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Horse Shepherd Equine Sanctuary

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Horse Shepherd Equine Sanctuary

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About us. Horse Shepherd Equine Sanctuary is a specialist Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre for all Equines.

Located in the rolling green hills of Gordon Western Victoria. Horse Shepherd Equine Sanctuary (HSES) believes that it isn't always enough to just 'rescue' a horse but we strive to restore both physical and mental health. We have a number of horses permanently 'retired' to the sanctuary for various reasons that we believe make them unsuitable for rehoming. However the vast majority of our horses are or will be available for adoption. We strongly advocate the benefits of adoption from the sanctuary - ongoing support as well as the option to return the horse if circumstances change.

30/10/2026

Today HSES Henry got to go out with two geldings and be a horse! Putting on weight, new coat and minus two testicles has made a huge difference! Eventually HSES Henry will go to Elle Hilltop Horsemanship Pty Ltd. and then be available for adoption.

27/10/2026

FREE EMS, CUSHING'S & LAMINITIS CLINIC – Saturday 21 NOVEMBER

We're delighted to welcome Professor Simon Bailey and Skye from the University of Melbourne Veterinary School back to Horse Shepherd Equine Sanctuary for session dedicated to two of the most common and challenging conditions affecting horses and ponies.

Saturday 21 November | 9am–12pm
📍 Horse Shepherd Equine Sanctuary, Gordon, Victoria
FREE ENTRY

Come along and hear about award-winning research into laminitis and equine endocrine disorders, including the latest developments in our understanding, treatment and management of these conditions.

This is a wonderful opportunity for horse and pony owners to learn directly from a leading equine researcher, ask questions and gain practical knowledge to help manage horses affected by Cushing's disease (PPID), EMS and laminitis.

Whether you're caring for a laminitic pony, managing an older horse with Cushing's or simply want to learn more, everyone is welcome.

Places are limited to just 20 attendees due to the size of our room. We simply ask that you send us a private message to reserve your seat so we can manage numbers.

🐴 Please share with anyone who might benefit from attending!

26/10/2026

Its one of the most enduring love stories here at Horse Shepherd - HSES Big Grey and HSES Eyebrows!

21/10/2026

HSES Murphy – Sometimes the simplest things make the biggest difference.

When Murphy arrived at Horse Shepherd, we knew he had kissing spine, a condition where the bones along the spine sit too close together or touch, potentially causing significant pain and discomfort.

We initially explored rehabilitation options through HSP Advanced Equine, including work on the water treadmill, but surgery was also a consideration. Given the location of Murphy's kissing spine, we had concerns about whether surgery would deliver a successful outcome.

Instead, Murphy has settled into life with our sanctuary herd, and the change in him has been remarkable.

Living out in a paddock, moving freely throughout the day, grazing naturally with his head down and enjoying the company of other horses has made such a difference to his comfort and wellbeing. Taking one day at a time.

Murphy is a lovely reminder that rehabilitation doesn't always mean intensive treatment or returning a horse to ridden work. Sometimes it's about changing their environment, removing expectations and allowing them to simply be horses.

And for Murphy, that seems to be exactly what he needed. Amanda Vella's - Bella Vita Equine Welfare and Horse Sanctuary

21/10/2026

Morning paddock checks — apparently everyone wants to come along!

A few enthusiastic supervisors in the RTV, a welcoming committee of horses at every stop, and plenty of noses poking in to see what's happening.

Morning checks are an important part of our daily routine, making sure everyone is happy, healthy and moving comfortably, checking water and fences, and keeping an eye on those who need a little extra attention.

Of course, the dogs think it's all about them, and the horses are convinced we're delivering breakfast.

Just another morning at Horse Shepherd Equine Sanctuary

19/10/2026

Wonderful news for HSES Bear!

Our super little Q-horse HSES Bear has found himself a wonderful new home!

A huge thank you to Hilltop Horsemanship for all the time and work they've put into HSES Bear. He really is a super horse, and it's lovely to see him get this opportunity.

The first person to come and see Bear working fell in love with him, and the rest is history. No advertising needed!

Wishing HSES Bear and his new family many happy years together.

16/10/2026

Yesterday, despite the sadness of saying goodbye to Shaq, we had a wonderful outcome for one of our newest arrivals, HSES Tricks.

