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A secondhand horse sanctuary

From TODAY correspondent Jill RappaportIn the luxurious land of the Hamptons in eastern Long Island is a private sanctuary dedicated to taking care of horses left at death's door. The Sagaponack, N.Y., farm is called Amaryllis Farm Equine Rescue. It's run by a local woman named Christine Distefano, who has loved horses her whole life and wanted to make a difference in their lives.And boy has she

From TODAY correspondent Jill Rappaport

In the luxurious land of the Hamptons in eastern Long Island is a private sanctuary dedicated to taking care of horses left at death's door. The Sagaponack, N.Y., farm is called Amaryllis Farm Equine Rescue. It's run by a local woman named Christine Distefano, who has loved horses her whole life and wanted to make a difference in their lives.

And boy has she ever! In just four short years, she has rescued 88 horses, and has gotten 44 of them adopted. Many are retired racehorses, some former show horses, or lesson horses with one thing in common: Once they were no longer money makers, they were given up to die! That is, until Christine was notified and literally pulled them off the truck when they were on their way to slaughter. Her farm survives solely on donations and the kindness of others who have opened up their hearts and wallets to help this wonderful place.

As a horse lover/owner I am so fortunate to know firsthand what wonderful majestic creatures they are, and just because their careers may be over, that should not mean their lives are! Thanks to Amaryllis Farm, they're not.

Find out more about Amaryllis Equine Rescue and how to help the horses here.