Susan Unbridled

14/06/2024

The Grotesque Fate of Ireland’s Thoroughbreds: A National Shame

In the shadowy corridors of the slaughter pipeline, the noble thoroughbreds of Ireland face a fate more brutal than any racecourse could ever inflict. These magnificent creatures, who once graced the tracks with their power and grace, now endure unimaginable suffering and cruelty when they are deemed no longer useful and too expensive to keep.

To the authorities and the enablers of this barbaric system, we say: Shame on you! Ireland, the third largest producers of Thoroughbreds in the world is at the epicenter of a grisly expose.

The majority of these horses, who have raced over 3,000 times, are betrayed by a country that should honor their service, not consign them to a grotesque betrayal and violent death. Where is the accountability? Where is the humanity?

Horse Racing Ireland until every Thoroughbred horse is traced and tracked with unwavering diligence this stain of complicities shall remain. The licenses of those who participate in this inhumane trade should be revoked without hesitation. It is a moral imperative that we protect these animals from further abuse and ensure they are treated with the dignity they deserve.

READ MORE HERE:

An investigation has been launched into what appears to be an EU-wide horse passport fraud and smuggling operation after hidden cameras captured Irish racehorses being killed for human consumption. An hour-long documentary by Irish broadcaster RTE titled ‘Horses: Making a Killing’ aired on Wedne...

14/06/2024

Karen Soeters' bewilderment at the NVWA's lack of thorough checks is entirely justified. The Netherlands, once again, finds itself at the epicenter of a web of animal suffering. This situation is not merely a national issue but a stain on the collective conscience of Europe. The ease with which fake passports can be obtained, circumventing necessary veterinary oversight, underscores a systemic failure that invites exploitation and perpetuates suffering.

It is time for authorities to step up and put an end to this barbarity. The exploitation and mistreatment of racehorses, animals that have given their lives to human sport, must be stopped. We demand rigorous enforcement of animal welfare laws, stringent checks on animal transports, and a complete overhaul of the passport issuance system to close these gaping loopholes.

This tragic situation should provoke outrage and action. The plight of these thoroughbreds is a sobering reminder of the cruelty that can thrive in the shadows of indifference and negligence. It is a call to arms for all who value animal rights and dignity to stand up, speak out, and demand change. Anything less is a tacit endorsement of this vile and inhumane trade.

Irish and British racehorses no longer used in sporting contests are ending up in the Dutch food chain because of horse traders in the Netherlands, House of Animals announced on Thursday. Horse meat was found in snacks like bitterballen and croquettes, which were sold at food wholesalers, according....

14/06/2024

🎈Save the Date: July 27th, 2024 🐴💖🎊

Join me to celebrate the closing of our 60-piece exhibit "The Art of US" at the SUFFERN FREE LIBRARY from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

This is a special event to bookend our amazing journey showcasing the candid beauty of the horses, donkeys, and Arnie TheMule who dwell in peace at Unbridled Sanctuary.

Spaces are limited to 75 attendees, so sign up now on Eventbrite to secure your spot!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bookending-the-exhibit-the-art-of-us-closing-celebration-tickets-925927031677

Join US to honor the Horses, Donkeys, and Arnie The Mule in Celebration of a 60-piece, 60-day Exhibit of The Art of US at the SFL

06/06/2024

Friends & 💖 I am overjoyed to bring "The Art of US" to a new community in Suffern, ROCKLAND COUNTY! As both an artist with work in the exhibit and the curator, I'd be delighted if those of you in the area would join me at the Opening Reception on Monday evening, June 10th, between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM at the SUFFERN FREE LIBRARY 📚

This opening reception will be a wonderful time of fellowship, featuring incredible charcuterie boards exclusively prepared by Sun Canyon Kitchen. You'll also have the chance to meet M.O.M., the mother of Arnie TheMule, whose artistry made this exhibit possible.

Space is limited to 100 attendees, so please sign up early! RSVP is requested, and those who do will receive a special Unbridled swag bag with your name on it.

RSVP on eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/opening-reception-the-art-of-us-at-the-suffern-free-library-tickets-920883215487

Your presence will make this special event even more meaningful as we give voice to our equine friends, and champion for their lifelong care and protection. Together, we can make a lasting difference and celebrate the incredible bond we share with these noble beings. The beauty, majesty, resilience, and spirit of the equines of Unbridled Sanctuary is yours for the asking. Join US, ~Susan Kayne 💕

26/05/2024

Arnie: The Muse Behind Our Upcoming Exhibit

I am overjoyed to share a peek of the pieces I have curated for the new exhibit "The Art of US" opening at the Suffern Free Library in June. Among the featured pieces are Arnie TheMule. Arnie's transformation from a neglected, slaughter-bound work mule to a cherished resident at Unbridled Sanctuary is an inspiring story of hope, redemption, and renewal.

