Caring for Horses:
Our Mission
at Sixteen Hands

At Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary, our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and offer a lifetime sanctuary to horses facing abuse, neglect, or abandonment. We’re committed to educating the community on natural horsemanship and providing vital support to horse owners in need, reinforcing the bond between humans and horses through compassionate care and respect.
our mission

About
Sixteen Hands
Horse Sanctuary

Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary, nestled in the heart of Florida near Sarasota and Bradenton, is a unique beacon of hope. Since our inception in 2007, we have been dedicated to the exclusive rescue, rehabilitation, and sanctuary of abused, abandoned, and unwanted horses. Advocating for relationship-based horsemanship, we prioritize understanding and respecting horses’ natural behaviors over traditional methods of force or intimidation. This commitment underpins all our human-horse interactions, leading to significant achievements:

Rescue and Rehabilitation:

We’ve saved over 100 horses since our doors opened. Our sanctuary has become a haven for a wide variety of breeds, each with its own story of resilience and recovery. These efforts reflect our deep commitment to giving every horse a second chance, regardless of their age or background.

Nurturing Environment:

We provide more than just shelter. Each horse is embraced into a loving, supportive family here, receiving the highest quality care, and many of our horses live well into their late 20s or early to mid-30s.

Educational Outreach:

Beyond rescue, we’ve opened our gates to share our knowledge and passion for natural horsemanship. Our volunteer programs attract many visitors and have been fundamental in spreading the ethos of compassionate, relationship-based horse care.

At Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary, we’ve created more than just a haven for horses; we’ve established a vibrant community hub. Drawing people who admire the serene beauty of our location and engage actively in a life-changing cause, we celebrate the bond between humans and horses, fostering a culture of respect and understanding for these majestic creatures.

Join Our Cause: Volunteer Today

Join our volunteer team at Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary and embrace the rewarding experience of natural horsemanship. Learn essential skills in horse care, behavior, and grooming, guided by principles of love, language, and leadership. Be part of a journey that makes a real difference.

Join Our Cause: Volunteer Today

Join our volunteer team at Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary and embrace the rewarding experience of natural horsemanship. Learn essential skills in horse care, behavior, and grooming, guided by principles of love, language, and leadership. Be part of a journey that makes a real difference.

Join us for

The December Matching Challenge!

Double your impact NOW through DEC. 31st. Donations will be matched up to $15,000!

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Tonka's Information

Adoption Fee: $1000

Hi, Im Tonka!

Breed: quarter horse
Gender: gelding
Height: 14.2 Hands
Birthday:01/01/2007
Color: bay
Intake date: 04/17/2021
Suitability: Companion only

HERE IS WHAT MY FRIENDS SAY ABOUT ME:

Hi I’m Tonka, nice to meet you!

I am a good boy, I like being groomed, and get along well with other horses, both boys and girls. I have a condition called DSLD, Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Disease. It means the ligaments in my back legs are weak and stretch too far so I cannot be ridden. I am not in pain and can run and play like a normal horse. I’d make a great companion for a horse you already have or I’m sure one of my pasture mates would love to come with me:-) I enjoy getting hosed off in the summer, stand well for the farrier, and I don’t mind getting in a trailer. I go into a stall to eat my breakfast in the morning and then spend the rest of my time out with my buddies or hanging out with my favorite humans. I currently eat free choice grass hay out in the pasture (stalling me would not be good for my ligaments or mental fitness.)

Thanks for considering me as a family member.