Every horse deserves a happy life.
They are unable to satisfy their own needs because of the captivity we force upon them. We must strive to balance the equation. Fresh air. Good water. Freedom from stall captivity. Choice of pasture mates. Room to freely roam about. Quality feed. Regular vet and farrier care. Horses should live well into their 30s. Their golden years are often overlooked. Handing a horse off to a college program, a lesson or therapy program or that kid down the street will almost certainly be the first step on a journey along the slaughter pipeline. Remain actively involved in your horse's life no matter where he is. He depends on you.
Donations in any amount enable us to meet the needs each horse here has.
Notice! Feed prices have increased to nearly double in 2022. Our programs now reflect this. Please donate to a senior in the sanctuary. A 50lb bag of Proelite Senior is now $40!
Thank you
They are unable to satisfy their own needs because of the captivity we force upon them. We must strive to balance the equation. Fresh air. Good water. Freedom from stall captivity. Choice of pasture mates. Room to freely roam about. Quality feed. Regular vet and farrier care. Horses should live well into their 30s. Their golden years are often overlooked. Handing a horse off to a college program, a lesson or therapy program or that kid down the street will almost certainly be the first step on a journey along the slaughter pipeline. Remain actively involved in your horse's life no matter where he is. He depends on you.
Donations in any amount enable us to meet the needs each horse here has.
Notice! Feed prices have increased to nearly double in 2022. Our programs now reflect this. Please donate to a senior in the sanctuary. A 50lb bag of Proelite Senior is now $40!
Thank you
Testimonials:
Christine and Rachel are the hardest workers I know: 12 hour days, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
But the most amazing part is how much they both love what they do – and how much they love their horses. Living in a home bordering their Deerfield horse farm we have witnessed over the last 10 years the growth from recently rescued horses: skinny, scared and disoriented, turn into: happy, strong and confident horses. It is a welcome pleasure to watch the herd mingle, play and gallop to Christine and Rachel when they arrive.
Beyond the love and care is an exceptional knowledge of horses and how to care for them. They also have a strong management and business acumen since they are in charge of the well-being of so many rescued horses and on top of that, run a horse camp for children, as well as conducting horse training lessons.
As neighbors, we regularly watch passing sightseers, summer vacationers and local travelers slow down while they are driving by in order to stare fixedly at the beautiful horses playing in the pasture because, and only because, of the dedication and love of these two people.
R. Mark Keenan
Of Counsel
ANDERSON KILL
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I have owned few horses over all of these 32 years as steward, care taker, trainer, student, and farmer. As a young girl, my first teacher, Christine Barrett-Distefano of Amaryllis Farm, rescued and rehabbed horses. I learned from this first experience about wrapping sweats, soaking feet, cleaning and dressing wounds, riding greenies, and loved every minute of it. My first love was a very smart and sour pony named Cindy. I learned about the importance of integrity and awareness in my chores, grooming, riding, and observance of all of the horses in my care. The code and responsibility gave me importance and high standards - only the horses mattered. I’m thankful every day that was my start. It’s paved the way for a very rewarding life that has allowed me to benefit the horses in my care which is always my first goal.
Jaclyn Sicoli
USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist
USDF L Judge with distinction
Peace of Mind Dressage
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The day I met Christine and Amaryllis Farm back in 2007, I had no I idea that I would save not
one but two lives. I do not live near The Hamptons, and only make an annual
foray to visit my brother and nephews. My sister-in-law, Liz, kindly took the boys
and I to see a place they had found that they thought I would like.
I am a devoted, lifelong horsewoman. I have rescued, retrained and fixed a fair
number of horses in my lifetime. Liz, thought I would appreciate seeing Christine’s
operation. When we got there we encountered a frantic soul desperately trying to
raise the ransom to save a 20 year old gelding , named Tiger from the feedlot. We
asked the pertinent questions and decided between the two of us to donate the
ransom so Christine could rescue Tiger and an unusual looking pony. My nephews
thought this was amazing. We were saving a horse and a pony. We decided among
ourselves that Tiger would be renamed Frisco. after my first rescue, a varnish roan
Appaloosa, who was also an extraordinary animal, with a huge heart and a wicked
sense of humor. Frisco lived up to his name and then some for Christine. He also
delivered for my nephews. Whenever we went to visit him. My nephews would ask,
“Do you think he will know it’s us?” Happily when we would call his name he
would come running as if to say, ”Oh here you are. Thanks”.
