Redwings Horse Sanctuary - California

Redwings Horse Sanctuary - California We rescue abused, abandoned, and neglected equines, providing lifelong sanctuary or selected adoptive homes for adoptable horses & rehabilitated OTTBs.

https://linktr.ee/redwingshorses
https://www.redwingshorsesanctuary.org/ Redwings Horse Sanctuary – Where Hope Runs Free Since 1991

Founded in 1991, Redwings Horse Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ending the cycle of abuse, neglect, and slaughter of horses, ponies, donkeys, mules, and burros. What began as a small rescue effort in Carmel, California, has grown into a nationally rec

ognized sanctuary where more than 80 equines live in safety, health, and peace. At Redwings, every horse has a story — some rescued from neglect, others saved from the slaughter pipeline, and many who simply needed a place to heal and be loved. Our mission is not only to rescue and rehabilitate but also to educate and inspire compassion through community outreach and educational programs that help prevent future suffering. Redwings is proud to be accredited by GFAS (Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries), CARMA (California Retirement Management Account), and TAA (Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance), and to collaborate with organizations committed to responsible equine welfare. Many of our residents will live out their days at the sanctuary, while others are carefully prepared for adoption into loving, permanent homes. Each successful adoption opens space for another horse in need — giving even more equines the chance to find safety, care, and love. Today, Redwings continues to stand as a symbol of hope, healing, and second chances — where every horse’s journey reminds us that love and compassion can change everything.

06/06/2026

Our thoughts are with the horses affected by the recent incident in Las Vegas, along with their owners and caregivers.

We are grateful the horses survived and wish them comfort, healing, and a full recovery.

Today we’re holding those horses a little closer in our hearts. ❤️

We are honored to share that Redwings Horse Sanctuary will be participating in Gallop for Good on June 27, a nationwide ...
06/01/2026

We are honored to share that Redwings Horse Sanctuary will be participating in Gallop for Good on June 27, a nationwide initiative presented by the Kentucky Derby Foundation that supports Thoroughbred aftercare organizations and the horses they serve.

As we prepare for Gallop for Good, we’re celebrating one of the many Thoroughbreds whose story reminds us why aftercare matters.

Hero is a beautiful Kentucky-bred Thoroughbred who came to Redwings through the CARMA placement program. During his racing career, Hero was stakes placed and even competed against Kentucky Derby favorite Dortmund. He broke his maiden in just his second start and was on a promising path before an injury brought his racing career to an unexpected end.

After months of rehabilitation and recovery, Hero showed everyone the same quiet resilience that made him so special. Despite his racing accomplishments, he was always a gentle, easygoing horse, more like an old ranch horse than a former racehorse.

Today, Hero has the happy ending every Thoroughbred deserves.

He has officially been adopted by an incredible family who has previously adopted multiple horses from Redwings, and we couldn’t be happier for him. Hero truly hit the jackpot with a loving home that understands and appreciates horses just like him.

Gallop for Good helps raise awareness and critical funding for horses after their racing careers end, supporting rehabilitation, retraining, sanctuary, and adoption programs that give these incredible athletes a second chance.

From rehabilitation and recovery to lifelong sanctuary and adoption, Gallop for Good helps organizations like Redwings ensure that horses have a future beyond the racetrack.

Hero’s story is proof of what is possible when horses are given the opportunity to begin again.

Congratulations, Hero. We can’t wait to watch you enjoy this next chapter. ❤️🐎

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

At Redwings, we are deeply grateful for the sacrifices made by so many to protect the freedoms we hold dear. Today we remember those heroes, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the military families who carry their legacy forward.

As the horses live peacefully beneath the open sky, we are reminded that freedom is never free.

From all of us at Redwings Horse Sanctuary, we wish you a meaningful and peaceful Memorial Day. ❤️🤍💙

05/10/2026

This Mother’s Day, we’re honoring the quiet strength of mothers like Ela.

In September of 2023, Redwings received an urgent plea to help a mare and her 4-month-old foal who were sitting in a Southern California feed lot awaiting the next auction. Their future was uncertain, and time was running out.

The mare was thin, exhausted, and in desperate need of care after trying to support her growing foal with very little nutrition. Both had overgrown hooves, auction markings on their hindquarters, and had already passed through more than one difficult situation before arriving there.

We later learned they had been rounded up off the Apache Reservation when the foal was still very young, and neither horse had ever known human kindness. They arrived at Redwings completely feral, frightened, and unsure if they could trust the people trying to help them.

But through it all, Ela never stopped protecting her baby.

Today, Ela and her filly, Doole, are safe. 🌿🦋

Their Apache names were chosen with care:
Ela, meaning “earth”
Doole, meaning “butterfly”

Motherhood looks different in every species, but the love, protection, and resilience behind it is universal.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, caretakers, and protectors, from Ela and Doole, and all of us at Redwings Horse Sanctuary. ❤️

RescueHorse MustangRescue

05/08/2026

Happy International Donkey Day 🫏

Today we’re celebrating all of our long-eared friends here at Redwings, including our donkeys and of course… our zonkey.

