Equine Spirit Sanctuary

11/09/2026

🌟🐴 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 & 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞! 🍂❤️

The sun has FINALLY returned to ESS! ☀️ After weeks of rain and mud, things are drying out nicely, although the arena is still too soggy for much training. So Starlight has enjoyed another week of simply hanging out with his buddies. And he’s certainly not complaining! 🐴💕

One of our sweetest moments this week happened while working on Markeyn using the 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝. As Markeyn received his bodywork, Starlight stood on the other side of the fence, peacefully dozing and showing some amazing releases of his own! It’s remarkable how horses nearby can sometimes benefit just as much from the relaxation as the horse receiving the actual work. ❤️

Of course, Starlight and Markeyn have been enjoying their favorite activity — grazing on all our unusually abundant autumn grass! 🌱 And while Starlight clearly prefers the fresh stuff, he still couldn’t resist checking out the hay wagon! 😂

🍁 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫, 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥.

To our incredible volunteers, generous donors, and wonderful friends who have supported ESS throughout the years — THANK YOU! Every helping hand, every donation, and every act of kindness makes a difference for the animals who call our sanctuary home.

Rescue truly takes a village, and we’re so thankful for ours. ❤️

There’s always room for more friends in our ESS family! Whether you volunteer, donate, share our stories, or simply cheer us on, you’re helping give these beautiful animals the love and care they deserve.

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐲𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐄𝐒𝐒, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲! 🐴🧡

11/03/2026

https://rss.com/podcasts/the-enlightened-equine-podcast/3275617/

Steve sits down across from Ruth Bourgeois, director of Equine Spirit Sanctuary in Taos, NM, to discuss the mission of the sanctuary, its many programs,…

11/01/2026

💫𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭🐴🍂

It’s been a beautiful autumn week here at ESS… IF you like rain, cloudy skies, and dismal, muddy conditions! 😂

The boys have their shelter on the track to duck into when the rain comes down, but when the track gets too muddy, they’re back in the front part of the arena. They’re not getting quite as much attention and work as we’d like to be giving them, but they don’t seem to be getting too bored!

On the track, they have their buddies Willie and Finn to keep them company. Back in the arena, they can look across the acequia at the horses on the smaller track. And, of course, the minis and donkeys are always good entertainment with their silly antics. The big donkeys, Grace and Joy, are particularly unimpressed with all this mud, but they have a shelter to retreat to when the rain starts falling, too.

We’ve had so much rain over the past week that we’ve officially put the kids’ program activities on hold for now. But it’s November, and that means it’s time to start getting ready for our 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐬! 🎄✨ I’m sure our volunteers will come up with some fancy attire for our beautiful Arabians to wear during the festivities. And maybe, just maybe, the rain will have moved on by then!

We’re trying hard not to complain because goodness knows we need the moisture! Other parts of New Mexico have been dealing with severe flooding, and a tornado even touched down in Santa Fe last week. We continue to send our thoughts and prayers to all of the impacted communities and are so grateful it’s just a muddy mess here.

And despite all the mud, it is still fall in Taos… and there is something truly magical about this time of year.

These photos were taken at dusk on October 31st, featuring Zella and Blanco. Their turnout may be a muddy mess, but that sunset reminds us why we love this place so much. ❤️🌅

Here’s hoping for a little sunshine, some drier footing, and plenty of beautiful autumn days ahead!

10/26/2026

✨𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐈𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞! 🐴❤️

FINALLY! 🎉 Starlight got a FULL hoof trim—and it’s a huge milestone in his rehabilitation!

Until now, balancing on three legs for trimming was just too difficult. Ongoing spinal issues and tightness in his hindquarters make holding up his feet challenging, and fear or past experiences may have made hoof handling even harder. We wanted him comfortable, not stressed, so we found a way to help him through it safely.

Enter the village! 🥰

🩺 Dr. Hilary Clayton provided sedation to keep Starlight comfortable.

🐴 Barefoot hoof specialists Dora and Steve Hebrock took turns trimming and supporting him.

💪 Ruth held his head, while volunteer Erin swept up hoof trimmings to help keep the flies away!

Teamwork made it happen, and all four feet are now balanced and healthier. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐲! ❤️

Meanwhile, Northern New Mexico has been getting some much-needed rain—but the recent heavy downpours have also brought flooding concerns across parts of our region and southern Colorado. 🌧️ We’re grateful for the moisture our land desperately needs, while keeping everyone affected by flooding in our thoughts and prayers.

Here at ESS, the property has little lakes everywhere! Starlight and his best buddy Markeyn spent hours in the arena shelter, staying dry while visiting their horse friends across the fence. Today, the rain finally paused, and the boys got back out on the track! ☁️🐴

Rehab takes patience, creativity, and a whole lot of helping hands. Today, we’re celebrating healthier feet and another big step toward Starlight’s best life.

Want to help ESS continue giving rescued animals the care they deserve? Sharing Starlight’s story or making a donation means so much. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬! 💚

10/25/2026

Penelope posed for a picture with this low, long rainbow with double rainbow above faintly seen through the clouds this afternoon during a brief break from the rain.

10/25/2026

💙 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐍𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆💙

The flooding across western Northern New Mexico and southern Colorado has brought difficult challenges to communities, families, and animals throughout our region. Our hearts are with everyone navigating the damage, uncertainty, and long road to recovery.

