There’s nothing better in this world than true love and rescue horses. Rescue horses hold a very special place in my life, I’m the proud partner to a rescue American Paint (with many more to come, that I’m sure of.) Horses are synonymous with the idea of freedom, of being wild, of pure joy. However, our horses are subject to a myriad of dangers or mis-use- from abusive work loads, racing, and “land management” out West. You could lose yourself in frustration or hopelessness- easily, the same way you can when researching orca whales in captivity. The thing is- There is so, so much to celebrate. Across the country there are hundreds of horse sanctuaries, rescues, and individuals willing to give these horses a safe place to land. Whether it’s two horses or thirty horses- these rescues deserve attention and recognition. 

When I was granted the opportunity to host an elopement with a couple looking to have some horses involved in their ceremony but not necessarily ride them down trails or across some mountains. I knew that Boos Equine Rescue out in Murfreesboro was the perfect rescue to host the ceremony. Here they focus on just a few horses at once that have been retired from work, dumped at auctions, or can no longer race/preform. The horses aren’t all ridden, but are carefully attended too, given advanced vet treatment, and return the favor with quiet appreciation. 

We showed up and were greeted with gentle nose bumps and gleeful little trots. We spent an hour or so passing the horses treats, hay, and brushing them in the quiet afternoon. This was one of my favorite elopement activities that didn’t include physical stress, hiking, or an extreme amount of planning. Elopements don’t require adventure or the stress of scheduling. Elopements can be quiet, simple, and a little get-away to have a private ceremony focused on connection, honesty, and appreciating each other. 

A+A brushed down the rescue horses, gave them some neck hugs, before we traveled to the back pasture to soak up the afternoon sunshine and dance around in a field where we held the quick ceremony.

Horse rescues are one of my favorite easy elopement locations. They’re typically beautiful, wide open, and peaceful. Typically the rescues will allow you to hold a simple, quick ceremony that follows Leave No Trace Principles, in exchange for a donation to the rescue. This type of location leaves the planning aspect wide open to change or exploration. You can bring a lunch with you for a picnic or drop by a local cafe or coffee shop. The sanctuaries that are located out in the country often have water sources or recommendations for rivers, overlooks, or spots to eat locally. You can add on hikes, micro-road trips, local flair, or simply grab an airbnb, visit the sanctuary for your ceremony, and head on back for an evening couples photography session. 

Hosting your elopement at a horse rescue or sanctuary allows you to have complete scheduling freedom, a relaxed day of activity, and to highlight all the important work being done to care for our equine partners. If you’re down, holler at me! I’m heavily involved in the rescue community, and have my own little rescue at home who loves to be the centerpiece for elopements over on the farm. I’d love to join you in designing the perfect elopement involving rescue horses. 

Here are a few of my favorite rescues/sanctuaries around the US:  

Lucky Break Horse Rescue

Skydog Ranch

Wild At Heart Horse Rescue

Colby’s Crew Rescue

Red Feather Equine Sanctuary

Boos Equine Rescue

Freedom Ride Equine

Here’s some helpful info if you’re considering adopting a rescue horse:

My Right Horse This link will take ya to a info sheet on what it takes to own a rescue and how to pick out the right horse. I highly recommend looking for youtube videos, talking to some folks who have their own rescue, and speaking directly to the rescues themselves. 

A Home For Every Horse This link will take you to a list of horse rescues throughout the USA.