Rosemary Farm

06/19/2026

It has a name, 'Anticipatory Grief', as friends here helped to identify, and it has an anecdote, 'Today's Joy'.
Many caregivers struggle with the balance of what is here today, and what we know is coming tomorrow, and it's a skill one needs to practice, remaining in the 'now'. This is the place to get plenty of that practice! There are 6-8 seniors here that we expect are enjoying their last nice seasons. That is just how it is and we must not be sad in advance of what we cannot stop. Recognizing the human penchant for advance sorrow, and after we have run the medical tests and understand what is going on, and our limits as limited life forms, we must simply embrace the joy. Love watching our friends find yummy grass, groom together, enjoy a sweet brushing, dig into a good bowl of food made just for them. Our difficulty as we brace for the emotional pain of what is coming ought not to be one of the last things they carry. Love is all they will feel from us while they live, still. This is the Sanctuary part of rescue, the part where we keep them safe for life.
This is the part where we keep our promise.

06/19/2026

Many messages about NYC Carriage horses.
When/if we have anything pertinent to the current situation to share, we will do so!
Rosemary Farm Sanctuary maintains an 'open door' policy for any NYC Carriage drivers or owners who wish to safely surrender their horse for retirement. There were several around the time of Covid that needed somewhere to land, and we were happy to be here. We do not bash and we do not name names.
Currently, Rosemary Farm has one former NYC Carriage horse in residence (Ephy) and THREE that have been adopted and are living fabulous lives (Kevin, Sparkie, and Scoobie). We kept another in our care until his passing (Arnie). There are also many former buggy horses and work horses here that did not work in NYC, so get less attention, but needed us just the same (Dooley, Bowie, Honey Pie, Josephine, Archie, Lady May, Leona, Fannie, Harper). We are here for horses, not for drama.
We deeply believe that it is kind to provide a gentle last chapter for any equine, especially one who has worked hard and tried their best. And while we cannot provide retirement for every horse, we do make a point of welcoming those horses who worked in the city. We are just three hours away, so it makes sense.
Going to turn off commenting because, to be honest, I have chores to do and can't babysit a big debate. Please note, many read our page. You may show support for our efforts with donations, which truly, truly help us continue.
Thank you!

06/19/2026

We can’t get enough of watching our horses be horses. The weather is divine, and after surviving the winter we had, we are all feeling pretty pleased with ourselves.

06/18/2026

Storm came through. Big trees down, horses all ok, power still on. We are cleaning up and may need to treat ourselves to take out tonight. All is well, thanks for the kind notes.

06/18/2026

Tornado warning here. There is no way to shelter 100+ horses and our barns well, they may or may not stand. Hopefully the warning does not come to pass! The air has that eery quality, if you know what I mean....

06/18/2026

Tours!
Our first SUNSET TOUR of the season is this Friday (tomorrow!) and there is still room! This is a very special time of day to be wandering and enjoying the Sanctuary, as the horses head up onto the mountain for the night. Click over to our website for this 6 pm experience!
If you prefer our daytime tour, sign up for the Saturday Tour, always at 11 am. And THIS Saturday, we have a Volunteer Meet n Greet following! For those interested in exploring joining Rosemary Farm as a volunteer, this is the time to get a better overview and an intro to tasks and routines. This requires advance sign up! On our website is a Volunteer Form, complete that and submit so we can get you on the list for this 90 minute intro on Saturday, following your tour.
So many ways to engage. We look forward to sharing the horses with you!
www.rosemaryfarm.org

06/18/2026

Everyone on our crew has been extending a warm hand of welcome to mustangs Naomi and Griffin. He has shown himself to be so very friendly, and she is starting to follow suit.
Treats help! But treats only go so far... perceiving a gentle hand and trusting it, are huge.

06/18/2026

Bowie and Christine, both purebred registered horses, both fallen into danger, both rescued and safe at Rosemary Farm Sanctuary. We try not to think about what would have befallen each, otherwise. These are the horses we are here for; the good horses who find themselves at a crossroads and may or may not, get on the right trailer.

06/17/2026

Last Chance! The logo tee batch ends tonight! Many cool top designs and colors await your preference!

... and sweatshirt, hoodie, or tie dye! Yes, our Rosemary Farm Sanctuary simple logo!. You asked for it, here it is! Simple, classic and awesome. Our running horse, distressed...

06/17/2026

What do we mean at Rosemary Farm Sanctuary when we say, “Where horses get to be horses”? It means we attempt to provide what that horse most wants, and needs, to live its own version of this life. For this mustang above, now Moonshadow, it means space to roam, to be with his chosen mate, without fear of being ridden or restrained. For him, it also means attention, in the form of brushing, treats, some grain. How do we know these are the things that fulfill his life? Because we ask, and we observe. His answers are not the same as other mustangs here, because we have asked them, too. We also do insist on basic vet care, and while no one is crazy about needles, we ask that they trust us on this point, because modern medicine provides some great advantages for their safety.
As any friend may, we introduce new things to each horse, some with safety in mind (learning to trust a halter or a stall), some with enjoyment in mind (your friend at a restaurant who holds out their fork, ‘Here, try this, you will love it’). We offer engagement, hopefully mutually enjoyable but if not, the horse may walk away. This is safer for all, but more importantly, the horse begins to understand that they have a say here, and will be heard, and respected. When the quiet messages are perceived, the horse does not need to “speak” in bites or kicks. This may be why visitors comment on the calm nature of our herds. They don’t need to shout.
So I guess we offer “free will” to each horse, within some safety parameters, freedom to move one’s own body and make some personal decisions. This is something humans take for granted but many captive animals cannot.
Rosemary Farm Sanctuary, “Where horses get to be horses”