You can now make donations to Richer Equine Sanctuary, Inc. (501-3-c) Not-for-Profit by using the donate button below. Thank you for your Support !
“My goal is to rehabilitate horses and educate people.”
Cherryl Mitchell-Founder
The Richer Equine Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization founded in 2000 by Cherryl Mitchell. Cherryl has been working with and riding horses since she was five years old, now she has devoted her life to the betterment of these incredible animals.
Cherryl and her talented staff have worked with a number of different horses with a variety of physical and mental issues. Over the years horses have come to the sanctuary through surrender and donation, and Cherryl has tirelessly worked to improve the lives of these horses.
Animals are given up for numerous reasons; there are of course the occasional issues of neglect, but mostly financial issues or a lack of a proper equine education is what forces someone to surrender their horse.
A horse can surrendered to the Richer Equine Sanctuary for a number of different reasons. There is the occasional case of neglect, but mostly financial burdens and the lack of a proper equine education causes people to release their horses into the care of the sanctuary. The lack of proper education about horses is what inspired Cherryl to start an animal husbandry class at her sanctuary.
Animal husbandry allows people to learn about animals many do not understand. People become comfortable around what can appear to be an intimidating animal. The goal of the husbandry class is to teach harmony and mutual respect between humans and horses.
Giving up a horse you consider difficult to this facility insures it a healthy and happy future.
Some of Richer’s success stories include:
Mr. T: A horse dealer in New Jersey did the right thing by surrendering him over to Cherryl. This horse needed mental & physical rehabilitation. After 8 long months of working with one of Cherryl’s staff. The slightest noise used to send Mr.T into a tizzy and now when fire trucks wiz by the facility, Mr. T stays calm, cool and collected. His fears are long overcome and is now an affectionate and trusting horse.
BBH: is the half brother of Triple Crown contender Smarty Jones. He came to the sanctuary when he was four years old. He was high-strung, difficult to ride, had no ground manners and was defensive when it came to people. Over the past few years with the help of the staff BBH developed a happy and goofy personality. He loves to be around people and if you’re not looking at him he will lick your face and ears.
The Mini’s: Solider Boy and Illusion, were found in upstate New York. The owners were at their wits end and they were unable to catch or handle these horses. (note: These mini's where left by the last property owner) A team of volunteers from Equine Rescue Resource Inc. arrived at the property and carefully caught the two little hooligans, named Soldier Boy and Illusion. They were then loaded on to a trailer and shipped to Pine Bush Equine clinic, where they were castrated, vaccinated, had their hooves trimmed and their teeth floated. Then transferred the two miniatures to Richer Equine Sanctuary. The property owners were presented with a humane alternative by Dr. Kutrubes, they took it, and even helped with the veterinary costs, to see them safe. The Mitchell's paid the other half of costs Today after hard work on the part of the sanctuary staff they are little celebrities.. They love children, playing around and treats!
Anastasia: is a large pony that teaches the children of the animal husbandry class about understanding and how not to judge each other, just because someone is considered different doesn’t mean they cannot do the things you do. A horse dealer in New Jersey did the right thing by surrendering her over to Cherryl. Anastasia's right eye was surgically removed after she came to the Richer Equine Sanctuary and she is happier without it. “This horse is a lovely addition to our class.
Vandy: is a quarter horse that came to the sanctuary at the age of four. She had a common injury in the hind leg called foal fracture of the medial sesamoid. Which is common with when the foal galloped to exhaustion trying to keep up with its dam in a paddock. When she came to the sanctuary she was lame, but the talented staff worked her through all of her issues and now she walks, trots, canters and enjoys trail rides with the staff and is a favorite among the children.
Deavon: came to Richer Sanctuary with “OCD" Technically, the condition is called osteochondrial fractures. ‘Osteo’ meaning ‘bone’ and ‘chondrial’ meaning cartilage. A bone chip is a small piece of bone and cartilage that chips off the corners of bones within joints in both hocks. Deavon had immediate arthroscopic surgery. After surgery this lovely mare was given a lengthy time off to heal properly. Deavon has become, what the staff describers her as “a big puppy, she would sit in your lap if she could.” One of Deavon’s favorite activities is playing soccer with a big rubber ball. She will chase it, kick it and wait for you to throw it. She has made quite the turn around.
Mocha: was donated to the horsemanship program. When she came, Mocha was 200 pounds overweight. Horrible case of Sweet itch all over her body. The prevalence of allergic dermatitis is significantly among Icelandic horses Mocha has gone from a itchy couch potato horse to a terrific teacher. She loves kids and likes to play tricks on them. If she feels they are doing something wrong she will stand still and not move until the mistake is corrected.
These are just a few of the horses that entered the Richer Equine Sanctuary with issues most people would not want to touch. But the talented and dedicated staff at Richer Equine put the time and effort in to making these animals pure joy to be around.
While Cherryl and her staff love their work they cannot do it alone. Donations from animal lovers and horse fans such as yourself are what help to keep the Richer Equine Sanctuary going and allow them to bring in and help care for horses in need.
Please help with a donation so Richer Equine Sanctuary may continue to maintain these wonderful animals!
