Horse Retirement Home in Atglen Borough, PA: 5 Facts to Know

At Barrel Creek Horse Sanctuary, our mission is to provide a safe, peaceful, and dignified retirement for horses who have devoted their lives to humans. As a trusted horse retirement home in Atglen Borough, PA, we specialize in meeting the unique physical, emotional, and nutritional needs of senior horses. Every horse in our care enjoys freedom from riding or labor, living comfortably in a serene environment. To learn more about our compassionate care or schedule a visit, call us today at 610-593-6557.

Here’s a closer look at what a typical day looks like at our horse retirement home in Atglen Borough, PA.

1. Personalized Nutrition Plans for Every Horse

Proper nutrition is essential for the health and well-being of senior horses. At our horse retirement home in Atglen Borough, PA, Barrel Creek Horse Sanctuary carefully assesses each horse’s unique needs to provide tailored diets that support energy, mobility, and overall wellness. Our team carefully evaluates each horse to determine the best combination of feed and supplements.

• Senior-specific feed: We provide high-quality, digestible feeds formulated for the unique needs of older horses, ensuring they receive essential vitamins and minerals.

• Targeted supplements: Joint support, digestive health, and hoof-strengthening supplements are incorporated into each horse’s diet based on their individual needs.

• Fresh hay and clean water: We make sure our horses have constant access to fresh hay and water, allowing them to graze naturally throughout the day.

By creating a custom nutrition plan for each resident, we prevent health issues that commonly affect senior horses, such as weight loss, dental problems, and nutrient deficiencies. This approach ensures that every horse at our horse retirement home in Atglen Borough, PA enjoys their meals while maintaining energy, health, and vitality throughout their retirement years.

2. Structured Turnout Schedules for Physical and Mental Well-being

Daily turnout is more than just exercise—it’s an opportunity for horses to move freely, socialize, and engage in natural behaviors. At our horse retirement home in Atglen Borough, PA, we prioritize structured turnout schedules that balance activity with rest.

• Pasture time: Horses spend several hours each day grazing, roaming, and exploring their surroundings. This natural activity supports muscle tone and cardiovascular health.

• Safe and secure fencing: Our pastures are designed to allow freedom of movement while protecting horses from injury.

• Supervised socialization: Horses are carefully monitored during turnout to ensure that interactions are positive, and that no horse feels stressed or isolated.

Turnout also provides a mental boost, as retired horses enjoy companionship and stimulation in a peaceful environment. This daily routine is a vital part of how our horse retirement home in Atglen Borough, PA delivers comprehensive, holistic care for every horse in our sanctuary.

3. Comprehensive Veterinary and Hoof Care

Senior horses often require more frequent veterinary attention and specialized care. At Barrel Creek Horse Sanctuary, we work closely with veterinarians and farriers to ensure every horse’s health is closely monitored.

• Routine check-ups: Our horses receive regular examinations to detect age-related conditions, including arthritis, dental issues, and metabolic disorders.

• Hoof care: Trimming, shoeing if necessary, and proactive treatment prevent discomfort and support mobility.

• Emergency care: Our team is trained to respond quickly to health emergencies, ensuring that no horse suffers unnecessarily.



This proactive approach allows us to maintain the quality of life for every resident. By focusing on prevention and early intervention, our horse retirement home in Atglen Borough, PA ensures that each horse enjoys their retirement years comfortably and safely.

4. Gentle Handling and Emotional Support

Many horses arriving at Barrel Creek have experienced neglect, stress, or trauma during their working lives. Our staff provides patient, loving attention to help each horse feel secure and valued. We focus on:

• Gentle handling: Our experienced caregivers interact with horses calmly, building trust through consistency and care.

• Emotional support: Horses are given the time and space they need to adjust, helping them heal from past experiences.

• Individual attention: Each horse has unique needs, and our staff ensures that they are met, whether through companionship, grooming, or quiet reflection in a safe environment.

By prioritizing emotional wellness alongside physical health, we create an environment where horses feel respected and loved—a key feature of a quality horse retirement home in Atglen Borough, PA.

5. A Peaceful and Dignified Retirement Environment

At Barrel Creek Horse Sanctuary, we understand that retirement is about more than food and care—it’s about quality of life. Our facility is designed to give horses a serene, stress-free environment where they can live comfortably.

• Spacious pastures: Residents have plenty of room to graze, roam, and enjoy the outdoors.

• Shelters and shaded areas: Protection from harsh weather ensures comfort year-round.

• Quiet surroundings: Our sanctuary is intentionally peaceful, offering a calm atmosphere where retired horses can enjoy their days free from work or stress.

This commitment to tranquility and dignity is what makes our sanctuary stand out as a premier horse retirement home in Atglen Borough, PA.

Supporting Horses in Their Golden Years

At Barrel Creek Horse Sanctuary, we are passionate about providing a loving, respectful, and healthy environment for retired horses. From personalized nutrition and turnout schedules to veterinary care and emotional support, every aspect of our daily routine is designed to give our residents the retirement they deserve. Our mission is simple: no horse should ever be ridden or used for labor again, and every horse deserves comfort, love, and dignity in their golden years.

If you are interested in learning more about our horse retirement home in Atglen Borough, PA, supporting our mission, or visiting our sanctuary, please call 610-593-6557 or visit our contact page today. By reaching out, you can help ensure that our horses continue to receive the compassionate care they deserve.