How it began...
When Lori Rosser Yonts came to Georgia in 2000, she intended to use her farm to create a haven for retiring horses, a safe place to land after serving their owners faithfully into their golden years. Lori was born and raised in western Canada, and always had a love of animals, and had worked an ASPCA inspector for over 10 years. She was well aware of the plight our equine companions face, especially in the economically depressed and geographically challenged areas of northern Georgia, Tennesee and Alabama. Retirement facilities were few and far between, so filling that need was important to her. After settling in, it quickly became a necessity to not only retire horses...but to rescue and rehabilitate them as well, and with that vital need in mind she took inspiration from her own cherished horse, Sunkissed Angel, and Sunkissed Acres became a 501c3 non-profit rescue and retirement program in 2004.
Our Mission
Our mission is a simple but important one, Sunkissed Acres exists to provide the rescue and rehabilitation of horses, to offer compassionate sanctuary, and for those who are suffering beyond the hope of recovery, a humane end to their pain surrounded by loving care.
The facilities at Sunkissed Acres include two barns with a total of 24 stalls, 60 acres of land, numerous paddocks and run-in shelters. The facility is designed and maintained to provide safety and to enhance the health and well being of the horses. Our rescue and facility are verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, and we are past, and a current 2017 ASPCA grant recipient.
Since the start of our rescue mission, hundreds of horses have come to the farm, many who have endured unspeakable cruelty and neglect. They come to us unable to stand, unable to trust, and they are given careful attention and veterinary care, and a soft place to land. Others are victims of the economy, and others the victims from loss of interest. Many others are horses that are loved and cared for, but their owners have fallen on hard times, so they will remain in their homes with Sunkissed Acres providing grain, hay and any veterinary care needed until the owner is back on their feet.
No matter how they come to us, they will know kindness, respect, and care. They will be loved.
Corinna* came to Sunkissed Acres at 16 years old and has remained part of Lori's growing family for 2 years. This gentle soul had been out of the public school system and a home environment for more than 7 years when she arrived on the farm. I don't think I have to explain how difficult institutionalized settings are for young children, especially to have to grow up in, but it is infinitely more difficult for girls. Lori's home and the Sunkissed Acres horses became her refuge when there was no place else for her to go.