Meet The Horses
Cinnamon Jim (CJ)
CJ, also known as Cinnamon Jim, was the first horse to join Queens Lane Sanctuary, marking the beginning of its journey. Adopted by Megan O’Brien in 2019 from Pregnant Mare Rescue, CJ holds a special place as the one who started it all. A true companion to both horses and humans, he thrives on connection, adventure, and, of course, his two greatest loves—snacks and exploring.
Bella
Bella was among the first horses to find sanctuary at Queens Lane. She came from a loving family who quickly realized she carried deep trauma from years of being overworked by her former owners. Understanding her need for rest, healing, and open space, they made the heartfelt decision to give her the gift of sanctuary, where she could live out her senior years in peace and comfort.
Wrigley
Wrigley was born wild in the northern regions of Washington, but his freedom was short-lived. At just a few days old, he was orphaned and torn from his mother and herd during a roundup, leaving him vulnerable and alone. Rescued from the slaughter pipeline, he found solace in Allie and Wynona, who immediately became his family and source of comfort. Together, they arrived at Queens Lane Sanctuary, where they continue to thrive as a bonded herd, forever connected by resilience and love.
Charlie
​Charlie was rescued from the racing industry before she ever had the chance to truly run free. With angels on her side, a compassionate stable hand stepped in when it became clear her times weren’t fast enough for a racing career. Narrowly escaping the auction lot, she found a second chance at life—one where she is valued for who she is, not what she can do. Now, at Queens Lane Sanctuary, Charlie enjoys the simple, beautiful gift of just being a horse—exactly as she was meant to be.
Wynona
At only 3 years old, Wynona was rescued with her baby Allie, from heavy abuse and neglect in a backyard breeding situation. Both mares have made strides, recovering emotionally and physically from the trauma they endured. Wynona continues thriving with Allie by at her side. This mother-daughter duo came to Queens Lane Sanctuary in 2020 and will now live together as herd mates for the rest of their natural lives.
Allie
At just three years old, Wynona was rescued alongside her baby, Allie, from severe abuse and neglect in a backyard breeding operation. Both mares endured unimaginable hardship, but with time, patience, and care, they have made remarkable strides in their emotional and physical recovery. Wynona continues to thrive with Allie by her side, their bond unbreakable. In 2020, this mother-daughter duo found their forever home at Queens Lane Sanctuary, where they will live out their natural lives together—safe, loved, and free.
Claire
Claire Bear the Mare arrived at Queens Lane Sanctuary in March 2022, carrying both the weight of her past and the precious life of her unborn foal. Just weeks later, on April 14, she gave birth to her colt, Jackson, beginning a new chapter filled with hope.
Little is known about Claire’s history, but the shadows of emotional trauma still linger. A naturally shy and standoffish mare, she approaches the world with quiet caution—until given the time and patience to build trust. Once that bond is formed, her gentle heart shines through, revealing a deep curiosity and desire for human connection.​
Cody
​Cody is an off-track Thoroughbred, meaning his early years were spent in the racing industry—long before his body was physically ready to carry a rider. Expected to perform at a competitive level as a young horse, he endured intense physical strain. By the time he escaped the racing world at just five years old—the very age when a horse truly reaches adulthood—his body had already been pushed to its limits.
Now 12 years old, Cody lives with the lasting effects of his early career. He suffers from navicular disease, a degenerative hoof condition directly linked to the excessive demands placed on him as a young horse. Like so many others at Queens Lane Sanctuary, Cody was also rescued from the slaughter pipeline, given a second chance at the life he deserves.
Epona
​Epona arrived at Queens Lane Sanctuary from a breeding facility in Gilroy, nameless—known only by a number. Standing just under 15 hands, she is, by definition, a pony, and she carries herself with the grace and charm of a true little lady.
From the moment she was rescued, Epona longed for human connection, craving the warmth and kindness she had never truly known. In honor of her newfound freedom, she was given the name Epona, after the Roman-Gallic goddess who protects horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules—a fitting tribute to her resilience and spirit.
