The Herds
At Rosemary Farm, horses live in dynamic natural environments, in herd groups, creating vital bonds that are honored and protected. Great effort is taken to ensure each new intake is carefully integrated into the best herd for that horse, and for the existing Sanctuary family.
Herd Groups:
Molly & Finn’s Herd
The largest herd group at The Sanctuary, comprising 20-30 horses at any given time.
Molly and Finn are leaders of the main herd of horses at Rosemary Farm. They have the most expansive area to roam, depending on the weather and physical access, including “Middle Earth”, “Cow Poop Field”, “The Long Meadow”, “Night Pasture”, the “Badlands”, the mountain pond, the Brook, and several run in sheds, as well as the large Pole Barn. This diverse home allows them to subdivide into dynamic sub-herds containing smaller groups of friends, and encourages movement, health, active minds, and strong bodies. Rosemary Farm added an additional 114 acres at the end of 2019, some of which became extended grazing for the large herd, and smaller paddocks for some of the special needs horses. If you visit at sunset in the summer, you may be able to glimpse this herd as they cross our Brook and head up into the mountains!
The Mockingjays
A sub-herd of the main herd
Led by the fierce pony mare Katniss, this group of young and fit horses is always up for adventure. A sub-group of Molly & Finn’s herd, the Mockingjays will often venture out on their own for a day of play and games in the high mountain fields.
Violet’s Gang
A sub-herd of the main herd
The emotional core of this group of horses and long-ears is actually the senior mule Alice, who has mysteriously earned the loyalty of a giant percheron mare and two senior quarter horses. The gang sometimes expands to include others, and sometimes joins the larger herd, in order to enjoy the mountainside.
The Honey Pie Collective
The Medical Wing
This little group of horses have created a tight knit friendship, circling around the magnetic personality of Honey Pie. All have had special medical needs at some point, and so are often found together in the Medical Wing, where they can receive the care they need for continuing health. All are very friendly and happy to say hello to visitors.
Square Peg Band
Maple Barn Residents
This special little band includes the blind tricolor draft cross Behr, the giant baby Percheron Ella, and the newest addition, our Belgian Boy Julian. All three special needs horses, they reside in the Maple Barn and enjoy turnout in the ‘Maple Field’ a flat, rectangular field near the main house. Horse herds wax and wane, and this group will sometimes enjoy the company of several other friends, who are honorary members.
The Mini Herd
Maple Barn Residents
Both literally and figuratively, a small group of very small horses! Mini horses have a special draw, as they bring the whole ‘big horse’ persona in a tiny body. Be sure to stop by the Maple Barn to meet these little dynamos on a visit!
Baywatch
Stardust Meadows
A handsome herd, who enjoy Marshall and Cher as the ‘top couple’, Baywatch includes bay Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, and a beautiful group of chestnut Arabians. They all call Ella’s Place their home barn, and they roam over the 12 mountain acres called Stardust Meadows. Another band, the Spanish Barbs, enjoy the pasture as well, and share access to the Bonus Barn, so there is plenty of shelter and space for all!
The Spanish Barbs
This group of rare Spanish Barbs were part of a nationwide rescue effort in Summer of 2022. They may one day slip into other friendships but for now the four mares and yearling filly remain a tight unit. They moved to Stardust Meadows in 2023 and often spend their time interacting as part of the larger Baywatch herd.
The Senior Club
This collection of aging beauties take life at a slower pace. They are often hanging in one of the barns, sharing large stalls, to relax and rest and receive extra care for their medical needs, or out in one of the smaller turnout areas. Many are old friends, having enjoyed more than a decade together at The Sanctuary.
Little T Crew
The equines in the Little T Crew generally have special handling needs, or are temporary members undergoing training and development. Residing just 15 minutes from The Sanctuary, at the home of Rosemary Farm trainer Dan McCarthy, this herd is an informal group of family and friends.
Herd Harmony
Sometimes horses need a “boys only” space! This herd of geldings (some still stallions in their mind!) make up a harmonious “gentlemen’s club”, enjoying life without the distraction of mares. This group resides at a special farm, run by skilled equine caregivers, less than an hour from Rosemary Farm’s home base.
Fairbanks Gang
The Fairbanks Gang are an evolving group under development as riding horses, as well as several special horses needing a more traditional environment. These equines reside a short drive from Rosemary Farm, at a vibrant boarding barn with a huge indoor riding arena, under the trusted care and tutelage of a skilled equestrian and friend of The Sanctuary.
