Help Support Sunshine Horses, Inc.

www.sunshinehorses.org


Helping Horses, Helping People By making a difference in the lives of horses in Central New York. Through rehabilitation, retraining and adoption, we make a profound difference in the lives of our own; as well as in those of community groups through education and care of the horses. Sunshine Horses, Inc. is a non-profit adoption agency and rescue facility for horses located in Syracuse, NY. Founded by Kate Starr in 2003, Sunshine has found loving homes for more than 150 horses. We specialize in retraining and rehoming retired Standardbred racehorses. However, Sunshine works with all horse breeds and prepares them for their forever homes. Just as important to our mission of helping horses is our mission of helping people. Sunshine works with many different community organizations and agencies within the Syracuse area. Through youth and adult volunteer programs, we draw upon the strengths each participant brings to Sunshine and seek to provide personal growth and enrichment. Many program participants face unique challenges of their own, and can empathize and bond with our horses in a special way as they help prepare the horse for adoption. Sunshine has well over 150 committed volunteers that give love and care to over 25 horses. Many different breeds make up our Sunshine herd such as former Standardbred and Thoroughbred racehorses, Appaloosas, Warmbloods, Quarter Horses and Paints. Many of the retired Standardbreds come to us because they lacked the desire or skill to be successful on the track. Occasionally they have just become too old to race, or have an injury that prohibits further racing. Along with the off the track Standardbreds some of our horses have been surrendered, as their owners could no longer care for them, while others come from true rescue situations. Once coming to Sunshine, all of the horses are rehabilitated and/or trained for different equestrian disciplines prior to their being adopted. Many of our horses are used to being driven, and adapt well to light carts and carriages. Others readily learn to accept a saddle and rider. We strive to give each horse the basics so that they may excel in any discipline or new career they might find. We work with them daily and try our best to match each one’s unique qualities to the needs of a potential adopter.