JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER FAMILY!

Dive into a world where compassion meets action at Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary. As a volunteer, you’ll embrace the principles of natural horsemanship, learning about horse behavior, care, and the powerful bond between humans and horses. Your time and skills, whether in horse care or facility maintenance, contribute significantly to our mission. Join us in creating a nurturing environment for horses in need and experience the joy of making a tangible difference.
Deb Grooming Lincoln

Transform Lives Through Volunteering

Learn, Grow, and Contribute

Volunteering at Sixteen Hands isn’t just about the essential tasks of feeding, grooming, or grounds maintenance—it’s a journey of personal growth and learning. From understanding horse psychology to acquiring skills in animal husbandry and natural horsemanship, your volunteer experience will be rich and diverse. We welcome individuals seeking community service opportunities, offering a variety of roles to fit your skills and interests. Whether it’s clerical work, event planning, or hands-on horse care, your contribution is invaluable. Together, we can provide a safe haven for horses and spread awareness about their welfare.

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.

Sanctuary Events: Be Part of Our Community

Explore our events calendar at Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary! Engage with our community through educational workshops, fundraisers, and special gatherings. Each event helps support our mission and brings us closer to those who share our love for horses.
Nov 09
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Upcoming Annual Open House at Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary We are thrilled to announce that the planning for this year's annual Open House at Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary is officially underway! Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 9th, 2025, when we open our gates to welcome you into our sanctuary. Whether you're a long-time supporter or a first-time visitor, there's something for everyone. Stay tuned for more details on the exciting activities and programs we are crafting just for you. . Keep an eye on our updates as we unveil more information about this special day at Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary. We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Apr 12
10:00 am - 2:00 pm

This event has been CANCELED by the organizer.   Visit Our Concession Booth at the Gamble Plantation Car Show! Sunday April 12, 2026 We are thrilled to announce that we will be a vendor at the Gamble Plantation Car Show! While you're enjoying the incredible display of horsepower, don't forget to stop by our food booth. Your purchase will go directly towards supporting the Horses at Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary. Why Support Us? Every bite you take helps us provide care and shelter for horses in need. It's a delicious way to make a difference! So, come for the cars, stay for the food, and leave knowing you've contributed to a great cause. Thank you for your generous support!

Apr 15
April 15 - April 16

What to Expect April 15–16, noon to noon24 hours to give. During the Giving Challenge, your donation to Sixteen Hands can be matched—helping us do more for the horses already in our care, and the ones who will need us next. Quick facts: $25 minimum donation Matched up to $100 per donor Donations must be made through the official Giving Challenge link Donate here: Donate Link The link goes live at noon on April 15 and is only available during the 24-hour event. How you can help If you’ve followed along with the stories of Lexi, Tango & Ivy, Benji, and Cisco in our news letter and all our horses on social media, you’ve seen what it takes to say yes—and what it takes to stand by that decision over time. If you’d like to be part of that, here’s the moment. Set a reminder for April 15 at noon Use the link above to make your donation during the 24-hour window Share the link with someone who would care about this work Every gift made during that time is matched, which means it doubles you donation dollar and helps the horses twice as much!

Support
Our Mission

Support Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary in our mission to rescue and care for horses in need. Your generous donations fuel our efforts and make a real difference. Join us in creating a safer, loving future for these majestic animals.

Join Our Club!

Join Club 16 Hands for just $16/month and transform the lives of rescued horses.
Your support provides vital care and love.

Noon to Noon, April 15 - 16, 2026

Days
Hours
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Thanks For Everyones Participation The Challenge Has Now Ended

The 2026 Giving Challenge is presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County with giving strengthened by The Patterson Foundation.

#GivingChallenge2026 #BeTheOne

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We hope to see you soon!

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.