Today, Arnie is more than a survivor; he is a muse. His story of overcoming adversity and finding love and care at Unbridled is captured in vibrant pop art, symbolizing his spirit and transformation.

Join me in celebrating Arnie’s legacy and the art he has inspired.

The exhibit runs from June 1st to July 31st, with an opening reception on June 11th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the SUFFERN FREE LIBRARY: https://www.suffernfreelibrary.org/visit/event-calendar/

15/04/2024

David Whyte's "Sweet Darkness" held my hand through a profoundly challenging time, gently lifting me from the depths of isolation and despair. I know many of us are facing moments of loneliness and pain, feeling adrift in our own silences. This poem brought me solace, and I share it with you now, not as a prescription, but as an open invitation—a soft whisper that, perhaps, might also bring light your way. Here it is, for anyone who feels lost and is searching for a path back to themselves:

SWEET DARKNESS

When your eyes are tired
the world is tired also.

When your vision has gone,
no part of the world can find you.

Time to go into the dark
where the night has eyes
to recognize its own.

There you can be sure
you are not beyond love.

The dark will be your home
tonight.

The night will give you a horizon
further than you can see.

You must learn one thing.
The world was made to be free in.

Give up all the other worlds
except the one to which you belong.

Sometimes it takes darkness
and the sweet confinement
of your aloneness
to learn

anything or anyone
that does not bring you alive
is too small for you.

— From "River Flow: New and Selected Poems" by David Whyte, © David Whyte and Many Rivers Press

May you find in these words a moment of peace and a sense that, even in solitude, you are never truly alone.

07/04/2024

Our beloved Tessie seems to be hinting at a very special arrival. Based on her recent antics, her body language, and yes, her milk bag, we’re about to meet a new little one within the next 48 hours. In a bit of playful timing, we’re calling this much-anticipated foal. Given Tessie’s signals, could we be on the verge of welcoming Baby Eclipse just in time for an actual Eclipse? TESSIE Was rescued at AUCTION when outbid the Kill brokers to save her life! At the time we didn’t know the secret, she was carrying!

29/03/2024

Stepping through the annals of time, we find that the most heartfelt gatherings often occur in the most unexpected of places.

Our 'Table In The Stable' events at Unbridled Sanctuary, where bubbles meet whinnies and light fare is shared from plate to stall, are not just a modern-day marvel but a continuation of a tradition that transcends borders and eras. This tradition, as I've discovered, was not ours to claim first. This captivating photograph from a 1960s event in Germany, set in the aisle of a stable, mirrors the essence of our gatherings today. It's a beautiful reminder that the bond between humans and horses, celebrated over shared meals and stories, is a timeless one. Our equine friends have always been, and will always be, esteemed guests and central figures in our lives.

❤️

27/03/2024

A gift for all time. Thank you Karen 💞

27/03/2024

In the shadow of an unthinkable cruelty case, this moment captured a promise made. It has taken five years to distill that eternal pledge into verse, an untitled poem that I now share with you. It is my goal this year to publish a book of my poetry, and a children’s story that shares the real rescue story of Touching My Toes. This poem, and the many stories yet to be told, are my tribute to the souls we’ve saved, the hearts we’ve touched, and the unbreakable bonds that have formed along the way.

Poem … to be titled …

I never owned her, my influence as absent as silence in the clamor of her world. From the moment she was conceived, I was merely a witness, my hands supporting her mother, my heart entwined with a life unfolding at the mercy of others.

Through her races, her triumphs, I was a shadow, cheering from a distance, my pride in her achievements as distant as the stars. When she fell at Belmont, a spectator I remained, my voice drowned out by the thunder of defeat, my desire to reach out restrained by the chains of circumstance.

Her need for rescue was a siren call I felt but could not answer, my will against her fate as feeble as whispers against the storm. I called to the heavens, not for intervention, but for the softening of hearts, for a chance to change her destiny.

Then, the day arrived when fate turned its gaze, allowing me a say. When she came before me, it was not as an owner to a possession but as a soul greeting another. I welcomed her with a kiss, not of ownership, but of kinship, from the depths of my being, a silent vow of sanctuary.

This tale is not of ownership, but of connection—a bond formed not through titles or claims, but through shared moments of vulnerability and strength. It's a story of finally having a say, not to dictate her fate, but to offer refuge, to be a voice for one who had been voiceless, to say, "You are home."

© Susan Kayne 2019-2024.

26/03/2024

My is 15 today. HBD Speedy 🐴🎂💕

24/03/2024

SNOWBALL ❄️ resident baby donkey at

22/03/2024

Mastering the ‘Sanctuary Chic’ look—one layer at a time!

