Welcome to Greener Pastures
Where Every Horse Deserves a Second Chance.
A peaceful refuge in East Tennessee, offering rescued horses compassion, patient care, and the chance to live with dignity.
The heart behind the sanctuary
Our Story
My passion and love for horses began at a very young age. My recently published book, Thunder and Flicka – The Wild Ponies of Puerto Rico, tells the story of where it all began — a childhood love that grew into a lifelong journey of compassion, dedication, and rescue.
For more than 60 years, I have devoted my heart to helping horses and small animals in need. Each rescue has brought its own challenges, moments of heartbreak, and incredible rewards.
One of the hardest lessons I have learned is that, no matter how much we wish we could, we simply cannot save them all. But I have also learned something far more powerful: the ones we do save change their lives and ours, forever.
Every rescued animal has a story worth telling, a life worth saving, and a heart capable of trusting and loving again. Greener Pastures Horse Sanctuary was born from that lifelong passion and the belief that every horse deserves compassion, dignity, and a peaceful place to call home.
Because sometimes, in saving them, they save a little piece of us, too.
With love, Lori Landes
Founder
Our sanctuary family
Meet Our Horses
Every horse has a story. Meet the extraordinary souls whose journeys remind us why second chances matter.
Meet our horses
Destiny
Sometimes the life you save gives you something back that money could never buy.
Read Destiny's story
Meet our horses
Rain
Her worth was never measured by what she could give us, but by the life she deserved to live.
Read Rain's story
Meet our horses
Gitano
He may carry the scars of his past, but they will never define his future.
Read Gitano's story
Meet our horses
Majestic
Trust is a gift that must be earned, one gentle moment at a time.
Read Majestic's storyMeet Little Rose
Born Into Love, Given a Future
“A second chance that became two beautiful lives.”
In 2021, a very special filly named Little Rose was born at Greener Pastures Horse Sanctuary. Her story, however, began with the rescue of her mother, Running Betty Rose, a former racehorse who had ended up in the hands of a slaughter buyer while carrying a foal sired by Maimonides.
When I learned of her situation, I paid to secure her release and brought her to safety. Little Rose entered the world at the sanctuary, where she was welcomed with love and care.
After Little Rose was weaned, her mother went to a local equestrian facility for training. There, Running Betty Rose formed an extraordinary connection with a young rider. The girl’s family purchased her, and she went on to a loving home.
Today, Little Rose is in training with hopes for a future in barrel racing. Their story is a reminder that saving one horse can open the door to two beautiful futures.
↑ Back to the herdMeet Romeo
The Horse Who Captured Our Hearts
“Trust cannot be demanded — it must be earned.”
Romeo, an approximately 10–12-year-old buckskin Quarter Horse gelding, was purchased at a local auction to become our primary riding horse. He was described as a solid, dependable, fully trained horse. But we soon learned his story was more complicated.
Although we do not know the full details of his past, his extreme reactions under saddle led us to believe he had experienced trauma. He threw riders who attempted to ride him. Rather than give up on him, we chose time, love, patient handling, and a safe home.
Extensive veterinary examinations did not reveal a clear diagnosis. We decided to restart his education from the fundamentals, as we would with a young horse, respecting his comfort and safety at every step.
Intelligent, willing, and full of personality, Romeo has captured the hearts of everyone around him and become a natural leader of the herd. Follow along as we share updates on his journey of rebuilding trust.
↑ Back to the herdMeet Destiny
From Abandonment to a Beautiful New Beginning
“Sometimes the life you save gives you something back that money could never buy.”
Destiny was abandoned at a slaughter auction in Texas. She arrived at the sanctuary severely underweight and very lame in both hind legs.
With six months of stall and pasture rest, careful attention, and time to recover, she steadily regained weight and made wonderful progress with her swelling and lameness.
Then Destiny surprised us: she proved to be one of the sweetest, most willing, best-trained riding horses we had encountered in years.
Caring for horses is a demanding commitment, seven days a week. Destiny became a treasured riding companion who gives us the rare gift of simply enjoying time in the saddle. She remains our devoted riding horse today.
