Our Vision

To be a model sanctuary that promotes a safe and dignified life for all equines.

Our Mission

To provide a safe and comfortable retirement alternative for aged and infirm horses to live out their lives and to offer educational opportunities on equine welfare.

Our Philosophy

We believe that horses have a right to a quality life of comfort and care even if they are no longer useful to man. We strive to provide an exceptional equine retirement community where horses are free to remember—or in some cases learn—what it means to be a horse in a more natural, pastoral setting. “Care” is our operative word: caring, well-trained people providing outstanding care that is personalized to each horse’s individual needs and personality. We combine the benefits of a pastoral environment where horses are free to bond with each other and experience carefully tended pastures with the advantages of daily human care, feeding, grooming, and love.

Professionalism & Passion

~ Equine retirement is our ONLY business.

~ Our herd’s well-being is our first priority and our commitment to each horse is 24/7, all day, every day.

~ We are fully accredited by The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and hold the Equus Foundation Mentor Seal proving a rigorous peer review of all standards and practices from governance and financial to equine care and management best practices.

~ We follow the AAEP (American Assoc. of Equine Practitioners) Care Guidelines For Rescue and Retirement Facilities.

Who We Are

~ Founded in August of 2004 by Dee Doolittle.

~ Received IRS 501(c)3 status September 28, 2005.

~ Named as a Connecticut Horse Farm of Environmental Distinction.

~ In 2018, Mitchell Farm received a Governor's proclamation declaring the fourth week in May as Connecticut Older Horse Week, which was later voted into law.

~ Located on 50 acres in scenic Salem, CT.

~ Permanent sanctuary to 30 horses & 4 donkeys. They come from all equestrian disciplines and all levels. Most come from the Northeast, but also as far away as MN, OH, SC, GA, PA.

~ Have given permanent sanctuary to 124 equines since 2004.

~ We have over 30 horses on our waiting list.

~ Horses are lovingly cared for by 4 staff & 54 volunteers.

~ Community Outreach includes:

Community College Vet Tech class on basic horse handling, grooming & vital signs. Also, opportunities for community service hours for teens with high school requirements as well as court-ordered community service. Individual tours by request. School field trips. Open Barn and Family Fun Day. Social media.

How We Are Funded

~ 55% Contributions & gifts from annual appeal mailing, cornerstone supporters, social media, and monthly donors.

~ 25% fundraising events. In 2024, we are planning three major events and 4-6 smaller events.

~ 20% Grants from private foundations (non-governmental) including The Equus Foundation, The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the AAEP Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign, The Brennan Equine Welfare Fund, and several private family foundations.

Why We Are Fundraising

We are fundraising to ensure that we can continue providing a safe and comfortable retirement for aged and infirm horses, offering them the care and dignity they deserve.

Who/What We Are Fundraising For

We are raising funds for Mitchell Farm, a sanctuary dedicated to providing permanent care for retired horses and donkeys.