A Sanctuary Built on Compassion & Trust

What began as a quiet act of kindness in 2011 has become a lifelong home for about 80 horses — rescued, rehabilitated, and cared for on the rolling pastures of our Georgia ranch.

Two rescued horses at Red Clay Ranch
A herd of rescued horses at Red Clay Ranch
Our Story

How a Few Horses Became a Lifelong Mission

Red Clay Ranch Equine Rescue and Sanctuary began with a small group of personal horses on a Georgia property and a growing awareness that neglected and abused horses were all around us. What started as compassion for a few soon became a lifelong mission to provide safety, healing, and dignity to horses in need.

Today, Red Clay Ranch cares for about 80 horses. Some are rehabilitated and gently trained for adoption, while most remain as permanent sanctuary residents. Horses with special needs and blind horses are sanctuary residents.

Inside the Ranch

See Red Clay Ranch in Motion

Take a closer look at life on the ranch — the herd, the people, and the daily work that makes rescue, rehabilitation, and sanctuary possible.

Mission & Values

To Rescue, Rehabilitate, and Provide Sanctuary

Our mission is to give neglected, abused, and abandoned horses a place where they are safe, seen, and treated with the dignity they deserve — for as long as they need it.

Compassion

Every horse — no matter their past, age, or condition — is met with patience, kindness, and care.

Dignity

We treat each horse as an individual, honoring who they are and the life they have already lived.

Rehabilitation

From medical care to gentle handling, we give horses the time and support they need to heal.

Sanctuary

For those who cannot be rehomed, our ranch is a true forever home. It is quiet, safe, and steady.

Transparency

We believe trust is earned through honesty, openness, and responsible stewardship of every donation.

Stewardship

We care for our land, our horses, and our community with long-term responsibility and purpose.
Our Facility

A Quiet, Working Ranch Built Around the Herd

Red Clay Ranch sits on 180 acres of rolling Georgia pastureland, with fenced paddocks, a working barn, run-in shelters, and dedicated medical and rehabilitation areas. Every part of the property is shaped around what the horses need most.

We have also adapted specific areas of the ranch for horses with special requirements. One example is our blind rescues. By creating routines and spaces specifically for each horse's special needs, we help them live with confidence and calm.

  • Fenced pastures and paddocks

  • Dedicated rehabilitation and care areas

  • Adapted spaces for blind and special needs horses

  • Hands-on daily care in a peaceful ranch setting

A collage of pastures, paddocks, and horses at Red Clay Ranch

Life at Red Clay Ranch

A glimpse into daily care, quiet moments, and the horses who call the ranch home.

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Horses grazing in a pasture at Red Clay Ranch
Why Trust Us

Built on Integrity & Compassion

501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Red Clay Ranch is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

EIN: 45-4590603

GFAS Accredited

We’re the only horse rescue in Georgia accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, the recognized gold standard in sanctuary accreditation worldwide.

Full Transparency

We are committed to transparent operations. View our financials and operations through ProPublica, Charity Navigator and Candid Platinum.
Our Staff

The Team Caring for the Herd

Our barn team supports the daily care, feeding, and wellbeing of the horses at Red Clay Rescue.

Lexi Parris — Barn ManagerLiz Murray — Barn HandMatthew Payne — Barn Hand

Founders

Together, Lee and Phil turned their lifelong love for animals into a sanctuary built on compassion, healing, and second chances.

Lee Rast — Founder

After careers in emergency nursing and teaching French and Spanish at the college level, I followed my husband into retirement by founding Red Clay Ranch Equine Rescue and Sanctuary. A lifelong city dweller, I discovered my true calling in the quiet fields alongside rescued horses, where compassion, healing, and second chances come together every day.

Dr. Phil Rast — Founder

After 25 years caring for patients as a respected urologist in Atlanta, Phil followed his heart into retirement by founding Red Clay Ranch Equine Rescue and Sanctuary with his wife. A lifelong animal lover, he has always had a rescue pet by his side, reflecting the compassion and kindness that continue to guide his life every day.