Tricks' former trainer, Emmett, came to collect him, and he's now heading home to enjoy a well-deserved retirement in the paddock.

And boy, did Tricks remember Emmett! There was absolutely no mistaking that recognition.

What makes this story even better is that, just like Horse Shepherd, Emmett and his team offer a right to return for any horse bred by their family. It's something we believe strongly in — taking responsibility for a horse shouldn't end when it leaves your care.

Tricks was one of the three thin horses we collected earlier this week, and while we certainly didn't expect such a quick outcome, we couldn't have wished for a better one.

Happy retirement, Tricks! We are so pleased your story has come full circle.

And a big thank you to Emmett for coming back for your old boy. This is exactly the sort of outcome we love to see.

And an even big thank you for everyone that donated - HSES Mary has quite a journey back to health but we can't wAIT To show you the before and after Mary!

15/10/2026

RIP HSES Shaq ❤️

Today we lost our beautiful old man HSES Shaq 31yrs old. For those that have purchased and received our calendar he is our December photo with his mate HSES Jimmy. We knew they didn't have long and what better way to honour them this year.

It's the eyes you often notice first at the saleyards. The doubt, the worry, the uncertainty and, for many, the fear.

And it's often the eyes that change first when they arrive at the Sanctuary. Over time, we watch them soften as the horses begin to understand they are safe.

HSES Shaq was one of those horses.

Shaq came to us from the Echuca saleyards in July 2014. A magnificent 17hh black Standardbred, he had attracted the attention of Laverton Pet Supplies, where his large frame would have made him worth more as pet meat than as a horse.

Fortunately, Shaq was one of the lucky ones that day, and instead made his way to Horse Shepherd.

For more than 12 years, Shaq has been part of our Sanctuary family. One of our longest-standing residents, a gentle giant who grew old with us and became part of the everyday life of HSES.

Sadly, the time came to say goodbye to our beautiful old boy.

It's particularly hard losing the horses who have been with us almost from the beginning. They've been part of so much of our journey, and their absence is felt in the familiar routines of each day.

Shaq was given a second chance at life, and we were privileged to share more than 12 years of it with him.

A heartfelt thank you to Shaq's sponsor Tanya and to everyone who supports Horse Shepherd. You make it possible for horses like Shaq to have not just a second chance, but a lifetime of care.

Rest peacefully, beautiful Shaq. Those gentle eyes will always be remembered. ❤️

13/10/2026

Yesterday we collected three malnourished horses who have reportedly been left on a property for the past 12 months.

Meet Mary, a 6-year-old Thoroughbred mare, Tricks, a 15-year-old Standardbred, and little Munch, the pony of the group.

We don't know the full story behind their circumstances, we have seen previous posts made in 2025 but we have made no assumptions. What we do know is that all three urgently need help.

Thankfully, some kind people have been doing what they could to support them. Without those people looking out for them, we can only imagine how much worse things might have been.

They are now safely at HSES, where the work of rebuilding their health and condition begins. It won't happen overnight. There will be veterinary assessments, careful feeding, farrier and dental care, and plenty of time and patience.

And this is where we really need your help.

Donations are down, demand for help is up, and the cost of caring for horses continues to rise. Every new arrival adds to an already significant financial commitment, and we simply cannot continue taking in horses like Mary, Tricks and Munch without your support.

If you can spare $10, $25 or make a regular donation, please consider helping us. Every contribution helps us care for the horses already here and gives us the capacity to help the next horse in need.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=Z8CWZ43J8CTJU

For these three, at least the uncertainty is over. They have somewhere safe to recover, people watching over them and a future worth working towards.

Welcome to HSES, Mary, Tricks and Munch. HSP Advanced Equine

ANZ Account: Horse Shepherd Equine Sanctuary
BSB: 013 265
Account: 195623194

10/10/2026

A slight hold-up in the HSES packing department!

We had planned to get all our 2027 calendar orders packed and ready tonight, but someone has decided the boxes are much better suited to sleeping in!

Apparently, the packing team now works around the cat's schedule.

Never mind, all calendars will be posted on Monday!

Thank you to everyone who has ordered. We hope you love them!

And if you haven't ordered yours yet, they're still just $20 each, with proceeds supporting the horses and ponies at HSES.

Address

160 Gascards Lane
Gordon, VIC
3345

Telephone

+61400743188

Website

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