A Full Circle of Life Horse Shelter takes in any horse regardless of its health, temperament, old age, sickness, or adoptability. The term was first coined by Horse Plus Humane Society in Tennessee, and we have attended their FCOL workshop.

Unfortunately, horses are very expensive animals to provide care for. Most of the requests we get for intake will require significant veterinary costs in addition to the standard costs that every horse needs. Horses often require a longer period of time at the Shelter to find their home, which increases costs, and adoption fees rarely even cover the general costs. We are dependent on donations to provide help.

We recognize that in a crisis, some families can't afford an intake fee, and we can make hardship exceptions on a case by case basis. 

We make every effort to bring in owner surrender horses as soon as funding and space allow. When an opening becomes available, a member of our intake team will reach out to confirm that you still need assistance and begin the intake process.

While we cannot guarantee a specific timeline, we aim to keep the wait as reasonable as possible. To help us manage the list and prioritize active needs, a team member will send a check-in email every two weeks.

If we do not receive a response after three consecutive check-ins, your application will be considered inactive and removed from the waiting list. If your situation changes after removal, you are always welcome to reapply at any time.

No. Gentle Spirit Horses has never euthanized a horse due to lack of space, and we have no intention of doing so.

Our goal with every intake is rehabilitation and adoption. We believe that every horse deserves a chance, and our Pasture Pal companion program has helped find homes for many horses who might otherwise be overlooked due to age, injury, or limitations.

In rare cases where a horse is truly not adoptable—due to severe medical or behavioral challenges—we provide lifelong care through our hospice and long-term resident program. While we are not a sanctuary in the traditional sense, we do maintain space for a small number of horses who require permanent placement. We also work closely with partner organizations when needed to ensure those horses continue to receive quality care.

Our commitment is always to the horse’s quality of life. If a condition causes suffering with no path to comfort or healing, humane euthanasia may be considered—but never as a convenience or for space.

This is one of the most difficult parts of what we do, and we understand how hard it can be to see auction rescue efforts when you're waiting for help with your own horse.

As a rescue, our mission includes rehabilitating and rehoming horses, and we are not a sanctuary—meaning every horse we take in must eventually be adoptable. Many owner surrender requests involve horses who are older, have chronic health or behavioral issues, or are unlikely to be adopted. While we still strive to help these horses, they often require longer-term care and more resources, which limits how many we can take in at one time.

Most horses we rescue from auctions are chosen because they are in immediate danger, often facing slaughter or being passed over due to injury or neglect. While some auction horses go on to recover and find homes, others arrive with significant physical issues that require euthanasia within days or weeks of arrival to relieve suffering. We specifically look for horses that are most in need—not just the most adoptable—and do our best to give them a chance, even if that means offering them a peaceful end.

Auction rescues are also often funded by a different group of donors who are motivated by the urgency and visibility of those situations. These efforts help keep us in the public eye and support all of our work, including our ability to care for harder-to-place horses.

We work hard to balance both types of intake and recognize that every horse matters. We appreciate your understanding as we strive to help horses in need from all backgrounds.

We are a working rescue and cannot guarantee individual updates, but we often share stories on our social media or website when horses are ready for adoption. 

Yes, you may visit your horse by appointment as long as they remain in our care. We ask that you contact us in advance to schedule a visit, as we are a working facility and want to ensure a safe, quiet experience for both horses and visitors.

Once your horse is adopted, however, visitation is no longer possible. We respect the privacy of our adopters and strive to support a smooth transition for the horse into their new home. Many adopters choose to share occasional updates, but ongoing contact is not guaranteed and is at their discretion.

We understand this can be difficult, and we truly appreciate the trust you place in us when you surrender your horse.

In some cases, yes. We may be able to provide support with transportation, presence at euthanasia, or emotional guidance. Contact us to discuss.

Only when medically necessary and advised by our veterinary team. Every effort is made to provide quality of life or humane end-of-life care based on each horse’s needs.

Yes. If euthanasia is required for humane reasons while your horse is still in our care, we will notify you.

We are a rehabilitation and adoption-focused rescue. Horses who are sound, safe, and manageable are typically placed into homes. Those with more complex needs may remain longer or receive hospice care. We suggest reaching out to a Sanctuary based program if you are uncomfortable with the thought of your horse being adopted to a new family.

No. For the privacy of adopters and the security of the horse, we do not facilitate ongoing contact, but you’re welcome to follow our public updates.