One of the biggest miniature horse rescues in the eastern United States sits on a private property in Tennessee. You can only visit by appointment or during special events.
I love that detail, because it sounds like a secret club for tiny hooves.
Then I kept digging. The state’s oldest and largest equine rescue has worked alongside law enforcement since 1999.
Another farm focuses almost entirely on donkeys, including the ones too fragile or quirky to ever be adopted.
The farms on this list take in horses, mules, and donkeys that were neglected, abused, or simply unwanted. Caretakers help them heal, trust people again, and find new homes.
Some stay for good as sanctuary residents.
Most of these spots sit within an easy drive of Nashville, Knoxville, or Chattanooga. So which long-eared or long-maned friend is waiting closest to you?
1. Mules N More Rescue and Rehab, Mt. Juliet, TN
Mules rarely get top billing, so a rescue that puts them right in its name deserves a round of applause. Mules N More Rescue and Rehab proudly makes the long-eared crowd its main focus.
The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based on a working farm along Harkreader Road. Its mission centers on the rescue and rehabilitation of neglected farm animals.
Why does that matter? Mules are tough, smart, and famously opinionated, but they still need patient care after hard times.
A rescue built around them understands their quirks. That focus helps set this farm apart from the many horse-only groups across Tennessee.
The name also hints at the bigger picture. The “More” part tells you the farm cares for other neglected farm animals too, not just mules.
Location is a real perk here. Mt.
Juliet sits just east of Nashville, so the farm is an easy drive for city folks who want to support local animal welfare.
You don’t have to be a farmer to help, either. Nonprofits like this depend on community donations and support to keep feed, hay, and care flowing.
Fun fact for your next trivia night? A mule is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, and that mix gives it strength plus a sturdy sense of self.
If you have a soft spot for underdogs, this is your kind of farm. Reach out before you visit so you can plan the best way to lend a hand.
Address: 940 Harkreader Rd, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
2. Horse Haven of Tennessee, Seymour, TN
Since 1999, one East Tennessee farm has been the place horses go when they need a fresh start. Horse Haven of Tennessee calls itself the state’s largest and oldest equine rescue.
That’s a big claim, and the work behind it is just as big. The team partners with law enforcement and animal welfare agencies to help abused and neglected horses.
Horses that arrive here get shelter, medical care, and training. The goal is simple: get them healthy and ready for loving new homes.
Education plays a major role too. The rescue advocates for equine welfare through community programs, adoption efforts, and outreach.
Volunteers sit at the heart of the operation. Their dedication shows in the way they care for the horses and give them a real shot at a good life.
Want to get involved? Volunteering, donating, and adopting are all ways to support the mission.
Seymour sits close to Knoxville and the busy Smoky Mountain corridor. That makes the rescue an easy add-on for families heading toward the mountains for a weekend.
Imagine telling your friends you spent part of your trip helping a horse heal instead of standing in a tourist line. That’s a story worth sharing.
The organization invites people to visit and learn about its second-chance mission. Check ahead for visiting options so your trip lines up with what the farm can offer that day.
Address: 608 Old Brookhaven Farm Rd, Seymour, TN 37865
3. Horse Plus Humane Society, Hohenwald, TN
Out in the quiet hills of Lewis County, a rescue is busy turning frightened horses into confident partners. Horse Plus Humane Society specializes in horse rehabilitation and adoption.
The approach covers the whole journey. Staff rescue, care for, train, and rehome horses with a strong sense of responsibility.
Training is a key piece of the puzzle. A horse with good manners and solid groundwork has a far better chance of thriving in a new home.
So the team gives each animal the care and schooling it needs first. Then comes the happy part: placement in a forever home.
Hohenwald might surprise you if you’ve never visited. It’s a small town southwest of Nashville, and the drive takes you through scenic Middle Tennessee countryside.
The rescue keeps weekday hours from Monday through Thursday. It closes Friday through Sunday, so plan a weekday trip if you’d like to stop by.
Thinking about adopting? A rescue that focuses on training can help match you with a horse that fits your skills and lifestyle.
Even if a horse isn’t in your future, your support still counts. Donations and community help keep hay in the barn and hooves trimmed.
The best part is knowing the horses leave better than they arrived. That’s a goal any animal lover can cheer for.
Address: 600 Charles McClearan Rd, Hohenwald, TN 38462
4. Crossroads Donkey Rescue, Fayetteville, TN
Big ears, bigger personalities. Crossroads Donkey Rescue is all about the animals that hee-haw their way into your heart.
