Mountain View Farm Animal Sanctuary

06/15/2026

For a number of years now we have been using quality supplements from “Custom Equine Nutrition”, a Vermont-based company owned and managed by equine nutritionist, Nicole Sicely.
Since beginning using these products, along with removing inflammatory properties from diets, we have seen a vast improvement in the overall health of our equine residents; as well as a decline in health issues.

Nicole’s knowledgeable assistance with individualized dietary questions, the care that she puts into the quality of her products and the generous support that she gives to nonprofits, are just some of the wonderful ways that she shows up for our equines and gives peace of mind to owners.

We would like to extend our gratitude today to Nicole for helping make it accessible for us to provide our residents with quality supplementation over the past several years, as well as for her most recent generous donation of a bag of Copper and Zinc supplement.
Our equine residents are so thankful for the support in looking and feeling well.

06/11/2026

The last video of Jack and Wally playing with their favorite toy, before they shredded it.
This tug ball may be no longer with us, but the boys had fun with it while it lasted.
The playfulness between these boys is such a joy to watch. They sure are entertaining, and they put their toys to the test.
We have been mending ones that we can, but we are wondering if anyone would be interested in contributing to the “Donkey Toy Fund”?

If so, I am going to link some of their favorites in the comment section.
Many of these they enjoy playing with so much, that there isn’t much left of those toys anymore. Actually, one of the bigger balls on the ground has a big hole in the side and the ribbons are just barely still connected on the smaller ones. Wally likes to swing the ball in circles, holding onto the end of the ribbon.

We hope you enjoy watching these guys as much as we do, and know that their family at “Ayla’s Equine Revival” will.

To ship, please address to:

MVFAS
3383 Darling Hill Road
East Burke, VT
05832

Thank you from the long-eared boys!

06/08/2026

Brownie would like to let everyone know that his eye is feeling a bit better, and he appreciates the well wishes sent his way.

06/03/2026

It is still business as usual around the Sanctuary, as our current remaining residents are being kept up-to-date on their routine health needs.

Over the past week and that ahead, that has meant hoof trims for the big and little equines, as well as a visit from our vet to finish up Spring vaccinations and check Brownie’s eye that has been giving him trouble.
We continue our commitment to providing an assurance of quality care for our residents.

06/02/2026

As we continue to move forward in our rehoming process, we would like to update you on our donkey Wally and introduce you to temporary resident, Jack (donkey on the right).

Jack is with us from the wonderful Vermont based rescue, “Ayla’s Equine Revival”.
We connected with them, and learned that they were looking for a suitable donkey companion for their lone donkey, Jack. Knowing that the best suited situation for Wally was to have a donkey companion as well, and having heard great things about Ayla’s Equine Revival’s compassionate, knowledgeable and understanding approach to equine training and management, we really hoped Jack and Wally would be a match.
At the time, Wally and Cooper were still bonded and it didn’t feel appropriate to prematurely separate them; in an effort to reduce emotional stress and trauma. It so happened that Ayla’s Equine Revival also had plans to reconfigure their fencing where the donkeys would reside, and it made sense for Jack to relocate temporarily.
And so, Jack traveled to us.
We have slowly been acclimating the two boys and are very happy to report that they are getting along great. They are developing a sweet “big brother” and “little brother” relationship, with Jack being twice Wally’s current age and a bit more confident within himself, and Wally being more withdrawn, inquisitive and playful. They are developing a nice balance between their personalities, bringing out bits of one-another’s temperaments in the other.

We will be sharing more about these two sweet boys in the days ahead, as they continue to acclimate to eachother, and we prepare Wally for his next chapter.
We know it is going to be a great one.

05/27/2026

It feels as if we waited months for this, because we did.
All of those long, cold Winter days seem a distant memory when the landscape shifts back to green, the sun shines and a warm breeze helps keep the bugs at bay.

Toad and Zip are certainly enjoying the fresh Spring grass, along with one-another’s company.

05/27/2026

Thank you to Amy Ash Nixon for your considerate article representing this transition that we are in here at MVFAS.

BURKE — An animal sanctuary that began with one cow being swapped for bales of hay at the Mountain View Farm and became a safe haven for animals for more

05/23/2026

We were reminded once again of the fragility of life this morning.
To appreciate and make the most of every opportunity you have with the ones that you love.

We lost our dear Cooper last night.
He was found laying peacefully beneath an apple tree in his pasture, his newfound friend, Spirit, by his side.
There was no sign of distress. The ground around him undisturbed and no sweat from exertion. It was as if he simply fell to the ground where he stood.

Although this sudden loss was not anticipated, we are finding peace that in the past weeks of his life, Cooper spent his time getting kisses and scratches, running freely with lots of antics and grazing fresh green grass with a friend nearby.
We will remember him for his sweet mannerisms, his spunky antics and his undeniable handsomeness.

He was a horse that gave his all to humans for many years of his life. He did as was asked of him, time and time again. It seems befitting for all that he faced with the challenges of being uprooted time and time again, numerous health issues, and more….. that he left on a weekend of celebration, honoring those that showed up with valor.
That was Cooper.

We feel incredibly honored to have done the work of helping him heal and supporting his physical ailments to the best of our ability. Giving him the gifts of love, understanding, respect and sanctuary.

If you feel called to contribute to Cooper’s final burial expenses in honor of the great friend he was to many, please consider an option below:

-Mail a check to MVFAS at:

PO Box 38
East Burke, VT
05832

-PayPal: [email protected]
-Venmo: (under “Charities”)

Thank you, for loving Cooper with us and understanding the deep value in the work that we do.

To Cooper…. We are going to miss you so much, friend.

(This photo was taken just days ago, and more pictures will be shared in the comments.
For those that knew Cooper, please share your photos and memories here as well.)

05/20/2026

We are all grateful for our weekly visit with Curtis and Nathan.

They are great helpers with Sanctuary tasks, and the residents appreciate their warm and present energy.
It has been especially touching to watch the evolution Cooper has had since first arriving. At first being guarded and avoidant of them, and now melting into the attention they give.

Healing old emotional wounds is an undeniably treasured element of the “sanctuary” that we have always strived to foster.

05/19/2026

Some circumstances truly do feel “meant to be”, and that is the feeling about Destiny’s new chapter.

When a lifelong horsewoman called us looking for a steady, wise companion for her slightly younger gelding, we instantly thought of Destiny as a fit.

Although aged at approximately 28 years old, which is advanced in age for a horse, Destiny is a healthy mare with a sound body and mind, with plenty more years of life to live.
She handled the transition beautifully, as if she was an old pro at trailering and moving on. We don’t know much of Destiny’s history beyond the case of severe neglect that she was removed from when she came to us after a humane seizure over 6 years ago. There are hints, however, in the way that she handled herself through her transition, that she has experienced similar events in the past and was not troubled by it.
This is always an uncertainty with rescue horses with an unknown past and trauma, but the circumstances of the beautiful life that Destiny would have in her new home, made it worth giving it a try. Knowing that she could return if it didn’t work out.
We are delighted to share that all is going well, and she is settling in great. She is an excellent companion for her new friend, and happy with her new home.

We could not ask for more, for Destiny and for all of our other residents moving on to a new home. To be loved, appreciated, respected and cared for, in the ways that were promised to them while in our care.

Here is to a lovely new life for our beloved, Destiny.