International Donkey Day was created to recognize and celebrate donkeys around the world, animals that have worked alongside humans for thousands of years providing companionship, transportation, labor, and support in some of the harshest environments on earth. Despite how much they’ve contributed, they are often overlooked and misunderstood.

While horses often steal the spotlight, donkeys are known for their intelligence, resilience, loyalty, and strong sense of self-preservation. Their famous “stubbornness” is actually thoughtful caution, they take time to assess situations and protect themselves.

And yes… they also tend to come with a healthy amount of personality.

Around the sanctuary, they keep us laughing daily. Whether they’re supervising chores they were never assigned, demanding snacks with complete confidence, or deciding they have very important opinions about how things should be done, life is never boring with them around.

Our zonkey especially likes to make sure nobody forgets he exists.

We love these unique animals for exactly who they are, expressive, clever, sensitive, and endlessly entertaining.

We are grateful for these animals and the quiet, steady presence they bring to the sanctuary. Today we celebrate their resilience, their individuality, and the joy they bring to the people who love and care for them.

05/03/2026

Logan update!

Logan has officially completed quarantine, and we are so excited to share how well he is doing.

He is absolutely gorgeous, incredibly sweet, and has proven to be very well behaved. From the moment he arrived, he has handled everything like a gentleman, and that hasn’t changed. He’s settling into his routine with ease, enjoys attention, and continues to show a kind, willing nature that makes him a joy to be around.

Logan came to us through Animal Services after completing his stray hold, and no owner came forward to claim him.

While we may never know his full story, what we do know is that he is now safe, cared for, and has a very bright future ahead.

As we continue to get to know him, we’ll be evaluating what he knows and beginning the next steps toward preparing him for adoption. If his demeanor so far is any indication, he is going to make an incredible partner for someone.

Someone is going to be very lucky to have him!

More updates to come as we learn more about this special boy.

04/21/2026

Welcome, Logan!

Sometimes horses arrive at Redwings with a known history, we understand what they’ve endured and why they needed rescue. Other times, their past is a complete mystery… leaving us wondering how such an incredible horse ended up needing help.

Logan is one of those stories.

One morning in March, a homeowner looked outside and found a horse standing at the edge of their property. Saddled, bridled, and in beautiful condition, but completely alone.

Animal Services was contacted, and he was brought safely to the local shelter.

What stood out immediately was not just how striking he is, but his demeanor. Logan is a young stallion, likely of Spanish breeding, with a kind, willing personality. He loaded easily, handled well, and carried himself like a horse who had been cared for.

And yet… no one came for him.

After his stray hold, Animal Services reached out, and we were grateful to say yes. They named him Logan, ensured he was gelded and vaccinated, and prepared him for his next step.

He arrived at Redwings like a perfect gentleman and is already settling in beautifully.

Once he completes quarantine, we’ll begin evaluating what he knows and start preparing him for his future. In time, Logan will be available for adoption, ready for his next chapter with a loving home.

We may not know where he came from, but we’re honored to be part of where he’s going.

Welcome to Redwings, Logan.

04/14/2026

The goats are back!

Our favorite little landscaping crew has returned to the sanctuary, and we couldn’t be more excited.

These hardworking goats are helping us graze down areas naturally, keeping things manageable while supporting the health of the land, all while being very cute about it.

It’s one of our favorite seasonal traditions, and we’re so happy to have them back doing what they do best.

Welcome back, goats!

And if you’re looking for something fun this weekend, come see us at the Tack Swap in Nipomo, we’ll be there and would love to say hello!

Watch till the end for details.

We’re heading to Nipomo this weekend!Redwings will be at the Tack Swap this Saturday, and we’d love to see you there.It’...
04/14/2026

We’re heading to Nipomo this weekend!

Redwings will be at the Tack Swap this Saturday, and we’d love to see you there.

It’s a great opportunity to come out, connect with the local horse community, and support a variety of vendors, makers, and organizations, including us.

Whether you’re looking for tack, stopping by to say hello, or just enjoying a morning surrounded by fellow horse people, it’s always a fun, easygoing event.

We’ll be there sharing more about Redwings, connecting with supporters, and being part of a community that shows up for horses in so many different ways.

Come out and say hi!

📍 Nipomo, Edwards Barn
🗓 Saturday, April 18th
🕘 9am – 1pm

Free admission, open to the public

04/05/2026

Bear update!

If you’ve been following along, you know Bear’s journey hasn’t been a simple one.

But lately… things are shifting.

He’s settling into his routine, growing more comfortable in his environment, and showing us more of who he is each day. The small moments, a softer expression, a little more curiosity, a quiet willingness to engage, they all add up.

Progress with equines like Bear isn’t loud or dramatic. It’s steady, patient, and earned over time.

And he’s doing really well.

On a day that’s all about renewal and new beginnings, it feels especially meaningful to see the quiet progress he’s making.

We’re so proud of him, and so grateful to everyone who continues to follow, support, and believe in equines like Bear.

Happy Easter from Bear and all of us at Redwings

Address

6875 Union Road
Paso Robles, CA
93446

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 10am - 3pm
Thursday 10am - 3pm
Friday 10am - 3pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

+18052373751

Website

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