Retirement Home For Horses Inc provides sanctuary care for horses no longer able to work or live in their previous situations
Retirement Home For Horses Inc is a nonprofit organization based in New Jersey that takes in horses and provides them with long-term care, pasture, veterinary attention, and a quiet environment for their remaining years. The organization accepts horses of all ages and backgrounds — former racehorses, carriage horses, lesson horses, and backyard pets — and keeps them on farmland where they can graze, move freely, and live out their lives without the pressure to perform or generate income.
The organization operates on donations and does not charge families or previous owners a surrender fee. Horses arrive through owner surrender, rescue referrals, or situations where an owner can no longer afford care. Once at the facility, each horse receives routine farrier work, dental care, vaccinations, and veterinary treatment for any health issues that arise.
Key Takeaways
- Retirement Home For Horses Inc accepts horses of any age, breed, or background and provides them with pasture, shelter, and ongoing veterinary care.
- The organization is a nonprofit that does not charge surrender fees; it operates entirely on donations from supporters.
- Horses live in a herd environment on farmland in New Jersey where they can graze and move naturally rather than being confined to stalls.
- The organization handles all medical care, farrier services, and daily feeding, so owners do not need to arrange those services separately.
- You can contact the organization directly to discuss whether your horse is a good fit and what the intake process involves.
Who the organization accepts
Retirement Home For Horses Inc does not turn away horses based on age, breed, soundness, or prior use. The facility takes in Thoroughbreds from racing, draft horses from carriage or farm work, lesson horses, backyard companions, and horses with chronic lameness, behavioral challenges, or medical conditions that make them unsuitable for riding or work.
The only practical limit is the organization's current capacity. Because the facility operates on a fixed amount of land and relies on donations to cover feed and care costs, there are times when the organization cannot accept new arrivals. If you contact them and learn they are at capacity, you can ask to be placed on a waiting list or discuss alternative rescues in your region.
What daily life looks like for horses at the facility
Horses at Retirement Home For Horses Inc live in a herd on pasture rather than in individual stalls. They graze during warm months, receive hay and grain during winter or when pasture is limited, and have access to shelter, water, and salt. The environment is designed to allow natural behavior — horses can move, socialize with other horses, and spend time outdoors rather than being confined.
The organization employs or contracts with a farrier who visits regularly to trim hooves and replace shoes as needed. A veterinarian provides routine care, dental work, vaccinations, and treatment for any illness or injury. Horses with special needs — such as those requiring medication, special feed, or extra monitoring — receive individualized attention based on their condition.
How to contact the organization about surrendering a horse
To discuss surrendering a horse to Retirement Home For Horses Inc, you will need to reach out to the organization directly. You can search for their current contact information online, as phone numbers and email addresses may change. When you call or write, be prepared to describe your horse — age, breed, health status, temperament, and any medical or behavioral issues — so the staff can determine whether the horse is a good fit and whether space is currently available.
The organization will likely ask about your horse's history, any medications or special care it requires, and your timeline for surrender. If the facility is at capacity, they may offer to add your horse to a waiting list or suggest other rescue organizations in your area that might have when ready openings. There is no fee to surrender a horse; the organization covers all costs once the horse arrives.
What happens during the intake process
Once a horse is accepted, the organization typically schedules an intake appointment. You will bring the horse to the facility, and staff will conduct a basic health assessment, note any existing medical conditions, and begin the horse on the facility's feeding and care routine. If your horse is on medication or has special dietary needs, you will provide that information so the staff can continue the same regimen.
After intake, you may be able to visit your horse periodically, depending on the organization's visiting policy. Some sanctuaries allow regular visits; others limit contact to protect the horse's adjustment and the facility's routine. Ask about the visiting policy when you first contact the organization so you know what to expect after surrender.
How the organization is funded
Retirement Home For Horses Inc is a nonprofit organization that relies on donations to cover feed, veterinary care, farrier services, facility maintenance, and staff wages. The organization does not receive government funding and does not charge fees to owners who surrender horses. Instead, it depends on individual donors, grant funding, and fundraising events to stay operational.
If you are considering surrender and want to support the organization's work, you can make a donation at the time of intake or afterward. Many people who have surrendered horses continue to contribute financially to help care for their former animals and other horses at the facility. The organization can tell you about different ways to give — one-time donations, monthly giving programs, or memorial gifts in honor of a specific horse.
Alternatives if the organization is at capacity
If Retirement Home For Horses Inc is not currently accepting new horses, there are other sanctuaries and rescues in New Jersey and neighboring states that may have openings. Organizations like the ASPCA, local horse rescues, and breed-specific sanctuaries all work to place horses in safe situations. When you contact Retirement Home For Horses Inc, ask for referrals to other organizations they trust, as staff often have relationships with other rescues and can point you toward a good fit for your horse.
You can also search online for horse sanctuaries and rescues in your state, read reviews from people who have used them, and call to ask about their current capacity and intake process. Some rescues specialize in particular breeds or situations — for example, some focus on abused or neglected horses, while others take in older horses or those with chronic conditions. Finding the right match may take a few calls, but most organizations are willing to help you find a safe place for your horse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to surrender my horse to Retirement Home For Horses Inc?
No. The organization does not charge a surrender fee. All costs for feed, veterinary care, farrier work, and facility maintenance are covered by donations. You are not required to make a donation, though many people choose to contribute to support the organization's work.
Can I visit my horse after I surrender it?
That depends on the organization's visiting policy, which may vary. When you contact them about surrender, ask whether visits are permitted and how often you can see your horse. Some sanctuaries allow regular visits; others limit contact during the horse's adjustment period or to protect the facility's routine.
What if my horse has medical problems or takes medication?
The organization accepts horses with chronic health conditions, lameness, and behavioral issues. When you surrender your horse, provide detailed information about any medications, special feed, or medical care it requires. The staff will continue the same care plan to keep your horse comfortable and healthy.
What should I bring when I surrender my horse?
Bring your horse, any medical records you have, a list of current medications and dosages, information about feed and supplements, and details about the horse's temperament and history. If your horse wears special shoes or has farrier notes, bring those too. The organization will use this information to provide continuity of care.
How do I know if Retirement Home For Horses Inc is the right choice for my horse?
Call the organization and describe your horse's situation. Staff can tell you whether the facility is a good match, whether space is available, and what the intake process involves. If they are at capacity or cannot meet your horse's needs, they can suggest other organizations that might be a better fit.