When it comes to animals in need, you can't find a group of people with bigger hearts than horse people. Most of our horses have been "recycled" from a previous job or owner. And when have you ever been to a barn without at least one dog or cat that "just showed up one day" and was promptly given a loving home?

Sadly, there does come a time when most of us are simply full up and unable to bring yet another four-legged creature into our life. But this doesn't mean you can't still help an animal in need. For just a few dollars a month, you can sponsor an animal at one of the many sanctuaries around the country. Here are three of my favorites:

The mission of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., is to save Thoroughbreds no longer able to compete on the racetrack from possible neglect, abuse, and slaughter. You can sponsor a horse like Highblast, who made 114 career starts and continued racing until age 13.

If you've watched "Dog Town" on the National Geographic channel, you know about Best Friends Animal Society. Located at Angel Canyon, a 33,000-acre ranch outside Kanab, Utah, it's a shelter of last resort for some 1,700 abused and abandoned animals. At Best Friends, you can sponsor a horse, mule, burro, cat, guinea pig, or bird. You can also become a Guardian Angel and help animals with special physical or emotional needs