Athena
Athena arrived at Queens Lane Sanctuary in May 2023, nameless—identified only by a number. But in the sanctuary, she found far more than just a name; she found belonging, friendship, and peace.
Epona and Athena came to the sanctuary together, and from the very beginning, their bond was unshakable. They are rarely seen apart, moving in perfect harmony, whether grazing side by side or simply enjoying each other’s presence—a testament to the deep connections horses form when given the chance to heal.
Freya
Freya is named after the Goddess of Love, Beauty, and War, and she embodies every bit of her namesake—a fierce warrior goddess even at 24 years young.
She came to Queens Lane Sanctuary after her devoted human suffered a traumatic brain injury and could no longer care for her. With no front teeth, a compromised front leg from a previously broken cannon bone, and specialized dietary needs, Freya was in desperate need of a safe landing—but had no one to turn to. And so, her long journey led her to her final, forever home at Queens Lane Sanctuary, where she would finally receive the care and love she deserves.
Jackson
Jackson was born at Queens Lane Sanctuary on April 14, 2022, and from the very start, he’s been a sweet and affectionate little man. With a thirst for snacks and a knack for snuggles, he has a heart as big as his curiosity.
Living alongside his mama, Jackson thrives in the safety of the sanctuary, always seeking out love and connection. More often than not, you’ll find him right over your shoulder, checking in—because for Jackson, life is best experienced up close, with plenty of affection along the way.
Layla
Layla was rescued from slaughter after being subjected to a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) roundup in her native home of Goshute, Nevada. Taken from the wild, she endured the trauma of losing her freedom but found sanctuary just in time for a second chance at life.
Now the proud lead mare of the herd at Queens Lane Sanctuary, Layla carries herself with the wisdom and strength of a true matriarch. Her wild heart and unbreakable spirit embody the essence of the American Mustang, and her journey stands as a powerful testament to the resilience and plight of the indigenous horse.
Lakota
Lakota’s journey began before he ever took his first breath—he was still in his mother’s belly when she was captured during a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) roundup on the desert plains of Nevada. Fortunately, he was born in sanctuary on July 16, 2021, free from the hardships his mother endured.
Now thriving at Queens Lane Sanctuary, Lakota remains by his mother Layla’s side, where she keeps a watchful eye on him as he continues to grow into a strong, confident young horse. With a gentle nature and a sweet disposition, Lakota has a love for cookies and a clear distaste for fly masks—a reminder that even the most independent spirits have their quirks.
Midnight
Midnight arrived at Queens Lane Sanctuary with little known about her past, except for one heartbreaking truth—she was at the Fallon feedlot, destined for slaughter. Fortunately, she was saved just in time, given the chance to heal and rediscover trust.
Since arriving in May 2023, Midnight has made incredible emotional strides. Once a withdrawn and uncertain mare, showing clear signs of past abuse, she has transformed into a curious, strong, and sweet-natured soul. Always eager to try something new, she reminds us that trust, like healing, is built one small moment at a time.
Moonchild
Moonchild arrived at Queens Lane Sanctuary in October 2022, another soul pulled from the uncertainty of the auction lot with no history, no name—only the claim that she was pregnant, which was later discovered to be untrue.
A free spirit in every sense, Moonchild moves through life with grace, energy, and an untamed joy. When the mood strikes, she dances like a wild mustang, her movements fluid and expressive, a breathtaking display of her natural elegance and uninhibited soul.
Beyond her love for movement, Moonchild is an affectionate, curious, and cheerful mare, reminding everyone that true freedom is not just about space—it’s about being seen, loved, and understood.
Prince
Prince was rescued from the Fallon feedlot in May 2023, arriving at Queens Lane Sanctuary alongside Midnight, with no known history to his name, besides having sustained a spinal injury at some point. Over time, he has revealed clues about his past, painting a picture of a life that left its marks—both seen and unseen.
Prince is slowly learning that the world no longer holds the same threats it once did and through gentle liberty work, he has blossomed into the charming, affectionate soul we know today. He reminds us every day that with love, patience, and plenty of cookies, even the deepest wounds can heal.
