San Diego County's oldest equine sanctuary marked a milestone last week, welcoming six horses into its care in a single day — the largest intake in the organization's history.

Horses of Tir Na Nog, based in Descanso in the East County backcountry, accepted the horses on Feb. 27 after a local rescue facility recently closed its operations, leaving the animals in need of a permanent home. All six are considered unadoptable due to advanced age or chronic health conditions.

The group includes an Appendix Quarter Horse gelding, a paint gelding, a 31-year-old retired racehorse, an 11-year-old Thoroughbred mare with a history of lameness, a 10-year-old paint pony with hock issues, and a mare who arrived with severely overgrown hooves and a deep fear of human contact. The latter is scheduled for her first farrier procedure on Friday, March 6, under a patient, low-stress approach by the sanctuary's veterinary and farrier teams.

"While it is always sad to see another rescue close, we are so grateful to our donors who make our efforts to help at-risk horses possible," said Amy Pat Rigney, administrator and co-founder of Horses of Tir Na Nog.

The sanctuary currently provides a safe haven for more than 115 equines and other animals including sheep, goats, alpacas, and pigs. It operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and serves as an adoption partner with the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services. Rigney is asking for community support to help cover veterinary, feed, and farrier costs for the new arrivals. More information is available at horsesoftirnanog.org.