Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary

Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2007 in Central Florida. The sanctuary was founded in 2007 by Robin Cain.

We rescue and rehabilitate unwanted equines and provide lifelong sanctuary. We host public events, tours, and volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Natural Horsemanship serves as the foundation for everything done at the sanctuary. Force, fear and gadgets are not used to train or handle our horses. The horses are treated by everyone who works with them in a humane and natural way. Since 200

7, more than 80 equine have been rescued and given a lifetime home by Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary. There are currently 34 horses enjoying peace and tranquility on a 23-acre ranch (now 46 acres) in Ona, Florida. All receive the physical care they need, but just as importantly, they are provided with the love, compassion, and attention some of them have never known.

06/19/2026

A horse sanctuary is built on more than fences, barns, and pastures. It's built by people who choose to show up.

Our volunteers help make daily operations possible through feeding, property maintenance, special events, office support, and many of the behind-the-scenes tasks that keep the sanctuary running smoothly.

For those interested in working directly with our resident horses, additional training opportunities are available as volunteers gain experience and become familiar with our programs and safety protocols.

We are deeply grateful for every volunteer who shares their time, talents, and compassion with Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary. Their contributions help provide lifelong care for the horses who call this sanctuary home.

If you've ever wondered what volunteering here looks like, it looks a lot like this: meaningful work, new friendships, learning new skills, and making a difference.

Interested in joining our team? Complete a volunteer application at sixteenhandshorsesanctuary.org.

06/18/2026

This peaceful place exists right here in our community.

On any given day at Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary, you'll find horses resting in the shade, enjoying a drink of water, grazing with friends, or simply soaking up another day of safety and care.

While the residents may make it look effortless, a great deal happens behind the scenes to keep the sanctuary running. Volunteers, supporters, sponsors, Club 16 Hands members, and donors all play a role in providing lifelong care for the horses and donkeys who call Sixteen Hands home.

Every fence line, shelter, water trough, and pasture represents a community that cares.

Thank you for helping us create a place where horses can simply be horses.

Learn more about our residents, volunteer opportunities, sponsorships, and upcoming events at sixteenhandshorsesanctuary.org

06/17/2026

When Gracie lost her senior pasture mate, Mr. Peanut, we knew there would be an adjustment period ahead.

Like people, horses form meaningful bonds. They find comfort in familiar companions, shared routines, and simply having a friend nearby.

Because equines are happiest with a pasture buddy, Robin made the decision to welcome Lexi into Gracie's relaxed, senior pasture space.

Lexi has her own story of resilience. She came to the sanctuary in 2018 after her family was facing a terminal illness diagnosis and the loss of their home. Since then, she has become a beloved member of the herd, known for her sweet personality and appreciation for scratches from her favorite volunteers.

Watching these two mares spend time together is a reminder that aging doesn't have to be a hardship. Most often, it just requires a familiar friend standing quietly beside you.

Every resident at Sixteen Hands receives lifelong sanctuary, compassionate care, and the opportunity to build the relationships that help them thrive.

To learn more about what we do, visit our website at sixteenhandshorsesanctuary.org.

What does it take to care for 20 resident equines?It's the work most people never see.Routine hoof care is an essential ...
06/16/2026

What does it take to care for 20 resident equines?

It's the work most people never see.

Routine hoof care is an essential part of sanctuary life. Healthy feet support healthy movement, and regular trims help our horses and donkeys remain comfortable as they age. For our senior residents, this ongoing care is especially important.

We're thankful for Cherie England, who has been caring for the hooves of our residents for years. Her knowledge, reliability, and commitment have become an important part of the care our animals receive.

Sanctuary care isn't just feed, water, and shelter. It's the ongoing attention to the details that help each resident live their best possible life.

If you'd like to help support the daily and routine care that our horses depend on, sponsorships make a meaningful difference.

sixteenhandshorsesanctuary.org

Some people follow along for months before they ever visit.They watch the videos, learn the horses' stories, celebrate t...
06/15/2026

Some people follow along for months before they ever visit.

