ALBION — On Sunday, June 7, from 1 to 3 p.m., the public is invited to visit Northeast Equine Sanctuary, a program of Peace Ridge Sanctuary, for its first Open House of the 2026 season.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet Little Popcorn and many of the other horses who call the sanctuary home, learn about their individual stories, and see firsthand the work that goes into providing lifelong care for rescued animals.

The event comes as Peace Ridge Sanctuary welcomes another horse rescued from severe neglect in an ongoing cruelty case.

"Arriving emaciated, wounded, and in need of extensive care, the horse’s condition serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges many animals continue to face and the importance of organizations dedicated to their protection and recovery," said Northeast Equine Sanctuary, in a news release. "For every animal living safely at Northeast Equine Sanctuary today, there was a moment when that future was uncertain."

“Every animal who arrives here has a story — most come frightened, starving, or broken," said Daniella Tessier, founder, Peace Ridge Sanctuary. "Watching them reclaim their lives reminds us why this work matters. But none of it is possible without the support of this community.”

Guests attending the Open House will have the opportunity to learn more about Peace Ridge Sanctuary’s rescue, advocacy, humane education, and conservation programs and how they contribute to building a more compassionate future for all animals.

Visitors will also learn how public engagement and community support help advance that vision through rescue, education, advocacy, and habitat protection.

The event offers a chance to look beyond photographs and headlines and meet animals whose lives have been transformed through compassionate care, long-term commitment, and the belief that every individual deserves safety, respect, and the opportunity to thrive, according to the news release.

"Little Popcorn and the other residents of Northeast Equine Sanctuary look forward to welcoming visitors for an afternoon of learning, connection, and celebration of the animals whose stories in  continue to inspire Peace Ridge Sanctuary’s mission," said the news release.

Founded in 2001, Peace Ridge Sanctuary has grown into one of the largest and most respected animal sanctuary organizations in the Northeast. The organization operates four state-licensed shelters and sanctuary facilities in Midcoast Maine and provides permanent homes to more than 650 rescued animals, including horses, donkeys, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, and other animals rescued from cruelty, neglect, abandonment, and exploitation. Peace Ridge also stewards and protects more than 2,000 acres of farm and forestland for wildlife conservation and habitat protection. The organization is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and was recognized as the Federation’s Outstanding Sanctuary of the Year in 2024.

Northeast Equine Sanctuary, located in Albion and Freedom, encompasses approximately 640 acres dedicated to the rescue and lifelong care of horses and donkeys. The facility is currently home to more than 40 equines, many of whom were rescued from severe neglect, starvation, abandonment, or abuse. For many of these animals, Peace Ridge Sanctuary was their last hope.