The nonprofit focuses on saving abused, neglected, and unwanted donkeys. Once they arrive, the donkeys are socialized and rehabilitated so they can move on to loving homes.
Here’s what makes this farm stand out. Some donkeys can’t be adopted because of health or behavior issues, and Crossroads gives them permanent sanctuary instead.
That promise means no donkey gets left behind. Even the cranky ones get a safe pasture to call their own.
Socialization is a big deal for donkeys. They’re cautious by nature, so patient handling helps them learn to trust people again.
Fun fact: donkeys are known for strong friendships with other donkeys. Many do best in pairs, which is something adopters often keep in mind.
Fayetteville sits in southern Tennessee near the Alabama line. That puts the farm within reach of Huntsville folks and anyone driving down from Nashville.
The rescue lists hours across the week, including weekend afternoons. Friday runs on a morning schedule, so double-check before you head out.
Curious about adding a long-eared buddy to your family? Talking with a donkey-focused rescue is a smart first step.
Address: 1 Towry Rd, Fayetteville, TN 37334
5. East Tennessee Miniature Horse And Donkey Rescue (by appointment only), Loudon, TN
Tiny hooves, huge mission. East Tennessee Miniature Horse And Donkey Rescue describes itself as the largest miniature equine rescue in the Eastern States.
Pretty impressive for animals that barely reach your waist. The rescue cares for miniature horses and miniature donkeys that need a new start.
Many of these little guys arrive needing serious help. Over time, they are rehabilitated into healthy, happy companions.
Watching so many minis come in and fully recover is part of what makes this rescue so special. The transformation is the whole point.
Now for the important part. The rescue operates on a private residence, so it isn’t open to the public.
Visits are limited to approved adopters and special events held throughout the year. The rescue shares event dates on its Facebook page, so that’s the place to watch.
Why choose a mini? They can fit into smaller properties than full-size horses, though they still need real care and companionship.
Loudon sits between Knoxville and Chattanooga along the Tennessee River. That makes event days an easy outing for families on either end of East Tennessee.
Mark your calendar when the next event pops up. Meeting these pint-sized survivors in person might be the cutest thing you do all year.
Address: 6545 Calloway Rd, Loudon, TN 37774
6. Steele Magnolia Sanctuary, Cedar Hill, TN
Some horses arrive needing a home for good, and Steele Magnolia Sanctuary gives them exactly that. The registered 501(c)(3) offers a permanent refuge for abandoned, abused, and neglected horses.
Permanent is the key word. Residents here can settle in for life instead of waiting on their next move.
The healing goes both ways. The sanctuary offers Therapeutic Equine Assisted Activities that bring hope to children and adults.
Horses can be wonderful listeners. Spending time with them may help people feel calmer and more connected.
The grounds earn plenty of love too. The property is known for being beautiful and peaceful, a fitting home for horses that once had it rough.
Visitors can see and interact with rescued horses that are now well cared for. Their happy, relaxed attitudes say a lot about the care they receive.
Cedar Hill sits in Robertson County, north of Nashville near the Kentucky line. The drive is a pleasant country escape from the city.
Plan around the schedule, which runs Thursday through Saturday. The sanctuary closes Sunday through Wednesday.
Looking for a weekend outing that feeds your soul? This peaceful farm might be just the reset you need.
Address: 3441 Kinneys Rd, Cedar Hill, TN 37032
7. River Edge Farm Horse Rescue, Inc., Lyles, TN
A farm with a name like River Edge already sounds like a peaceful place to heal. River Edge Farm Horse Rescue, Inc. works to give surrendered and abused horses a fresh start.
The rescue runs as a working farm shelter. Neglected horses are nursed back to health with steady, hands-on care.
Compassion is clearly the driving force. The people behind this rescue truly care for the animals in their charge.
That kind of devotion matters. Recovering horses often need time, patience, and consistent attention before they trust again.
Lyles is a small community in Hickman County, southwest of Nashville. The road there winds through creek valleys and rolling Middle Tennessee farmland.
It’s the kind of drive that makes you slow down. Perfect for a Saturday when you want quiet country views.
Smaller rescues like this one often lean heavily on community support. Donations, supplies, and volunteer help can make a real difference in daily care.
Want to visit or help out? Reach out to the rescue first so you can find the best way to pitch in.
Rounding out this list, River Edge is a reminder that big hearts thrive in small places. Tennessee’s rescue farms prove second chances are worth the drive.
Address: 7022 Lick Creek Trail, Lyles, TN 37098
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