January 8, 2026 (Bend, OR) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accreditation status to Happy Trails Horse Rescue as of December 15, 2025.
Happy Trails Horse Rescue achieved GFAS Accreditation, meeting criteria for providing humane and responsible care to equines. With dedication and commitment to demonstrating high levels of professionalism, Happy Trails has achieved GFAS Accreditation. This certification signifies that Happy Trails meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine care standards which are confirmed by a comprehensive site visit. The Accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and granters to recognize Happy Trails Horse Rescue as an excellent organization.
“Their team demonstrates a deep commitment to equine welfare through both high-quality animal care and meaningful community support programs. Happy Trails plays an important role in Central Oregon by providing safe refuge for horses at risk, while also working proactively to prevent surrender and neglect through education, resources, and compassionate outreach.,” said Traci Hanson, GFAS Program Director – Equine. “Their dedication to equine well-being and responsible sanctuary management is commendable.”
“Achieving GFAS Accreditation is a huge milestone we are incredibly proud of,” said Dianne Scott, Founder of Happy Trails Horse Rescue. “As someone who spent much of my career as a project manager, I appreciated how thorough and structured the accreditation process was. It pushed us to tighten our systems, strengthen our documentation, and ensure that every area of our operation meets the highest standards. Completing this process reaffirmed our commitment to doing right by the horses and operating with full transparency and professionalism.”
The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by a generous grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® and the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust.
About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized, and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care for the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtuallyunchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. For more information on GFAS, go to: www.sanctuaryfederation.org.
About Happy Trails Horse Rescue
Happy Trails Horse Rescue, located in Bend Oregon, is dedicated to the protection of horses and their quality of life, to be free from abuse, neglect, abandonment, slaughter, or early euthanasia without just cause within Central Oregon. While we strive to rescue those horses in need, we also provide community outreach, education, and resources, such as our Surrender Prevention Program.
We believe that every equine deserves respect, love, compassion, and dignity, regardless of age, health, or behavior. Hence, we pledge to do whatever we can to facilitate the ability of rescued horses to live. To learn more about Happy Trails Horse Rescue, go to: www.happytrailshr.org.