Published • loading... • Updated
Retired and Rescued: Old Horses Live Out Their Final Years at River Thunder Ranch
The sanctuary relies on donations, an online shop and Airbnb as it takes in horses that owners can no longer care for.
- Located in Anthony, New Mexico, River Thunder Ranch operates as a sanctuary for unwanted, neglected, and retired horses. Owner Michele Sleighel, 38, established the operation in 2023 on a two-acre property.
- Sleighel originally purchased the property in 2022 to house Thunder, her first horse, a chestnut-haired quarter horse she rescued from a Los Angeles stable where she volunteered.
- The sanctuary accepts visitors for a suggested $5 admission to help cover costs. Recently, Sleighel rescued a 25-year-old horse whose owner could no longer afford her care.
- Volunteers Jasmin Gomez and Tony Arreola assist with daily operations, hauling hay and managing the herd. Gomez said volunteering "helps me center myself a little," providing her a sense of calmness.
- Following the death of River, the ranch's namesake, this month after struggling with tumors and arthritis, Sleighel remains committed to rescuing vulnerable animals. The sanctuary continues its mission despite ongoing need for community support.
Insights by Ground AI
13 Articles
13 Articles
Santa Maria TimesReposted by 
Independent Español
Independent EspañolMichele Sleigh gave Pinto a warm smile as the horse lowered his head for a pat. The 30-year-old retired therapy horse likely missed the children who used to pet him…
·Calhoun, United States
Read Full Article
Retired and rescued: Old horses live out their final years at River Thunder Ranch – WTOP News
Michele Sleighel gave Pinto a fond smile as the horse dipped its head for a nuzzle. The 30-year-old retired therapy horse probably missed the children that used to pet him, she said. As Sleighel continued to talk, Pinto attempted to reroute her back to the truck bed full of hay he was eating earlier. Here...
·Chevy Chase, United States
Read Full Article
The Toronto Star+9 Reposted by 9 other sources
Retired and rescued: Old horses live out their final years at River Thunder Ranch
Michele Sleighel gave Pinto a fond smile as the horse dipped its head for a nuzzle. The 30-year-old retired therapy horse probably missed the children that used to pet him,
·Toronto, Canada
Read Full ArticleCoverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left3Leaning Right1Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
L 25%
C 67%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
