Our Story

Chammy's Equine Sanctuary is a haven for horses, mini horses, ponies, and donkeys. Since 2015, Angela, our President and sole staff member, has dedicated herself to voluntarily caring for these animals—and countless others—all while working full-time as a public school teacher. Her work has created a refuge for neglected equines, contributed to natural disaster rescue efforts, and helped educate the community on responsible equine ownership.

In 2024, Chammy's Equine Sanctuary Foundation was established to support Angela's unwavering commitment and ensure the long-term sustainability of her mission. A dedicated board of directors was formed to provide strategic oversight, governance, and stewardship of resources. Together, we remain focused on protecting, rescuing, and advocating for equines in need.

Did you know?

Chammy holds a special place in Angela's heart as her first horse, igniting her lifelong dedication to caring for neglected equestrian animals. Chammy's blankets were also green, just like our logo!

Meet a Few Residents

Every animal at Chammy's has a story—and most of them begin with someone who refused to look the other way. Here are a just a few of the lives you help us protect.

• Cowboy
• Flower
• Charlie
• Rio
• The Donkeys

Cowboy

Rescued · 2 years with us

Cowboy came to us as a desperate plea from a friend. She had sold him years earlier and, to her heartbreak, discovered he had ended up in a situation she couldn't fix from afar—underfed, ribs sharp under his coat, and fighting for every breath.

Under Dr. B at Oakridge, Cowboy began a careful breathing program. Slowly, day by day, his lungs cleared and his strength returned. Two years on, he is calm, healthy, and closely watched by the team that gave him his second chance.

Flower

In Loving Memory · 6 years with us · Jan 2022

Flower was bound for slaughter in a Kansas kill pen when a kind-hearted couple saw her, couldn't bear to leave her, and bought her freedom. They asked us for a safe landing—and we gave her one.

An old knee injury meant Flower would never be a riding horse again. She didn't need to be. For six years she grazed our pastures in her pink fly boots, surrounded by friends and quiet days. When cancer arrived, we let her live as long as she was comfortable, and laid her gently to rest in January 2022. She is missed every day.

Charlie

Rescued · Bay Thoroughbred · Age 12

Charlie was only two years old when we found him in a feedlot in Perkins, Oklahoma—bruised, frightened, and a heartbeat away from a truck ride he wouldn't have come home from.

Ten years later, he is a stunning bay Thoroughbred and a beloved hunter/jumper, sailing over fences with the joy of a horse who once thought his story was over. Charlie is why we do this.

Rio

Rescued · Mini · Sanctuary Favorite

Rio's start was rough. Saved from a feedlot, born with a crooked front leg, he was never going to be more than a gentle pasture companion. Then a bigger horse kicked him and shattered his hind leg, and we feared the worst.

Dr. B at Oakridge worked a small miracle, piecing him back together. Rio came home with a limp and a personality the size of a draft horse. He greets every visitor like he owns the place—and around here, we let him think he does.

The Donkeys

Rescued · 10 years of pasture life

Ten years ago, our donkeys were slaughter-bound. Today they are the kings of the pasture—long ears swiveling at every sound, lazy afternoons in the shade, and the slow, peaceful days they were always meant to have.

They are quiet proof that one decision to step in can change a whole life.

Our Needs

100% of all donations to the general fund go directly to caring for our animals and furthering our mission—covering essential monthly expenses such as grain, hay, and medical care.

While our immediate priority is meeting daily needs, we have future goals we'd love to share:

Your generosity helps us care for our animals today and build a brighter future for them tomorrow.

Our Vision

We envision a world where every equine—horse, pony, mini, or donkey—lives free from neglect, cruelty, and suffering. Our goal is to ensure that neglected equines receive the individualized care they need to heal physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Through compassionate rescue and rehabilitation, we help them recover and thrive in safe, nurturing environments.

Beyond rescue, our vision includes a future where responsible equine ownership is the norm. Through education and outreach, we aim to foster a culture of empathy, accountability, and proper care within the equestrian community and beyond. By equipping individuals with the knowledge and resources to prevent harm, we strive to stop neglect before it begins.

Realizing this vision requires collective effort. We are committed to working alongside fellow advocates, organizations, and volunteers to champion equine welfare. Together, we will build a more compassionate world—one where all equines are treated with dignity, kindness, and respect.