They watch the videos, learn the horses' stories, celebrate the victories, and grieve the losses right alongside us. Yet are surprised to discover that this peaceful place exists right here in their own community.

Today, visitors spent time meeting our residents, giving scratches and enjoying a simple moment of connection. No special occasion. Just people and horses enjoying each other's company.

If you've been following, we'd love to meet you someday.

Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary is home to horses who have found safety, care, and a place to belong. Whether you're interested in learning more about our mission, meeting some of the residents, volunteering, or simply seeing the sanctuary for yourself, we'd be happy to welcome you.

Visits are by appointment, so reach out to schedule a time.

đź“Ť Ona, Florida

Learn more at sixteenhandshorsesanctuary.org

06/15/2026

You are part of this story.

When people think about a horse sanctuary, they often picture the horses. And rightly so.

But behind every peaceful pasture is a community of people who care.

The volunteers who show up week after week. The sponsors who support a favorite resident. The donors who help provide feed, hay, veterinary care, and shelter. The followers who share our posts and tell others about our mission.

Together, you create moments like this.

A safe place where horses can simply be horses.

As we close out another week, we want you to know that your support matters. Whether you've been with us for years or just recently discovered 16 Hands, you are helping write the story of lifelong care, compassion, and second chances.

Thank you for being part of it.

06/13/2026

Growing old should never mean being forgotten.

Yesterday, sanctuaries across the country recognized Sanctuary Caregiver Day. It was a chance to honor the people who dedicate themselves to the daily care of animals who depend on them.

This is Gracie.

Born in 1990, Gracie is a former BLM Mustang and one of the longest-term residents at Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary. She has called the sanctuary home since 2007 and is now 38 years old.

Senior horses require thoughtful, consistent care. Their needs change with age, but their value never does.

Moments like this one with Linda Kirby, our Barn Manager, reflect the promise a sanctuary makes: that every horse will continue to receive comfort, care, and dignity throughout their life.

Gracie may be older, but she still enjoys the simple things—a good scratch, a familiar face, and the security of knowing she is loved.

If you'd like to support the lifelong care of horses like Gracie, learn more about sponsorship opportunities at:

sixteenhandshorsesanctuary.org

06/12/2026

Volunteer appreciation isn't just about the big projects. It's about the people who consistently show up.

Jan Heiland has been volunteering with Sixteen Hands since December 2025. Most Sunday mornings you'll find her helping wherever she's needed, and she's also stepped up during events and property maintenance days.

The horses may not know who repairs a fence line, helps guests feel welcome, or tackles behind-the-scenes tasks, but they benefit from every bit of it.

We're grateful for Jan's time, her willingness to help, and the care she brings to the sanctuary.

Thank you, Jan. We appreciate you more than you know.

If you'd like to learn about volunteering, visit:
sixteenhandshorsesanctuary.org

06/11/2026

The small moments are often the most meaningful.

While filming Montana enjoying a quiet moment beneath the shade tree, he decided rest wasn’t a priority. Before long, he was walking straight toward the camera to ask for a little attention.

Montana has been a resident of Sixteen Hands since 2015. He is known for his spirited personality and his love of people, and moments like this remind us that connection is built in simple ways.

No fanfare. No expectations.

Just a horse choosing to spend time with someone who stopped to notice him.

Those are the moments that make a sanctuary feel like home.

Learn more about Montana and the other residents of Sixteen Hands Horse Sanctuary through Club 16 Hands:
sixteenhandshorsesanctuary.org

Address

712 Roy Moore Road
Ona, FL
33865

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 1pm
3pm - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 1pm
3pm - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 1pm
3pm - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 1pm
3pm - 5pm
Friday 10am - 1pm
3pm - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 1pm
3pm - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 1pm
3pm - 5pm

Telephone

+19412285441

Website

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