By Susan Kayne
For Capital Region Independent Media
In the tapestry of life at Unbridled Sanctuary, every thread tells a story of resilience, hope and the transformative power of compassion.
As dawn breaks, casting a serene glow through the stable windows, the Sanctuary awakens to another day dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of equines rescued from imminent suffering. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Unbridled’s unwavering commitment to equine advocacy, rescue and lifelong protection — a journey of profound impact and enduring love.
Founded on the principles of dignity, respect and honoring the inherent worth of every equine, Unbridled has become a sacred space for horses like Prince and Max, and their stablemates representing a millennium of sentient lives.
Prince, a young Thoroughbred with a royal lineage, was shielded in his mother’s womb from the violence of the slaughter pipeline. At seven months pregnant, his mother, Miss Ruud, fought for survival in the Louisiana slaughter yards. Starving and weak, she protected Prince until they were rescued and brought to Unbridled. Here, Prince has grown into a spirited and curious young horse, untouched by the harshness that once threatened his very existence.
Next to Prince, who will celebrate his second birthday on April 4, stands Max, a noble senior horse, now age 28. Discarded for slaughter in 2018, Max was condemned to a cruel and inhumane fate. Rescued from the brink of being silenced in a slaughter plant, Max now enjoys a peaceful retirement filled with the essential rights to companionship and freedom, nourishment and shelter. His story, like Prince’s, is a poignant reminder that no horse, regardless of age, background or lineage, is immune to the grim realities of the slaughter pipeline — a fate that Unbridled works tirelessly to end.
At Unbridled, the mornings are filled with the sounds of tranquility — the soft nickers of happy horses, the rustle of straw, and the content sighs of beings who have found safety and love. The Sanctuary’s residents, including Thoroughbreds with prestigious lineages, hardworking horses, donkeys, and Arnie the Mule, have all faced abandonment, cruelty and near starvation. Yet, in this place of refuge, they stand as gracious teachers of patience and embodiments of the capacity for forgiveness. Their lives are a powerful argument against the moral neglect that once sealed their fate.
Through initiatives like The Stable Classroom, we extend our mission beyond the Sanctuary, instilling ethical stewardship in the next generation to protect these magnificent beings. The Stable Classroom is a curriculum I developed, designed to educate and inspire individuals through the powerful stories and lessons learned from the lives of horses at Unbridled. This educational endeavor shapes a more empathetic future, ensuring that the lessons learned from the residents of Unbridled will inspire change and kindness in the hearts of learners of all ages.
Over the past two decades, Unbridled has saved the lives of hundreds of Thoroughbreds, and currently provides a safe haven for 60 equine residents. Through signature programs like the Canvas of Compassion, Read to the Rescues, and Art Exhibitions, Unbridled has fostered a new consideration for how horses experience their own lives. These initiatives have facilitated pathways to understanding, healing and mutual respect, establishing the Sanctuary as a moral beacon of hope and a catalyst for ethical transformation. This has enlightened and inspired our community, nurturing a profound bond between humans and horses.
As we delve deeper into the heart of Unbridled, it becomes clear that this Sanctuary is not just a place of rescue and rehabilitation; it is a community united in the belief that every equine deserves a life of respect and care. The stories of Prince, Max, and the many other residents serve as a reminder of the critical need for true sanctuaries, where the value of a creature is not measured in utility or accomplishments but in the simple fact of their being.
Twenty years into its mission, Unbridled faces the future with resolve and hope. The journey is challenging and deeply rewarding, with every horse helped serving as a triumph of ethical compassion over the disregard that sought to render them useless, unworthy of support. The upcoming 20th anniversary gala, “A Celebration of Love & Joy,” is not just an event to commemorate two decades of dedication to equine protection; it is an invitation to join a movement that believes in the power of kindness to change lives.
As we prepare to celebrate this milestone, we are reminded of the impact that Unbridled has had not just on the horses it has saved but on the community it has built. Each day at the Sanctuary is a testament to the power of unwavering commitment, a reminder that while the work may be hard, the rewards — seen in the eyes of every horse we’ve helped — are immeasurable.
In embracing the next 20 years, our dedication to being a voice for the voiceless and a haven for the lost remains as strong as ever. With the support of our community, we will continue to change lives, one horse at a time, ensuring that the legacy of compassion and respect we’ve built at Unbridled Sanctuary endures for generations to come.
Join us in making a difference, in celebrating a legacy of love and advocacy that reaches far beyond our fences. Together, we can ensure a future where every equine is cherished, every story is honored, and the melody of compassion drowns out the whispers of indifference. Here, at Unbridled, we’re not just caring for horses, we’re fostering a world of hope, respect and boundless love.
As the sun climbs higher, illuminating the shimmering snow-covered stables at the Sanctuary, we stand at the threshold of a new era for Unbridled. The past 20 years have been a journey of incredible growth, challenges and triumphs. Looking forward, we are fueled by the stories of those we’ve served and inspired by the potential to make even greater strides in equine advocacy, protection and welfare.
Susan Kayne is the founder and president of Unbridled Sanctuary, an equine rescue on the border of Albany County and Greenville. Learn more at UnbridledSanctuary.org.
