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What is life like at the Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement?

It is our philosophy that once retired to Mitchell Farm, horses are truly retired. Although each horse has a stall to return to in the evening or during bad weather they spend as much time as possible grazing in pastures in the beautiful Salem Valley. Our equine retirees have earned their retirement and therefore will not ever be ridden again. Without the pressures of competition or bearing human weight, they are free to remember (or learn) what is like to be a horse again. Each retiree is groomed and pampered on a regular basis by volunteers. Routine medical and dietary needs are handled by the staff. A Veterinarian sees each horse routinely.

There are few alternatives for aging horses that have been long and faithful servants when the time arrives to say goodbye. Mitchell Farm is one of only a handful of farms in the United States dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable home for the final years of aging horses. Our one-time fee of $6,000 does not even cover the first year of care. It is for this reason that we truly need your support.

“Splash”

1975 -2005

Splash passed away early this year at the ripe old age of 30. He is the corner stone of Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, Inc. He belonged to Founder/Executive Director Dee Doolittle for 20 years. He was her great friend and companion.  Splash was loved by all who knew him, and was known for his sense of humor and sweet temperament In his prime he was a flashy, successful show horse.  In middle age, Splash and Dee enjoyed hunter paces and trail riding together. In retirement, Splash was lucky enough to spend quiet happy days grazing in big beautiful pastures. He had a good life!