Rose
Rose’s rescue story began in 2006, when, at just three years old and pregnant, she was saved from the slaughter pipeline by Pregnant Mare Rescue in Aptos. A neurologically damaged quarter pony, Rose moved slowly and cautiously, seemingly unsure of herself. Yet, when she arrived at Queens Lane Sanctuary in 2019, she revealed a hidden fire—given the space and freedom to run, she proved to have all the spirit and spice of a wild mustang, embracing the thrill of movement when the mood strikes.
A true treasure, she spent 13 years at Pregnant Mare Rescue, surrogately raising hundreds of orphaned foals, offering them comfort and guidance when they needed it most. Today, in permanent sanctuary at Queens Lane, Rose continues to share her maternal wisdom, offering a quiet strength and gentle reassurance to those in need—a living testament to resilience, care, and the enduring power of a mother’s love.
Ruby
Ruby arrived at Queens Lane Sanctuary in June 2022, rescued from the Fallon, Nevada feedlot, carrying the weight of deep trauma and uncertainty.
She is a mare who does not freely offer her trust—instead, she asks that it be earned through patience, love, and plenty of cookies. But for those who take the time to truly see her, the reward is immeasurable. When Ruby welcomes you into her world, it is more than just acceptance—it is a profound connection, a silent understanding, and an honor. Her trust is not given lightly, but when it is, it serves as a powerful reminder that the most meaningful bonds are built on patience, respect, and unwavering kindness.
Mystic
In June 2022, a member of the horse rescue community spotted a small pair of white ears in the background of a campaign photo and immediately reached out to us. The mare, now known as Mystic, needed saving at all costs. Without hesitation, we secured her safety, bringing her into Queens Lane Sanctuary.
According to the feedlot, Mystic had recently lost her foal, leaving her with a deep and unspoken void. Yet, her story was far from over. As the months passed, something about her seemed different. Testing soon confirmed what we had begun to suspect—Mystic was in foal once again!
On April 20, 2023, she gave birth to Skye, a beautiful Dun filly, bringing new life and hope into the sanctuary. Today, Mystic continues to thrive, surrounded by love, safety, and the family she was always meant to have.
Willow
Arriving at Queens Lane Sanctuary in May 2022, Willow was just days old, already orphaned and alone after being forcefully rounded up. A young filly with no mother to guide her, she was in desperate need of comfort and protection.
Fate had a plan. That same month, Mystic arrived at the sanctuary, still grieving the loss of her own foal. When the two met, an instant and unbreakable bond was formed—Mystic took Willow under her wing, stepping into the role of foster mother, and from that moment on, they became inseparable.
Together, they healed one another, filling the empty spaces left behind by their pasts. Now, alongside Skye, they continue to thrive as a family, safe in sanctuary, never again to face the uncertainty of “what if?”
Skye
Born into the safety of Queens Lane Sanctuary on April 20, 2023, Skye is a beautiful Dun filly. Her mother, Mystic, was rescued from the slaughter pipeline in June 2022 while, unbeknownst to us, carrying Skye. From the very start, Skye was never alone. She was welcomed into the strong, unbreakable bond between Mystic and Willow, who had already formed a mother-daughter relationship of their own. Now, as the youngest of the trio, Skye thrives in their care, growing into a confident, playful, and spirited young filly who knows nothing but kindness and protection.
Alongside her mother and her “big sister” Willow, Skye will live out her days free from fear, surrounded by love, and embraced by the sanctuary she was born into—a place where she will always belong.
Sonny & Sassy
Sonny and Sassy once roamed 40 acres of pasture—an idyllic scene at first glance. However, for tiny horses, unrestricted access to sugary grasses can lead to serious complications. Their previous caretakers reached out for a safe and knowledgeable refuge. When Sonny and Sassy arrived, their hooves had not been trimmed in nearly a year, curling painfully like little elf shoes—clear signs of laminitis. Through dedicated rehabilitation, careful diet adjustments, and a specially designed living environment, we’ve helped them regain their health and mobility. Today, they thrive in a space where they are safe and understood. And don’t be fooled by their small stature! As the saying goes, "big things come in small packages"—and Sonny and Sassy embody that perfectly.​​