16/03/2024

St. Catrick’s Day 🐈😻🍀

07/03/2024

🌟 A Milestone Moment 🌟

TWO YEARS AGO TODAY, Fudge Ripple shines on the front page of the Times Union, symbolizing hope and the transformative love at Unbridled Sanctuary. This isn't just a photo; it's a story of resilience, a testament to what we stand for.

Fudge Ripple, a granddaughter of the Triple Crown Winner AFFIRMED, once in the shadows of the slaughter pipeline, now illuminates the power of second chances and the strength found in US.

This recognition is ours—every supporter, friend, and believer in our mission to cherish and protect every equine soul. It’s a call to action: let’s continue to make a difference together. Your support allows US to protect vulnerable mares like Fudge Ripple.

Join me in celebrating this achievement and consider extending your support. Every share, donation, or sponsorship weaves into the larger tapestry of hope we're creating at Unbridled Sanctuary. Together, we are their voice.

Thank you for standing with US. Let’s keep the momentum going.

21/02/2024

WHAT IS WITHIN YOU | “Think of the world you carry within you…be it remembrance of your own childhood or longing for your own future. Only be attentive to what is arising in you, and prize it above all that you perceive around you. What happens most deeply inside you is worthy of your whole love. Work with that and don’t waste too much time and courage explaining it to other people.”

Rainer Maria Rilke | Letters to a Young Poet 12.23.1903

17/02/2024

Heartbroken to share the loss of Steven Wise, a hero in animal ethics and law. His legacy as a pioneer who championed animal rights globally is unparalleled. I was blessed to know Steve, whose wisdom and commitment to justice have deeply inspired me and many others. He taught groundbreaking animal law courses worldwide, fundamentally shaping the field and advocating for animals’ rights and dignity.

Steve’s impact will forever resonate in our hearts and in the ongoing fight for a just world for all beings. We pledge to honor his legacy by continuing his work with the same fervor and dedication. Rest in peace, Steve. Your light guides us forward.

.rights.project

16/02/2024

… ok, cats out of the bag, friends here you go. This is the real reason it’s so hard to get things on my calendar! 🐈‍⬛

20/01/2024

As dusk embraces the farm, silence is broken only by the crunch of snow underfoot and the howl of the wind.

Caring for is not merely a task; it is a privilege, a sacred duty.

In this biting cold, my heart is filled with gratitude for the honor of this work and for all who stand with

17/01/2024

Happy 6th SAVAVERSARY to I’m Lucky at 🐴💗🎉

02/12/2023

Amidst the daily hustle at Unbridled, SnowFlake and SnowBall find a moment of pure joy over a simple feast. These beautiful souls, once on the brink of slaughter, now savor the sweetness of Sanctuary life, thanks to the love and support from our and Unbridled Community.

24/11/2023

I didn't eat a turkey yesterday and I didn't buy anything today.

21/11/2023

As we paint our lives with the colors of our passions and pursuits, let this be a reminder: the canvas of possibility is vast and forgiving. Dare to envision your most vibrant dreams, and with courage, bring them to life. Each stroke of effort, each hue of bravery, blends into the masterpiece of your journey. 🎨✨

16/11/2023

The eye of Arnie, the most beautiful mule I have ever met.

23/10/2023

This precious soul named Tessie, who served her people well for 12 years was thrown away at Auction. Thanks to the support of the incredibly compassionate and kind hearted community who supports she was saved and is now in Sanctuary at Unbridled 🐴💕

18/10/2023

In a world that often feels heavy with chaos, E.B. White's timeless wisdom resonates now more than ever: 'Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.' This is a choice that remains steadfastly in our control, regardless of our circumstances. It is a gentle but urgent reminder that we are here for but a brief moment, a miraculous pause above the clay.

Let's take this to heart and live our days steeped in awe, wonder, and kindness. For it is in recognizing the extraordinary within the ordinary that we elevate not just our own spirits, but those of everyone around us. In times of uncertainty, let wonder be our compass, guiding us toward the untold miracles that await our notice.

🌟💫

15/09/2023

The best view …

05/09/2023

🐴 Extraordinary Souls Shaping a Beautiful Equine Future 🌟👫

📸 Meet Volunteers Lilly & Melody, two incredible young champions, the rising stars of equestrian excellence who hold so much more than just talent in their hearts. They also aspire to run their own horse rescue and sanctuary.

In them, we see hope. We see a future where horses are not just appreciated for their speed, agility, or showmanship but for their innate value as living beings. They will be the next generation of guardians, caretakers, and perhaps most importantly, friends to these majestic animals. 🌟 🌱🐴

Share the love and give them a big cheer! These extraordinary young people are the real champions we all need.