For those who care for horses and other equines, disasters bring additional worries — from finding safe shelter and emergency hay to repairing damaged fencing and securing veterinary care.

🐴 𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗣 𝗜𝗦 𝗔𝗩𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗦𝗘 𝗢𝗪𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦 & 𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗨𝗘𝗦!

Fleet of Angels is offering emergency grants for eligible horse owners and small rescues impacted by the flooding. Assistance may be available for:

💙 Emergency hay and feed
💙 Critical supplies
💙 Veterinary care for flood-related injuries
💙 Materials to repair damaged fencing

👉 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆:
🌐 https://www.FleetOfAngels.org

Please note that grant applications may not be accepted every day, so visit the website for the latest information about application availability and eligibility.

If you or someone you know has been affected, please share this resource. You don’t have to navigate the challenges of caring for your equine family alone.

At ESS, we know how much these animals mean to the people who love and care for them. In times like these, sharing resources and looking out for one another can make a meaningful difference. 💙

Please keep the affected communities, their families, and all the animals in your thoughts and prayers. If you know someone who could benefit from this assistance, please pass this information along.

𝗡𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗯𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗯𝗼𝗿𝘀. 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀. 🐴❤️

10/19/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EzqtHpeKw/

10/19/2026

✨ 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞… 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤!🐴😂

It’s been a busy week at ESS, so no big rehab updates from Starlight today. The good news? 𝐇𝐞’𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭! ❤️

Starlight and his best buddy, Markeyn, are living their best lives—enjoying the lush green grass left by our much-needed rains, snoozing in the sunshine, and hanging out across the fence from 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐧, our newest rescue, who’s getting extra feed, love, and attention. 🌱☀️

Full bellies, good friends, sunny naps… what more could a horse want?

Well, maybe a little more sleep! 😂

Grace and Joy, our big donkeys, are back at ESS, and they’re MUCH louder than our mini donkeys. Grace has appointed herself Ruth’s personal alarm clock, with a daily wake-up call at 𝟔:𝟏𝟓 𝐚.𝐦. 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩. No snooze button—and Starlight gets woken up, too. Probably the whole neighborhood! 🫏📣

Meanwhile, the feral kittens have moved into the hay stall, bringing extra nighttime activity to the barn. Luckily, Starlight doesn’t seem to mind his tiny feline roommates. 🐈‍⬛🐾

No big milestones this week—just green grass, new friends, happy naps, and a barn full of life. ❤️

Now, if someone could just explain to Grace that some of us enjoy sleeping in… 😂

If these little glimpses of life at ESS bring a smile to your face, we’d love for you to be part of our sanctuary family. Sharing our posts, following Starlight’s journey, or making a small donation all help us keep giving rescued animals the care, comfort, and second chances they deserve. Every bit of kindness makes a difference. 💚🐴

10/12/2026

✨ 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 & 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬! ✨🐴

Starlight has a new buddy! ❤️ Meet 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐲𝐧, our newest arrival at ESS. These two spent their first nights in side-by-side stalls, and apparently, that was all it took to become instant besties!

Today, we introduced them in the arena, and they got along beautifully. This afternoon, they graduated to hanging out together on the track, and that went just as well. We love seeing friendships bloom so quickly! 🥰

Meanwhile, the girls had to investigate the new guy. Just look at them lined up along the fence, checking him out! 😂

Honestly, with a handsome new Arabian on the property, we can hardly blame them for being a little awestruck. There’s nothing quite like a bunch of curious mares keeping tabs on the neighborhood gossip!

We know that some days, life can feel awfully heavy. Here at Equine Spirit Sanctuary, we feel that, too. ❤️ So this Sunday, we wanted to bring you a little sunshine, a few silly Arabians, and a reminder that sometimes the smallest moments of friendship can make the whole day brighter.

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝, 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞-𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬.💕🐴

10/05/2026

💫𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭💫

September 28 brought another chiropractic treatment with Dr. Subasi, and we’re finally seeing some progress with Starlight lifting those hind legs! Every bit of progress matters. ❤️

While Starlight watched from his stall, Zella got her turn with Dr. Subasi. These two could seriously be twins — right down to their ears and facial expressions! 😂🤍

And this week? 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠! 🌱

All that rain that created a muddy mess but also worked a little magic as all of a Taos is witnessing. The grass has come alive again, and there is more green popping up now than we’ve seen all year. It feels like springtime in October!

Every morning, Starlight gets to explore the property and search out the very best patches of grass. He takes this job very seriously. 😉🌿

As we watch Starlight continue to heal, learn, and simply become more comfortable in his own skin, we’re reminded how much it takes to give horses like him a second chance.

And that’s why, especially right now, we want to encourage everyone to look toward your own community and support your local 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬, 𝐞𝐭𝐜., if you can. These organizations are helping animals and people through some incredibly difficult times, and they need their communities beside them.

It doesn’t have to be a huge contribution. Donate if you can. Volunteer. Sponsor an animal. Bring a bag of feed. Share a fundraiser. Buy something from a wish list. Or simply tell someone about the organization doing good work down the road. If interested in learning more about ways you can help 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲, come by and see us Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday 10am-4pm. We would love to show you around and introduce the herd!

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐬 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞. 🐴❤️

And around here, we know just how much a second chance can mean.

Happy Sunday from Starlight. 🤍🌿