Donations are requested to help cover end of life costs. As a sanctuary it is inevitable that we will be burying at some point each equine when there time comes to cross the rainbow bridge after all the love and care of our dedicated volunteers.

Farewell to Our Beloved Mr. Bojangles

This year has been incredibly difficult at Hay Burr Inn. We feel like we haven't stopped mourning, as we share the heartbreaking news that another one of our precious equines has left us. Our hearts are broken, even as our minds understand this is the path we chose—to care for the most fragile until they rejoin the energy of the universe.

We are devastated to share the passing of Mr. Bojangles, our cute, spicy, energetic pony, who has gone to join our herd in heaven including his admirer, Sakina. Our tears have not stopped.

His passing was totally unexpected, as he deteriorated rapidly, and we may never have answers as to why. Our veterinarian and dedicated volunteers did absolutely everything we could for him. The hardest thing is always letting them go.

A Little Pony with a Big Personality

Mr. Bo, who was 26 years old, had been retired with us for at least 8 years. Though shy, scared, and fearful of many things (especially the hose!), he was a sweet guy who taught so many volunteers about the true meaning of "pony attitude." He wasn't fond of most people unless treats were involved!

But to his credit, he learned how to be a horse here. His small size and sassy nature made him perfect for new volunteers learning groundwork in the round pen. He was a perfect gentleman during grooming and hoof work.

We will never forget his antics, like his absolute hatred of having a blanket removed due to the static electricity—it was torture for all involved! Recently, he was becoming more outgoing with our guests and more people were meeting him and falling in love with him.

Forever Our Bo

Mr. Bojangles had many nicknames that reflected the love we shared: Mr. Bo, Bo Bo, Boseph, and good pony to name a few. We constantly touched his soft pink nose and ears—to his disgust—but he was just short enough to hug.

He could run like the wind next to his favorite thoroughbred friend, Spirit. More often, he'd hide behind Spirit, his devoted protector. We are so glad he spent his last few weeks calm and happy, hanging close with Spirit, either in the field or their huge shared stall.

We wish we could have kept him forever. Missing him doesn't begin to explain the huge hole he has left in our barn and our hearts. We will forever cherish his jaunty, energetic, "I am small but mighty" attitude.

Join us on Saturday, February 28th at 11 AM to offer your support and share your memories with us.

Hay Burr Inn's Story

Hay Burr Inn has been rescuing horses for over a decade, but only became a Charitable 501(c)(3) Organization in 2014.

We currently house 14 horses, 2 donkeys and 1 mule.

Because the entire staff is family and volunteers, 100% of the money donated by our supporters goes directly to the horses.

Hay Burr Inn has 16 acres of land undergoing pasture reclamation, so it can accommodate a free range for the horses. Our goal is to have a self-sustaining hay field and a full round-a-bout walking track.

Here at Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue & Sanctuary we practice the “Mustang Method” for our horses. They must walk to the end of the track to get to their hay, and walk back to the barn for their water. Along this track, there are many stations with salt licks and scratch posts. This method helps motivate our horses to get exercise and to socialize with each other. We want our horses to just “be horses”.

We rescue the “unwanted of the unwanted” horses. Horses who no longer serve a purpose for their owners are put up for auction and sold to the highest bidder. Those who are “too broken” to be purchased at the auction are sent over the Canadian or Mexican borders for slaughter. It is our goal to intercept these horses that are bound for slaughter, and take them to our sanctuary. Other horses come to us from severe neglect, abuse and owner surrenders.

Regardless of their origin, it is our goal to take these horses to our sanctuary where they can rest and be rehabilitated. We rehabilitate their health and their spirit- Allowing them a safe place to recover from any medical or mental trauma of their past.

At this time none of the horses at Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue & Sanctuary are in a condition to be fostered.

Remembering Mr. Bojangles - Memorial Fundraiser

Funds to help recover end of life costs