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Serenity Oaks Equine Sanctuary
Home of Serenity Oaks Equine Sanctuary
PLYMOUTH, MI
Location: The equine will be located at Serenity Oaks Equine Sanctuary, 6279 N Territorial, PLYMOUTH, MI 48170
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Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 25
The organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 3 Run-in sheds: 8
Pastures: 5 Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 3
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 0 Covered Outdoor Rings: 0
Indoor Rings: 1
Horses have assigned stalls in the structure(s) or exclusively assigned shelter locations where they are separated from other horses with a barrier.
Horses are stalled for 1-3; hours per day, on average.
Horse Turn Out Practices:
Equines are out 24/7 except they are brought in to feed
Equines are out 24/7 except they are brought in if there is inclement weather
Equines are out 24/7 except when they are being trained
Equines are out 24/7 except when they are used for the conduct of the organization's programs
The following describes the pastures at this facility:
A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for pasture management
All pastures are fenced to prevent escape or injury
Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly
Pastures are rotated
Pastures have natural protection for equines (i.e., trees)
Pastures have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)
The following describes the turnout areas other than pastures at this facility:
All turnout areas are fenced to prevent escape or injury
Turnout areas have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)
Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly
Clean, potable water is available at all times for all equines, or if not at all times, at least twice daily
Hoof care is provided for each horse: Every 4-8 weeks and when an issue arises
Dental care is provided for each horse: Annually and when an issue arises
Each horse is visually and physically checked by personnel at the facility: Every day or 6 days a week
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The organization requires the following with respect to the health status of the equine prior to acceptance and arrival at the organization:
If health records are not available or are out-of-date, our veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations
The organization has the following policies in place prior to an equine being accepted and/or arriving at the facility:
The owner of a potential equine is interviewed over the phone or in person prior to seeing the equine
Equines are not taken on trial
The organization assesses equines for following skills and behaviors:
Retrieval from a pasture/paddock
Leading with a halter and lead rope
Temperament, disposition and attitude, such as rated from very calm to very high spirited
Saddling
Bridling
Lunging
Loading onto and unloading off a trailer
Mounting and dismounting
Riding at the walk
Riding at the trot
Riding at the canter
Riding by a beginner and/or unbalanced rider
Tolerance to unusual objects and loud noises
Known vices, i.e., cribbing, biting, kicking, weaving, stall walking, etc
Grooming
Bathing
Tolerance to multiple handlers at the same time
Following arrival at the facility, the following is performed:
Physical examination to include temperature, pulse and respiration by a veterinarian upon arrival
Physical examination to include temperature, pulse and respiration by a trained staff member upon arrival
Photographs are taken of each equine upon arrival at the facility and kept with the equine's health records
A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned by a veterinarian upon arrival
Physical examination by a farrier
Physical examination by a dentist
Coggins test
Blood work other than Coggins
Fecal test
Vaccinations
De-worming
The equine is scanned to check for a microchip
The equine is microchipped if the equine has not been microchipped
The equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine at the facility for a prescribed period of time
Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually by the veterinarian
Photographs are taken of each equine annually and kept with the equine's health records
Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine chiropractor
Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine massage therapist
Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist
Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually
Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding):
As needed; no set schedule
Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the weight-carrying or workload capabilities of horses/equines that are ridden in our care:
Our organization evaluates at least annually and maintains a written record of the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden
The following variables are considered in determining the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden:
Equine age, weight, breed, body condition, fitness, balance, health and soundness
Equine conformation to include the top line, length of back, strength and width of loin, bone density (measured by the circumference of the cannon bone just below the knee)
Size, shape, condition and angle of the hooves
Participant weight, height, body proportions, balance, fitness and riding skills as well as behavioral issues and safety concerns
Weight and proper fit of the saddle and other equipment
Terrain and footing in the working environment
Duration and frequency of working sessions, as the frequency with which an equine is subjected to maximum weight carrying and/or workload
Nature and pace of work, repetitive or varied, radius of turns, degree of incline and regularity of footing when equine is subject to maximum weight-carrying capacity
Temperature and/or weather conditions
Seasonal impact on the equines' workload and weight-carrying capabilities and limitations
Additional information about intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
Serenity Oaks Equine Sanctuary places a profound emphasis on the well-being of the equines under our care, as well as the safety of anyone who interacts with them. Upon their arrival, the equines are given time for decompression and undergo evaluations by the Founder, Co-Founder, veterinarian, and lead volunteers.
