by individuals who are dedicated to their care and well being. With support the RHS can continue to be a place to call home for these phenomenal horses who have given years of devoted service and unconditional friendship to so many. The RHS is funded in part by grants from the Brennan Equine Welfare Fund of the The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (read Press Release here) and the Equus Foundation’s Daniel D. Barkan Memorial Horse Whisperer Grant.

“We are especially pleased to see therapeutic riding programs provide a lifelong home for the horses that that have served their clients so well. This commitment is characteristic of an organization that highly values both partners in the human-animal team. We hope to see more therapeutic programs follow CTRC’s example in both their values and in the excellence demonstrated by the quality of their organization management and their facility.”

Jeanniene Alexander, GFAS Deputy Director-Equine.

RHS earns top status!
CTRC’s Retired Horse Sanctuary (RHS) has been awarded Accredited status by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries.

Press Release | Discover GFAS

GFAS

MEET THE MEMBERS OF THE RETIRED HORSE SANCTUARY

Lil' Cheif

Breed: Paint/Quarter Horse
Color: Black & White
DOB: 3/15/1994
Sex: Gelding
Size: 14.2 hands
Lil’ Chief is very willing and always tried to do what was asked of him. He has been a western and trail horse and even was in the Martin Luther King, Jr. parade in Texas. One of Lil’ Chief’s favorite things to do is to play with his buddies in the pasture.

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BO

Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: Buckskin
DOB: 5/13/2007
Sex: Gelding
Size: 16 hands
In Bo's (Jo's Lucky Bonanza) early years, he was a working ranch horse. His former owner, who donated him to us, was an avid high-altitude trail rider. Bo was his steady mount. Upon arriving at CTRC, Bo demonstrated great eagerness to please while learning his new job and adapting to new equipment and tack. He gave many years of steady service. He regularly whinnies to anyone passing by in an attempt to get your attention.

Patron

Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: White
DOB: 1/1/2004
Sex: Gelding
Size: 16 hands
Patron is a Quarter Horse who belonged to our now departed volunteer Betsy Byrne. He has participated in both Western and English, doing things ranging from show jumping to packing out on the trails. We are overjoyed to have him with us.

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Firecracker

Breed: Appendix
Color: Paint
DOB: 7/7/1995
Sex: Gelding
Size: 15.2
Firecracker, or “Fire”, came to CTRC after a long and happy career as a horse of many talents. His previous owner had him for nearly his whole life, and he was her show pony and best friend. Fire is liberty trained, has been a jumper, and even competed in the Special Olympics! Personable, curious, and smart, Fire loves pats and being brushed and is particularly good at connecting with humans.

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JoJo

Breed: Fresian
Color: Black
DOB: 1/1/2000
Sex: Gelding
Size: 16.2
JoJo is a super-friendly and loving horse. He was previously a dressage horse that enjoyed his job. He has a very high movement and a super springy trot. JoJo was actually born in Ireland, and has travelled all over Europe. He always took very good care of his riders and loves all the attention around here. He is now happily retired and you will find him in the field with his best friend Lil’Chief!

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Carmella

Breed: Mini Horse
Color: Sorrel
DOB: 4/1/2002
Sex: Mare
Size: 7.5
Now retired, Carmella came to us 20 years ago with her daughter Scarlett. She went on adventures outside of the farm to represent CTRC and meet new people! Today she gets to spend all her days with her companion Dilly (the mini donkey). When she isn't in the paddock, you may find her walking around the farm and offices!

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Soc

Breed: American Paint
Color: Bay
DOB: 3/3/06
Sex: Gelding
Size: 15 hands
Soc has a primary background in ranch work and roping. However, he’s also done pleasure and trail riding. He is so friendly, we like to think of him as having the personality of a lap dog. He just wants to be everywhere you are.

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Saunder

Breed: Norweigan Fjord
Color: Buckskin Dun
DOB: 5/3/1999
Sex: Gelding
Size: 14.2 hands
“River Oak Sander,” aka Saunder, came to CTRC from Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship in Texas, after being imported from Canada. Saunder served for an incredible 17 years as a therapy horse before retiring. Saunder is an in-your-pocket type guy, who loves his meals, and hanging out in the pasture with his friends.

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