Honoring a Lifetime of Love: Celebrate National I Love Horses Day at Ryerss Farm

What Is National I Love Horses Day?

National I Love Horses Day, celebrated on July 15, is a time to recognize the special bond between people and horses. It is a day to celebrate the companionship, loyalty, and wisdom horses bring into our lives.

At Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines, this day holds even greater meaning. It is an opportunity to honor the horses who call the farm home and recognize the supporters who help make their care possible. For Ryerss Farm, National I Love Horses Day is also a reminder that every horse deserves compassion, comfort, and dignity long after their working years are over.

That commitment has shaped Ryerss Farm's mission for more than a century.

What Is the Mission of Ryerss Farm?

Founded in 1888, Ryerss Farm is the oldest nonprofit horse sanctuary in the United States and the largest horse rescue and retirement farm on the East Coast. The farm's mission is to provide a safe and supportive home for horses in need while welcoming visitors to learn about, appreciate, and connect with these incredible animals.

Spread across more than 380 acres in Chester County, Ryerss Farm gives horses room to roam and graze as part of a herd. Residents are never worked, sold at auction, or used for experiments. Some arrive after their owners choose to reward a faithful companion with a peaceful retirement, while others come through rescue partners like the SPCA and LAPS (Large Animal Protection Society).

How Does Ryerss Farm Provide Lifelong Care for Horses?

Every resident receives individualized care based on their age, health, and unique needs. Each has its own history, personality, and needs. Some spent years as beloved companions, lesson horses, or working partners before entering retirement, while others came to the farm after needing a safe place to begin their next chapter. Most residents are 20 years or older, and with more than 350 horses currently on the waiting list, the need for a lifelong sanctuary far outpaces the available space.

Ryerss Farm provides each resident with a specialized diet and supplements to help their bodies absorb nutrients as their metabolism slows with age. Regular visits from an equine dentist help aging teeth wear evenly through a process called floating, since a horse's teeth continue to grow throughout life. A farrier trims hooves and provides corrective shoeing when needed, while staff perform herd checks several times each day to monitor every horse's health and well-being. During the summer months, healthy residents enjoy 24/7 turnout, allowing them to graze, socialize, and simply be horses.

It all adds up to a comfortable, meaningful retirement, the kind these horses deserve.

How Can You Celebrate National I Love Horses Day at Ryerss Farm?

Whether you visit the farm, make a donation, volunteer your time, or simply help spread the word, every act of support helps Ryerss Farm continue its mission.

Visit the Horses

During the Main Barn renovation, Ryerss Farm remains open to visitors on weekends. Stop by Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 4 PM to meet the residents, explore the farm, and learn more about the work being done to care for these special horses. Plan your visit today!

Share Your Love for Horses

Help spread awareness for Ryerss Farm by sharing your favorite horse photos, memories, or moments on social media. Follow and tag Ryerss Farm on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to introduce more people to the horses and the mission behind their care.

Make a Gift or Send Needed Supplies

Donations and wish list gifts help provide the resources needed to care for the horses every day.

Visit the Support Us page, Amazon Wish List, or Chewy Wish List to learn how you can help.

Donate to the Sharing Library

Contribute gently used fiction, non-fiction, children's books, horse care guides, or equine-themed materials to the Sharing Library. Donations may be dropped off at the Gift Shop.

Become a Volunteer

Volunteers play an important role in helping Ryerss Farm fulfill its mission. No horse experience is required, just a willingness to help. Apply to volunteer today. Volunteer training will resume once the Main Barn renovation is complete this fall.

This National I Love Horses Day, take a moment to celebrate the horses who have given so much throughout their lives. Whether you visit the farm, support their care, or simply share their stories, you'll help ensure these remarkable animals continue to receive the compassion and dignity they deserve.