A Florida Farm is a Haven for Animals

A Southern Florida sanctuary focuses on animal well being with an open layout.

Open, clean, holistic and welcoming are words that come to mind when you enter Jamie Westenhiser Sasso’s peaceful property. Growing up, Jamie had a love for horses during her childhood. When she was 12, she had her first pony and has fond memories of spending hours at the barn and trail riding with friends. Fast forward to adulthood, Jamie wanted to have a horse again. She studied natural and holistic horse keeping with searching for the perfect horse – a rescue of course. The rest is history. Jamie’s sanctuary is home to 39 animals including chickens, rabbits, goats, sheep, lovebirds, horses, a mule and a Russian tortoise. All of these animals have been rescued with the exception of two horses.

Photography by Jeni Jo Photography and Eve Greendale Photography

The white barn with black trim appears perfectly modern and brand new, but it’s an old barn, remodeled and updated with lots of care. The center aisle barn is divided into two different sections on each side. On one side, there is an open run in shelter adjoined to a track system. The opposing side has seven stalls with attached runs.

Jamie, her assistant and designer friend Kathia Ponce de Leon worked with local builders and contractors to bring this tranquil vision to life. The end result is a barn that is functional, open and inviting.

There is a wash and groom area on one end of the barn and the hay room and tool shop on the other. The barn also has a kitchen aka feed room, a tack room and lounge that Jamie also uses as her office, plus an apartment with amazing views down into the barn from the bedroom and living room.

To the left, there are four custom stall doors by American Stalls that connect to the open side of the barn with the run in.

These stalls feature easy open and close latches from American Stalls.

Across the aisle, there are seven half size stall gates and back dutch doors by American Stalls.

Bedding Blockers purchased from American Stalls prevent shavings from being dragged outside into the runs.

A half size gate brought down to the floor makes a perfect height for the smallest residents.

Office Lounge & Tack Room

Here, Jamie has created a cozy and productive space for her to work right out of the barn.

Saddles and bridles are neatly stored across from a comfortable couch.

Feed Room

With an emphasis on organization, there is a place for everything inside the feed room. Clear containers from Amazon are neatly labeled. Jamie uses a lot of Yucc’ It Up!, Silver Lining Herbs and natural supplements to keep her animals feeling their best.

The rolling feed storage bins are also IRIS USA brand from Amazon. They are a great way to store pellets and larger supplements and come in a variety of sizes.

The 4 photos above featuring the feed room are by Eve Greendale Photography

Exterior Spaces

This photo captures the open space for the horses. They have shelter and the freedom to move about. Jamie firmly believes it’s all about having options and giving the horses choices.

On the West side of the barn there are dutch doors with adjoining runs leading to turnout. Ample turnout is a priority at the farm.

A Home for Everyone

Jamie’s menagerie of animals have thoughtful spaces that foster movement and free ranging on the farm.

Silkie chickens roam around outside of their coop.

Beyond the fire pit is the rabbit house.

Jamie’s favorite property features include the open side of the barn with a track system that goes around the entire 20 acre property and a horse beach at the lake.