The lesson we taught my nephews that day, was that it’s not enough to just pay
the ransom, walk away and think you are done. Once you save a life you are
responsible for that life for the duration. Liz and I have been loyal monthly donors
since that first fateful day. Frisco is just another monthly expense. Like any of my
other horse expenses and it has been a pleasure to see him thrive over the years.
When I found out I could designate a charity of my choice with Amazon Smile I
make sure that every purchase there supports Amaryllis as well.
Whenever Frisco needed something. Christine knew that she could call upon me
and it would be delivered. Horses have so many needs, especially as they age.
Special feed, medicines, boots, hay substitutes, dental work. The list seems endless
and yet we do it all because these incredibly kind souls deserve our devotion.
So even though Frisco is happily playing halter tag and grazing with Capt. Barbossa
and hopefully the original Frisco, our commitment to support the horses
and Amaryllis remains. Suzanne Sloan
Death ends a life not a relationship – Mitch Abloom
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It is all about and for HORSES.
If you want to meet humane equine rescue and hard work you need to meet this extraordinary mother-daughter team.
For the past 12 years or so, Christine and Rachel Distefano have taken care of 5 rescue HORSES at our farm. The passion and dedication they both bring to the cause is unlike any other I have witnessed. Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night will stop these two women from taking care of the voiceless HORSES in their charge.
Abused, sick and frightened HORSES completely heal under their expert attention. It is a sight to see.
Supporting Amaryllis’ endeavors is noble, like the HORSES.
Frédéric Rambaud
Blue Spruce Farm Water Mill, NY
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When I die, I want to come back as one of Christine's horses!
Lyndsey Bailey
Neptune Feeds
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I have known Christine Distefano, and her daughter, Rachel, for about 14 years now. I have my personal horses in my own barn and got my first "rescue" horse when I went to see her specifically with the idea of adopting a horse in need.
I have since that time adopted 2 additional horses who needed forever homes, as well as one other horse from a rescue that is no longer around. I can tell you that the horses I have from Christine were represented to me very honestly as far as what their issues were (if any), what their needs were, and what their personalities were. THIS does NOT happen with every rescue org! Many times horses are misrepresented, and wind up being returned or WORSE!
In my experience, I have seen equine rescue organizations come and go (and I know personally that it is extremely difficult to keep a not- for- profit funded and functioning). Through the years... recession, horrid winters, Hurricane Irene, Super Storm Sandy, bad economy more often than good - Christine has managed to keep her horses extremely well cared for. I'm not just talking about basics, but horses with special needs - medications, veterinary visits, countless hours of attention through illnesses… she and Rachel do it all and they do it WELL. The horses are better cared for than many I know in "fancy" barns. They are certainly more loved!
Her wonderful summer camp program teaches children not only about horses, but about being responsible and compassionate voices and caregivers of ALL animals.
NOW THE TIME HAS COME to build for the future. WE NEED SPONSORS TO BUILD THE BARN AT LONG LAST!! The horses of Amaryllis deserve to have the security of their OWN barn. Their OWN home! We need people and/or corporations to step up and HELP build the barn that will house these horses and their successors forever! Amaryllis has proven itself to be a top notch 501c3 not for profit organization. Any donations, matching programs, foundation grants, corporate funding, etc…, will be used with the utmost focus on getting the maximum benefit from every single dollar.
Please…if anyone out there can help, or if you know of anyone that could help - bring this to their attention! This is truly an organization that is worthy, and we are the only voice these animals have. Won't you help us to help them!
Roxanne Schwartz
Wise Acres Farm
Lloyd Harbor, NY
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We have been working with Amaryllis for over 17 years. I can say, without hesitation, that Christine and her daughter Rachel, work harder than any person I know…or have ever known. Winter blizzards, summer hurricanes, electrical outages…they are there for the horses. Their devotion to the horses is both incredible and admirable. They take care of every aspect of running a Farm Rescue from mucking to fencing to feeding to caring. If I were a horse, I’d want them on my side.
Alan Ceppos
Blue Spruce Farm
Watermill, NY
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I have been involved in the horse world for about 12 years and in that time I have had the pleasure of meeting Christine & her daughter Rachel and ultimately adopting a wonderful paint gelding. They are two of the hardest working people I know. No matter the weather or time of day they both are attentive to the horses needs. The horses are treated like royalty. These are horses that, for one reason or another have been let down by humans. They bring these horses back from injury, malnourishment and mistreatment and they bring them back to life. I can only imagine the sense of relief these animals feel once they realize what a wonderful place Amaryllis Farm is.
Maryhelen Goodman
Adopter
Long Island