Board of Directors

Red Clay Rescue is guided by a dedicated board of advocates, equestrians, and community leaders who support the organization's mission and future growth.

Allen Wright — Co-Chair

After a 45-year career as an institutional consultant managing assets for pension plans, foundations, endowments, family offices, and nonprofits, Allen brought that same leadership to civic service. He chaired major investment committees, served on advisory councils, and, with Cecilia, has been an invaluable Co-Chair, sharing a longtime love of horses and animal welfare.

Cecilia Wright — Co-Chair

As a dedicated longtime Co-Chair of RCR's Board, Cecilia brings nonprofit leadership experience, equestrian knowledge, and a deep passion for animal welfare. An accomplished hunter-jumper competitor and horse owner, she understands horse care firsthand, while her tireless advocacy, fundraising, and partnership-building make her a vital asset to Red Clay Rescue.

Kim Berger — Board Member

Kim Berger is a retired federal attorney who spent nearly 20 years caring for retired Thoroughbreds, older warmbloods, and other horses on her hobby farm north of Baltimore City. Her horse care experience, along with Randy Johnson's hands-on skills, has greatly benefited Red Clay.

Randy Johnson — Board Member

After careers in construction management and education, Richard “Randy” Johnson retired to North Georgia to spend more time with his horses and dogs. His visually impaired horse had difficulty adjusting to life with fully sighted horses, which eventually led both Randy and his gelding to Red Clay.

Melissa New — Board Member

Melissa fell in love with horses at the age of 9 and is living her childhood dream of owning her own horse farm in West Georgia where she resides with her husband Jesse New, their son, five cats, three horses, and a labrador. Melissa has more than 25 years in the electric power industry and is an energy attorney at Troutman Pepper Locke, LLP.

Monica Celizic — Board Member

Monica is a lifelong horse lover with 40 years of experience riding and teaching youth and adults. She is the retired Vice President of Administration and Strategic Initiatives for the Atlanta Humane Society and currently works with Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, KY. She also volunteers with numerous community organizations.

Nancy Quarles — Board Member

Nancy grew up in Louisiana where she rode horses as a young girl and has had a love for them all of her life. She has lived in Atlanta since 1982 and has been active in the real estate community. She is a founder of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty. She has a heart for the work being done at Red Clay Ranch and is proud to serve on the Board of Directors.

Tia Johns — Board Member

Tia was the Regional Command Master Chief for Navy Medicine Support Command overseeing 4,000+ enlisted sailors in 12 states and 9 countries when she retired after 25 years of service. As a disabled veteran, she found mental and physical therapy starting in 2017 at RCR by grooming horses in peaceful surroundings. While socializing the horses, it distracted her from her chronic pain.

Elizabeth Maxwell — Development Director

Elizabeth serves as RCR's Ex Officio Board Member and Development Director, bringing 25 years of academic fundraising experience to the organization. A lifelong equestrian, she enjoys riding her two RCR rescues and is pleased to blend her expertise with her passion for RCR's mission. She lives in eastern North Carolina on her family's 300+ year-old farm.

Ben Voyles — Board Member

Ben Voyles is a Vice President and co-owner of the Ed Voyles Automotive Group in the Atlanta, Georgia metro area. Along with his brother Bill, he helps operate the family-owned network of dealerships first established by their father, Ed Voyles, in 1952. Alongside his executive roles, Ben Voyles and the Voyles family are active philanthropists in the Atlanta community.

Krist Voyles — Board Member

Krist is a dedicated communitywide volunteer, passionate animal advocate, and well-known philanthropist. She is recognized for her generous spirit, her commitment to giving back, and her ongoing support of causes that make a meaningful difference in the community.

Community Partners
Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial
Pine Ridge Outdoor Supply

Event Partners

Kristin Sheehan Homes & Land LLC
Godfrey Feed

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Be Part of What Happens Next

Whether you give, volunteer, or simply come to know the herd, every act of support helps keep the gates open for the next horse who needs us.