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A Little More About Moonrise Sanctuary

6 horses and a donkey waltzing through a freshly green valley

Moonrise Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) rescue and regenerative sanctuary founded in 2016 by Angie Riker and Bob Weinswig. We are devoted to providing lifelong safety, care, and healing for horses, donkeys, mustangs, burros, and the many animals who call our sanctuary home. Our mission is rooted in compassion, restoration, and respect for the deep relationships between animals, humans, and the land we share.

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Our rescue work takes shape in several ways. The majority of our horses and donkeys come from slaughter-bound auctions, where they have often endured fear, uncertainty, neglect, or trauma. These animals arrive needing significant rehabilitation, restorative care, patience and consistency as they begin the long process of building trust back to physical and emotional wellness. We are honored to offer them a safe place to recover and rediscover their purpose.

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We also welcome horses and donkeys through private surrender and rehoming situations. We are deeply grateful when a human partner reaches out to us directly in hopes of finding the most suitable future for their beloved horse or donkey. Choosing to responsibly rehome an animal when a relationship has reached a transition point can be an honorable and loving decision. Moonrise Sanctuary has helped many beautiful souls transition from a variety of lifestyles into a softer, more supported chapter of life.

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Moonrise Sanctuary is also an approved BLM adoption site. Through this program, we have adopted two mustangs and two burros, giving them the opportunity to live in a safe, spacious, and deeply attentive environment. Their presence is a meaningful part of our sanctuary family and reflects our commitment to honoring the wild, wise, and resilient spirit of equines from many different backgrounds.

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At Moonrise Sanctuary, we believe in providing the highest quality of both physical and mental care. Our approach is centered on consistency, movement, and herd harmony. We understand that healing cannot be rushed. Relationships are built slowly and respectfully, allowing each animal to feel safe, understood, and empowered in their own time. Whether through groundwork, liberty work, trail riding, or quiet companionship, we let trust lead the way.

a duck walking towards the camera with a curious horse behind them
a cooler full of fresh greens

Our sanctuary is nestled beside hundreds of acres of trails, creating a beautiful natural environment where horse and human relationships can continue to grow and flourish. â€‹Moonrise Sanctuary is excited to be offering experienced ridership trail outings. These will be for experienced riders only and will consist mainly of the use of our rescued horses. 
Stay tuned for this exciting opportunity!

 

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Moonrise Sanctuary is also a regenerative-practicing, natural-area farm. We are always learning how to better live in balance with our animals, our land, and each other. Our farm is home to ten beehives that support pollination, biodiversity, and the overall health of the ecosystem. We believe the sanctuary exists as a living relationship between the animals, the soil, the plants, the pollinators, and the humans who care for them.

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In addition to our equine residents, Moonrise Sanctuary is home to a magical menagerie of chickens, ducks, geese, guinea hens, dogs, and cats. Each animal adds their own personality, rhythm, and joy to the life of the sanctuary. Together, they create a deeply alive and interconnected farm environment

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a white horse being ridden by someone

We also provide educational gatherings and peaceful opportunities for people to experience the grounding presence of horses and donkeys. These animals can be powerful healers, offering quiet moments of connection, reflection, and nervous system restoration. We are honored to share these intimate experiences with our community, and upcoming dates for gatherings and events will be announced.

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Moonrise Sanctuary is excited to bring world-famous TinyAss Concerts to our sanctuary pastures. These special events will blend music, community, and the unforgettable presence of our sanctuary animals in a one-of-a-kind setting. Stay tuned for dates and details.

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At the base of our farm drive, visitors can also find our honor-system farm stand, stocked with fresh farm-raised delectables. Offerings often include chicken and duck eggs, raw honey from our hives, seasonal produce, handmade kimchi, tea blends, and the occasional treasure. We kindly ask all visitors to respect our privacy and not drive up the driveway when visiting the farm stand.

5 horses on a grass hill grazing
one horse looking at the camera with two donkeys staring at them
a stoic black horse looking to the left on a hot summer day
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