Lisbon Falls Rockin’ T Equine takes care of forgotten horses

By Paula LaRoche

LISBON FALLS — Unknown to many, tucked away on a quiet road in Lisbon Falls, there exists a very special place. Passing by, you may not notice the humble buildings or the sign hanging out front.
You may not even notice the horses in the paddocks or the chickens roaming about, but make no mistake, The Rockin T Equine Rescue and Sanctuary at 60 Edgecomb Road is a very magical place, where life begins again for elderly, sick, abused or otherwise rejected animals.

It’s Maine’s second largest horse sanctuary, situated on a vast 38-acre plot, and it provides a permanent residence for many animals with distinct needs. The santuary’s mission is simple — give these animals a second chance at a life without pain or worry and give them a promise to live the rest of their lives with dignity and respect.
Long before the Rockin T opened its doors in 1996, owner Janet Tuttle knew her dream. As a young girl watching the powerful stallions racing around the track, she was in awe of their beauty and grace. Her fascination and love for these magnificent animals manifested into a determination to care for them long after their racing careers had ended. She vowed to be there for them when no one else would. She began collecting money for the sick and injured animals and soon found herself foregoing vacations, spending sleepless nights in the barn nursing an ailing animal and seeking the resources to operate a rescue and sanctuary.

The Rockin T is a non-profit organization and does not receive any financial support from either the state or local governments. The strong core team of volunteers have helped grow the shelter immensely and it is currently home to a wide array of not only standard and miniature horses, but also to a mule, donkey, goat, bull and a variety of chickens, cats and dogs.
Every animal at the Rockin T has a story. When they arrive, most are frightened and untrusting. It is only with a great deal of patience, knowledge and love that, with time, most learn to feel secure in this safe and healthy environment.
Unfortunately, some of the horses have experienced abuse beyond belief and never fully recover from their insecurities. These are the horses that have the greatest special needs.These are the horses whose lot in life is especially difficult, and their continued care takes extraordinary consideration and commitment. But they, like all the animals at the Rockin T, depend not only on the caring hands of Tuttle and her volunteers, they depend on the caring hearts of people and the tax-deductible donations they make.
Tuttle is always willing to give a tour of the facility and guarantees that before you leave, you will come to know that a heart beats in animals the same as in us. Visit the Rockin T online at rockintequinerescue.com, visit its Facebook page or stop by.