The insights gained from these assessments are then shared with volunteers who will be working with the equines. We pay particular attention to safety concerns, especially in cases involving fearful or aggressive behavior, as it is crucial to develop positive strategies for addressing these behaviors post-decompression. We make every possible effort to employ positive reinforcement and engagement techniques to cultivate safe and dependable equine partners. In some instances, if necessary, Serenity Oaks Equine Sanctuary may seek external assistance to address behavioral issues.
The organization has the following policies related to breeding and stallions:
Our organization does not conduct breeding of equines owned or under the care of our organization.
Our main facility where our organization conducts its programs does NOT breed equines.
Additional information about breeding policies and practices:
Serenity Oaks Equine Sanctuary adheres to our mission and vision, which expressly prohibits horse breeding. We also have a policy against allowing uncastrated horses on the premises.
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Rehoming
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
All potential adopters/purchasers complete a written contract which constitutes the agreement between our organization and the new owner
Our organization will only re-home an equine to a location where another equine resides
Potential adopters/purchasers must visit our organization and be observed with the equine on site
The distance of a potential adopter/purchaser's home from our facility is a consideration for when re-homing an equine
Our organization conducts a site visit of the adopter/purchaser's facility before the transfer of the equine to the adopter/purchaser's facility
The agreement reflects that any individual or organization in possession of the equine as of the date of the agreement and any time thereafter is bound to not sell the equine at auction for slaughter or allow the equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that will cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter.
The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, the adopter must grant the organization first right of refusal prior to the equine being placed into the possession of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason.
The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must be notified of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization.
The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must grant approval of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization, including being provided written notification of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason.
The agreement states that re-homed equines cannot be bred
The agreement states that if there is any breach of contract the equine must be returned to our organization
The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make unannounced visits
The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for one year
The organization requires references from the following:
Veterinarian
Farrier
Personal/Other
Transfer of ownership occurs:
After one year
has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization, and/or are no longer manageable:
Equines may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
Equines may be found suitable homes by our organization
In the case an equine is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
In the case an equine is unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
View Re-homing Agreement
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The organization has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization, and/or are no longer manageable:
Equines may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
Equines may be found suitable homes by our organization
In the case an equine is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
In the case an equine is unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
The organization has the following policies related to euthanasia:
Our organization will never have an equine euthanized for space
Our organization will have an equine euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian if the equine is a threat to itself, other equines, or people
Our organization will have an equine euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian after all reasonable treatment options have been explored
Euthanasia is done on site when possible to decrease trauma from transport
Disposal of the carcass is handled within 24 hours
The following are authorized to administer the procedure for the organization in accordance with state laws:
Veterinarian
Additional information about the euthanasia policies and practices:
Serenity Oaks Equine Sanctuary maintains a positive and supportive relationship with our primary veterinarian, Dr. Lobar. Given our mission, which involves the rescue of horses with advanced age and complex medical conditions, we have consistently collaborated closely with Dr. Lobar to diagnose, monitor, treat, and manage these conditions. We diligently adhere to all of the veterinarian's recommendations and timeframes for euthanasia, ensuring that no equine under our care experiences uncontrolled pain or distress.
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Serenity Oaks Equine Sanctuary
6279 N Territorial
PLYMOUTH MI 48170
586-864-3344
Last Updated 2025-06-17
Public Charity
Mission/How we are involved with horses:
Our mission is to provide a safety net for Thoroughbreds in need. For some, this means rehabilitation and retraining to prepare them for adoption into loving homes. For others, particularly those with advanced age or medical complications, this means permanent retirement at our sanctuary, where they can live out their lives in peace and comfort.
Primary Focus involving horses
(Horse Welfare, Public Service, Sport & Recreation):
Horse Welfare
The organization operates programs involved with horse rescue, foster care, rehabilitation, adoption and/or retirement. The organization's primary activity is equine rescue, adoption & retirement.
The organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of equines involved in the organization's programs.
The organization conducts Equine Assisted Services (EAS) in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine-Assisted Services (EAS)). The organization provides outreach and/or public education programs involving horses. Over 90% of our total programs and services are equine-related.
The organization conducts its horse-related programs at one facility.
The organization operates programs involved with horses and other animals.
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EIN: 88-061480
Founded: 2022
2025
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2497/3820/502
