It had always been a dream of mine to own land where I could have my horses. In 1996, I found the perfect farm I could call home – 50 beautiful rolling acres that had belonged to the Ferrell family since the late 1800s and was put up for auction when the last living relative passed away. The estate included a turn-of-the-century farmhouse that needed a good cleaning, but was structurally sound and ready for occupancy. The land, however, was overgrown and, after years of neglect, needed a lot of work to transform it into my dream horse farm.
Many years prior, the land had been a cattle farm, although no domesticated animals had lived there in over two decades. The existing barn, which was quite large, was leaning to one side and missing most of its roof. Brush needed to be cleared and old, rusted fencing had to be removed. My first priority was to erect sound fencing in at least one pasture and build stalls for my two horses. My childhood mare was getting older and arthritic and could not be ridden much, and my younger gelding had a neurological disorder, so it was important to me to provide them with a safe, comfortable environment. Ultimately, they were the inspiration for eventually turning Ferrell Hollow Farm into a nonprofit retirement sanctuary for senior and special needs horses.
In the beginning, I boarded senior horses for owners who wanted their older equine companions to be cared for in a loving environment. Over the years, as the unwanted horse population grew, I became aware of senior horses in rescue placements that would never find their forever home due to old age and special care needs. As I could, I began to adopt some of those horses needing a facility to accommodate their challenges and provide them with the peaceful retirement they deserved. My love for these wonderful creatures eventually grew into a nonprofit organization in 2009 to allow Ferrell Hollow Farm to care for even more special needs senior horses.
We have provided care to dozens of distinguished residents over the years. Geronimo was a 32-year-old Percheron Draft horse who arrived at our sanctuary in March 2016. He had been a carriage horse for many years, lame, foundered, thin and with severe arthritis in numerous joints, he was still being forced to work. He was a kind, gentle and sweet soul. For the year that he lived with us, he received specialized, dedicated care for his individual dietary and hoof care needs. He had finally found the love and care that he so deserved until he passed away peacefully, surrounded by the ones who loved him.
Henry was a 35-year-old Belgian Draft horse we rescued directly from auction. He was in poor condition and had been sold to a “kill buyer” – a person who will buy a horse in any condition and sell them to slaughter, which is illegal in the United States, so the horses are shipped to Canada or Mexico where it is legal. There was little time to purchase him at the kill buyer’s inflated price, but through an energized social media and email campaign, we raised the funds and Henry arrived at the sanctuary on May 1, 2013. He had multiple scars from his life as a work horse. In fact, there were signs that he had been working just prior to being rescued, even though he was very underweight. His teeth were worn to the gum line, and he required a special diet to accommodate his dental challenges. Henry was an outgoing and personable horse who blossomed to life and was extremely content in his forever home. He lived 7 fantastic years with us, had many other draft horse companions who adored him and brought joy to all that had the pleasure of caring for him.
Ferrell Hollow Farm Senior Horse Sanctuary is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization with a formidable mission. Many of our horses are of the draft breed, big and heavy boned, requiring more care and support than your average sized horse. We take care of their hoof, vet, and dental care. The average monthly cost per horse is between $600 and $800. Financial contributions are critical to our success. We currently have 7 senior horses in our care, and our monthly cost to care for them is over $5,000!
Cindy E. Myers
