Chino Valley rescue sanctuary works to improve conditions for large animals.
At the Sunrise Sanctuary and Rescue facility, efforts continue to give rescued animals a better life. Currently, there are several horses, along with goats, donkeys, cats and dogs.
“We’re building back up,” said Kristyne Schaaf-Olson, Sunrise Sanctuary president and owner of the land with her husband, Jason. “It’s quite an adventure.”
The rescue mission started in 2021 when another rescue facility folded and they took in the animals. Today, it is a non-profit with 501c3 status and a board of directors.
In general, funding for the Sunrise Sanctuary runs short. “We’ve got it going, but there’s a big need in horse rescue,” Schaaf-Olson said. “It’s one of the most expensive types of rescues there is. Between the equine animals, the hay bill can be almost $1,000 every 10 days, not to mention vet bills.”
The sanctuary receives consistent help from stores in Phoenix, such as Target, with cat and dog food donations, but nothing for the horses.
“Horses have delicate guts; they can’t just eat anything,” she said.
After a good start, there was a slowdown at Sunrise last year when Schaaf-Olson had a health issue.
“I’m pretty much back to normal now, so we’re back in gear. We’ve got two of the new horse stalls done and two others framed.”
Soon, there will be a total of 10 outdoor stalls, room for boarding and a track system. When the barn is completed, it will support 10 indoor stalls, including a birthing stall for expecting mares.
“When you rescue, you get horses from different walks of life,” Schaaf-Olson explained. “Sometimes they are un-handable for some reason, whether it’s abuse, neglect, lack of training. When they’re in that stage, a track system allows hoof care while we rehabilitate. A track system imitates being out in the wild, with a more natural topography on the land.”
Sunrise Sanctuary’s farrier, Meghan Tibbets of Full Potential Equine Sports Therapy and Barefoot Trimming, suggested the track system to Schaaf-Olson and the rescue loved the idea.
Meanwhile, volunteers are needed at Sunrise Sanctuary for a variety of needs. “One big missing piece – we need more volunteers for fundraising events, to bring in a source of money for rescue [operations],” she said.
In addition, anyone with grant writing experience would be welcomed. “We also need experienced volunteers on the ground with the daily horse grooming, feeding and bathing, which is more demanding because of insurance,” Schaaf-Olson said.
Help from the community has arrived in many forms, including from high school baseball players, teens whom her husband coaches, who are lending a hand.
To create more visibility about the rescue and its needs, a ribbon-cutting event is scheduled with the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce on Sunday, Sept. 17 at the facility. QCBN
By Betsey Bruner, QCBN
For more information, visit the Sunrise Sanctuary and Rescue Facebook page.
Courtesy Photo: Sunrise Sanctuary volunteers expect to have 10 outdoor stalls, 10 indoor stalls, room for boarding and a track system for rehabilitating horses, plus a birthing stall for expecting mares.
