GROVELAND, Fla. — With a population of 385,000 horses in the state, Florida is the third largest equine state in the country.

What You Need To Know

  • Thousands of horses live in Florida and are used for recreation and competition

  • But many horses around the state are abused and mistreated and are given up by their owners

  • The Sanctuary at Lakota Farms in Groveland rescues horses and provides them a new home

  • Guests can visit and tour the farm an interact with horses

What may surprise you is how many horses are abandoned by their owners each year.

One special place in Groveland helps give unwanted and abused horses a new lease on life.

“Basically, we are saving whatever horses we can from horrific situations. Kill pens, abuse, gun shots, spears, it’s just endless,” said Bob McErlean the owner of Lakota Farms Sanctuary.

McErlean started the rescue by accident when someone asked him if he would take in an animal that the person could no longer care for.

The sanctuary grew from there and is currently home to 80 horses, all with a different story for needing a permanent home.

“I wish I had 500 more acres, 50 more barns and an endless bank account. And then I would save every animal I possibly could,” said McErlean.

The horse rescuer says it cost the non-profit $50,000 a month to keep the operation going.

Most of the animals that come to the farm need additional veterinary care and rehabilitation.

Kambrie Warner works for the facility and performs many of the rescues, picking up unwanted horses that owners no longer want or can care for.

Most recently Warner traveled to Apopka where an 83-year-old woman with health issues could no longer care for her mule horse.

“It’s got some horse in it. A little bit of donkey,” said Warner.

Warner loaded the animal into a trailer and will now escort the 20-year-old horse back to the sanctuary.

“You know he’s not current on any vaccines. He’s not current on any of his blood work. His feet have not been done since 2016,” said Warner.

McErlean says he fields plenty of calls each week from people who can no longer take care of their horse but knows he can’t rescue all the horses.

“I wish I could save them all. It’s sad. But we work hard to save as many as we can,” he shared.

McErlean is happy in giving the horses a second chance at life.

Tours of the sanctuary are available to the public, with reservation required over the phone.

And those who have a love for animals and who want to volunteer time working on the farm they are encouraged to call The Sanctuary at Lakota Farms in Groveland 786-521-2202.