Since 2022, we have made it our mission to advocate for the well-being of broodmare regardless of breed or foaling history.
They matter here.
Why we do it.
“If she can’t produce, she ain’t of use.”
It is a phrase that we can only speculate has been uttered by many breeders many times over as a sordid response for why they did what they did - sent their broodmare to the auction circuit where many end up going to slaughter.
Broodmare cares are often neglected, receiving only the bare minimum for what is necessary to produce a live and healthy foal. A breeder was once overheard to have said that if they could take the uterus from the mare and get rid of the rest of the mare, they would. “Keeping two horses alive when I really just want the one is expensive.”
What we do.
Abiding Sunday is a young 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is to provide retirement and sanctuary to broodmares - defined as “a mare kept for breeding purposes” (Miriam-Webster) - regardless of breed, age, and foaling history.
We provide the mares with attentive care a minimum of twice daily, making sure they have endless access to hay, fresh water, shelter, comradery, and, above all, rest from the tasks of breeding.
How we do it.
Here at Abiding Sunday, we provide a simple and stress-free experience for them. All herds, which are composed of compatible horses, have access to free choice forage in the form of pasture and/or hay, excellent supplemental nutrition, regular health and hoof care, and daily attentive care given by experienced and committed caregivers.
Abiding Sunday uses a classic sanctuary model based on 24/7 pasture turnout with adequate shelter options (barns, run-ins, and loafing sheds) for feeding as well as relief and protection from inclement weather and pests. The mares are referred based on established criteria (e.g. a mare who has been kept for the sole purpose of producing foals).