Helping Horses In Need
Storeybrook Farm Sanctuary Advocates For America’s Forgotten Horses

By Sydney Jones

You don’t have to be a large-scale operation to make a difference, you just have to be passionate enough to facilitate change. Olivia Alcorta, founder and owner of Storeybrook Farm Sanctuary Inc., works to do just that every day.

The nonprofit horse rescue is dedicated to protecting horses in need by providing sanctuary and driving awareness to end the export and inhumane slaughter of American horses. By focusing on three main initiatives — rescue, advocacy and rehabilitation — the small, nine-stall farm has saved more than 275 horses in just over two years and has no plans of slowing down.

Nestled on an 18-acre plot that was purchased by Alcorta and her husband, Storeybrook Farm Sanctuary opened in early 2021 to save lives and promote equine welfare. The organization actively rescues horses from inhumane situations all across the United States, providing them with a safe place to live in peace.

They also use their voice to help horses, spreading knowledge and support for animals that have been mistreated. Most importantly, the organization aids in the animals’ recovery efforts, no matter what the outcome looks like. Returning to competition is oftentimes the utmost priority for injured or neglected horses, but for Storeybrook Farm Sanctuary, a happy and healthy animal is always the end goal.

During her personal riding career, Alcorta frequented the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington. Year after year, she would make the trip south to compete in different amateur jumper divisions throughout the circuit. Her competitive career ultimately fostered a love for horses that became the driving force behind Storeybrook Farm Sanctuary.

Not every horse is meant to be a show jumper, but every horse is meant to be treated with the love and care they deserve.

“I rescued our first horse, Abe, from a kill pen in July 2020. Everyone told me I was crazy and that all the horses in those pens were in there for a reason and were dangerous. I was terrified for Abe to arrive, but the moment he got off the trailer, he buried his head into my body and has wanted to be there ever since. He is gentleness personified and one of the most special horses I’ve ever known,” Alcorta said. “After saving and getting to know him, I knew I had to help more horses like Abe. From there, a mission was born and is fueled every day by his presence and all the other souls we’ve been fortunate enough to save.”

Taking care of neglected and abused horses isn’t a one-woman show. Alcorta relies on a dedicated group of individuals to help bring her vision to life. The daily undertaking they have to shoulder to give these animals the life they deserve is extensive, and the nonprofit appreciates any and all volunteers.

“Our day starts with giving all of the horses their breakfast. We do a mixture of triple crown grain, shredded beetroot, horse guard supplements and whatever individual medicine they require,” Alcorta said. “The horses are then moved to their respective paddocks, and we start with morning chores. As the morning wraps up, we will tend to any medical needs that the horses require, as we typically always have a medically intensive case here at the sanctuary. We will then do some training with the orphan foals or ride the horses. We usually take a midday rest before it is time for evening chores, and I will do a night check as well.”

However, the conversation doesn’t end with Storeybrook Farm Sanctuary. As a sanctuary with limited space, there is always something more that the horse world can be doing to support these animals.

“I think the best way to advocate for abused and neglected horses is to shed as much light on the issue as possible,” Alcorta said. “Share on social media pages, talk about it with people who may not be aware, and generally just get this issue in front of as many eyes as possible. Ignorance is bliss, but change happens when we bring this darkness into the light.”

What started as a scary idea for Alcorta has developed into an operation that is more than she could’ve ever dreamed of. For future endeavors, she hopes to acquire more land to be able to save and care for more of America’s forgotten horses.

“I think every horse that comes here is a success story for us,” she said. “Each horse that our mission gets to touch and change is a major victory. Every day that we are still operating and giving them the care and life they deserve is the ultimate success for me.

Learn more about Storeybrook Farm at www.storeybrookfarmsanctuary.com.