↑ Back to the herdMeet Rain
From Pain and Uncertainty to Greener Pastures
“Her worth was never measured by what she could give us, but by the life she deserved to live.”
Rain came to Greener Pastures about four years ago. Previously used as a successful broodmare, she was discarded when severe lameness made her future uncertain. She passed through a slaughter buyer in Illinois before being transported to Tennessee.
When she arrived, Rain was barely able to walk. She was in significant pain and had received very little handling, which made caring for her especially challenging.
After repeated veterinary evaluations and X-rays, she was diagnosed with navicular disease, a chronic condition affecting structures within the hoof. Rest, careful handling, therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication helped improve her comfort.
Her condition is not reversible, but seeing Rain running with the herd now is a remarkable joy. She continues to receive the special care she needs to live comfortably and happily.
↑ Back to the herdMeet Gitano
The Little Horse Who Refused to Give Up
“He may carry the scars of his past, but they will never define his future.”
Gitano was one of two horses in danger at a local kill pen when another rescue called us for help. Although we were already stretched for space and resources, we brought them to safety.
Only about two years old at the time, Gitano was severely emaciated. He had a serious leg injury and was battling a critical bacterial infection. His condition was so grave that we and his veterinary team had difficult conversations about his quality of life and whether humane euthanasia would be kindest.
But Gitano kept fighting. After a long and uncertain recovery, he experienced a remarkable turnaround about three months before we shared his story.
His leg may never completely heal, but he is gaining weight, growing stronger, and running freely in the pasture. His journey is a reminder of the hope that compassionate rescue can make possible.
↑ Back to the herdMeet Majestic
Learning to Trust, One Gentle Touch at a Time
“Trust is a gift that must be earned, one gentle moment at a time.”
Majestic came from the same kill pen as Gitano. We have often wondered whether they shared a previous home, but we do not know her history. Approximately seven years old, she is a striking dark mare, possibly a Thoroughbred, Friesian, and Quarter Horse mix.
On arrival she was very underweight, with severe sunburn, cuts, and large areas of missing coat. She appeared to have received little handling, was not halter-broke, and could not safely have her feet picked up. Deeply fearful of people, she could react dangerously when approached.
It took nearly two months of steady, patient work to earn enough trust to place a halter and lead on her — a huge milestone.
Today, Majestic has become a loving, attention-seeking mare. She is still learning and needs patient handling, but her transformation already shows the difference that safety and kindness can make.
↑ Back to the herdForever in our hearts
Ci Ci & Dillon
Two rescued souls, one beautiful friendship
In 2019, Ci Ci, a sorrel Quarter Horse, and Dillon, an Appaloosa–Quarter Horse, arrived after being rescued from a kill pen auction in Oklahoma. Ci Ci was thin and had already lost sight in one eye. Dillon was a former rodeo horse whose leg injury had gone untreated.
For four years, Ci Ci flourished in the safety of the sanctuary. Dillon was one of the kindest, gentlest horses we had ever known. They formed a remarkable bond.
In 2025, Ci Ci lost the sight in her remaining eye and struggled with severe anxiety. Dillon tried to be her guide and protector, but his own longstanding leg injury was becoming increasingly painful.
With veterinary guidance, the heartbreaking decision was made to let them pass peacefully and with dignity, relieving their suffering. It is never an easy decision; each goodbye takes a small piece of our hearts.
We take comfort in knowing they experienced years of love, safety, friendship, and happiness together.
“We could not save them forever, but we gave them a forever filled with love.”
Rest peacefully, sweet Ci Ci and Dillon. Until we meet again.
Moments of hope
Life at Greener Pastures
From quiet days in the pasture to unexpected friendships and fresh beginnings.
Where it all began
Thunder and Flicka — The Wild Ponies of Puerto Rico
In her recently published book, Lori Landes shares the childhood story that inspired a lifelong devotion to horses, rescue, and the extraordinary connection between humans and animals.
Learn more about the book and its story through the sanctuary’s Facebook page. Additional book information and a purchase link can be added here when available.
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