Previously a Texas cattle ranch, Blue Horse Sanctuary transforms itself into a Verified equine sanctuary and becomes certified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

May 11, 2022 (Bluff Dale, TX) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to the Blue Horse Sanctuary as of April 19, 2022.

Verification means that the Blue Horse Sanctuary meets the criteria of a true equine sanctuary/rescue and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Verified status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and they must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. The Verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize Blue Horse Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.

“I have ridden – as well as painted – horses all my life and now am so honored to be able to give back a small portion of what they have given me – love, friendship and spiritual insight. To date Blue Horse Sanctuary has provided a home for 28 equines, complete with health care, nutrition, a loving environment with room to roam, and the freedom to live out their lives in peace,” said Melissa Auberty, Executive Director, Blue Horse Sanctuary.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Blue Horse Sanctuary,” said Traci Hanson, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “Not only is Blue Horse a forever home for horses and burros, but the sanctuary also donates hay grown at the sanctuary to other equine organizations in need. It is a great organization doing good work, and it deserves to be recognized for that.”

The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by a generous grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® and the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust.

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Blue Horse Sanctuary
Blue Horse Sanctuary provides a lifetime of care for unwanted and abused horses and donkeys. We are honored each and every day to care for these beautiful animals, and to provide them with a safe and caring home. The Blue Horse Sanctuary is located on the Wild Wood Ranch, located about 90 miles southwest of Dallas and 70 miles south of Fort Worth.

Blue Horse Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) charity, founded by artist Melissa Auberty, who, after a lifetime of pleasure working with and painting these beautiful, sensitive animals, wanted to give back to them by providing a permanent home to as many horses as possible at her family ranch. Known for her large, expressionistic, equine paintings, Auberty has dedicated all proceeds from her iconic Blue Horse Series and the Prints of Blue Horses to the support of the foundation.

Blue Horse Sanctuary is governed by a compassionate group of individuals who are dedicated to our mission and efforts.

Download press release.