Ryerss Farm began more than one hundred years ago through the vision of an animal enthusiast during a time when society depended greatly on horses in everyday activities.  Anne Waln Ryerss, along with her husband Joseph, a prominent businessman in the Philadelphia area, was greatly troubled when she saw a work horse mistreated.  A feisty lady, Anne was known for stopping a horse in the middle of the street, if necessary, and persuading the owner to bring the horse to her summer home at Burholme (now part of the Fairmount Park Commission in Philadelphia).  Supposedly, the horse’s new home was just temporary until his health improved and he was able to return to work.  But, in most cases, Anne convinced the owner the horse never fully recuperated and therefore, the horse was permitted to spend his remaining days living under Ryerss’ care.

Following Anne’s death, Robert Waln Ryerss, Anne’s stepson and prominent lawyer in Philadelphia, established and chartered a hospital for “ill, aged and injured animals” under the terms of Anne’s will.  Anne bequeathed $30,000 to launch the animal hospital and placed $40,000 in endowment to maintain the farm.  From Anne’s estate, Robert bought an 80 acre farm at Meeting House and Krewstown Roads in the Bustleton section of Northeast Philadelphia.  On September 17, 1888 Ryerss Infirmary for Dumb Animals was incorporated as a charitable institution, with Robert serving as the first President until he retired in September 1895.  The objective was “to provide a permanent home for old favorites whose owners, instead of destroying or selling them, desire to place them under good treatment for the remainder of their days.”  The first horse, noted as “old, blind and weak”, arrived on June 11, 1889.

To help the Infirmary financially, the Farm in Bustleton was sold to move to a less expensive location.  As a result, Ryerss leased the Packard Laird Farm in Chesterbrook and in June 1927 the horses moved to their new home.  At this farm, Ryerss began to focus on the care of retired horses.

Scouting for a farm in a less densely populated area, Ryerss located the present day farm in South Coventry and Warwick Townships in Chester County.  The farm consisted of three smaller farms, totaling 363 acres.  In November 1987, 34 residents moved to their new home.  Then, in September 2000, Ryerss Farm purchased an adjoining property, adding an additional 20 acres.  On February 21, 2001, approximately 330 acres of Ryerss Farm were placed into the Chester County Agricultural Land Preservation Program.

Under the direction of the Board of Directors on October 10, 1991, the farm’s name was changed to Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines to more accurately describe its mission.