As we transition from autumn to winter, Sunrise Horse Rescue reflects on a season of transformation. Our Connected Horse program has enriched the lives of participants through equine-led therapy, while generous community support has allowed us to care for our beloved horses facing unexpected challenges. With the help of the California Conservation Corps, we are ensuring our horses are prepared for winter. Join us in celebrating the impact of our new volunteers and the upcoming Fun Run on February 9th, which promises to further our mission. READ MORE
Happy Holidays from Sunrise Horse Rescue!
As we reflect on a year of resilience and community at Sunrise Horse Rescue, we are grateful for the support that has allowed us to achieve significant milestones. From empowering individuals with memory loss through our Connected Horse program to hosting a successful Harvest of Hope charity auction, your generosity has made a profound impact. Together, we've transformed the lives of horses and their human companions. Thank you for being a hero for horses in need. READ MORE
Thank you for your support!
This Thanksgiving, we express our heartfelt gratitude to all who support Sunrise Horse Rescue. Your contributions make a significant impact, enabling us to rescue, heal, and advocate for horses in need. As we reflect on our successes, we invite you to participate in the Give!Guide fundraiser to double your impact. Together, we can ensure every horse finds hope and healing. READ MORE
Rosemary and Willow need your help.
Rosemary and Willow, two cherished mares in our care, urgently need specialized eye treatment due to genetic conditions. Their medical expenses are estimated at $7,000, and every donation directly supports their care and the many other horses in need at our sanctuary. Your generosity not only aids these two but also prepares us for the challenges winter brings. Together, we can make a difference. READ MORE
Chance on the Road to Recovery
Chance was found in July 2023 in dire circumstances. Alone in a small stall with minimal food, he was severely emaciated, and had a heart murmur and a nail in one hoof. Chance spent a few days at a veterinary clinic to ensure his condition was stable. Chance was also a stallion, judged to be about 7 years old, so his early rehabilitation took place at a nearby riding stables that has the experience to handle stallions. During the sensitive period when he was recovering from starvation, Chance received nutrition guided by UC Davis protocol, as well as supplemental selenium and other nutrients that he was deficient in.
Chance did well during recovery, as his friendly, mellow personality emerged as he gained weight and energy. Early the following spring, Chance was well enough to undergo gelding surgery. A happy circumstance of this was the discovery that his heart murmur had completely resolved on the pre-surgical echocardiogram. He recovered well from the surgery and now lives with the Sunrise herd on Tubbs Lane. Chance has a hereditary condition called DSLD, which causes connective tissue to weaken, and as a result of that his fetlocks are slightly dropped.
Saddle Up for Summer
As we transition from spring to summer, Sunrise Horse Rescue reflects on the season's challenges and triumphs. With 38 requests for assistance, our dedicated volunteers ensured timely care for our horses. Notably, we welcomed two new horses, Mirage and Adonis, who are overcoming health challenges thanks to our supportive community. Join us at our annual Harvest of Hope event on September 14 to help us continue our vital work. Together, we can make a difference for rescued horses. READ MORE
Community in Action: A Recap of the Toll Fire
The recent Toll Fire prompted a rapid and organized response from our team at Sunrise Horse Rescue. With effective communication and coordination, we ensured the safety of our horses amid challenging conditions. Our dedicated staff and volunteers worked tirelessly, demonstrating the importance of preparedness in crisis situations. Support our ongoing rescue efforts and training initiatives. READ MORE
Pet Models...
Palo Alto Online
For over a year, Palo Alto High School rising senior Jai Wadhwani has been photographing local pets, creating a business from the moody and playful shoots. While heβs had a knack for photography since he was a child, his business was not for personal gain, but for his four-legged friends. On July 1st at 2 p.m., Wadhwani will present a large $8,000 check β the money heβs raised for local animal shelters Pets In Need and Sunrise Horse Rescue through his thriving business. When Wadhwani visited a few local animal shelters in 2021, looking for his first pet dog, he immediately noticed the orphaned petsβ poor living conditions, according to a Weekly article. It was then that he decided he wanted to raise money for pet rescue and animal welfare in the area. The big check reveal will be hosted at Pets In Need at 3281 E Bayshore Rd., Palo Alto, CA.
Notes from Our Treasurer, Shari Bluband
As Treasurer of Sunrise Horse Rescue, I want to emphasize the importance of small donations. They account for 27% of our annual operations and significantly impact our mission. Options like recurring donations and encouraging contributions in lieu of gifts can amplify your support. Explore how you can make a difference today. READ MORE
Quarterly Newsletter: Winter Recap from the Sunrise Herd
Calistoga Living Feature of SHR Volunteer Sharon Hedlund
Happy Holidays!
So much fun at the Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade!
Our 'horse' Happy rode in our Ford 250 truck donated by Sager Ford - "Wine Country" flanked by volunteers bearing lighted manure forks with our rescue horses' photos on them. So many bright lights and wonderful floats! Happy to be part of the Calistoga community!
Fall News from the Sunrise Herd
Sunrays
News for friends of Sunrise Horse Rescue
Getting Ready for Winter
Warm shelters, clean blankets, and a clean, organized barn -- the focus is on the basics as we enjoy the mellow fall weather and prepare for a wet winter. After a year of taking in some severely neglected horses such as Sugar and Spice, we are making sure that all the basics are in place and that every horse has all they need.
As we reflect on basics, the dedicated volunteers and staff of Sunrise come to mind as the most important foundation of our organization, those serving at present as well as those who have helped build the organization over the years. Look for a letter in appreciation of them by Sunrise board member Dean Tannewitz during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
We've got a team of enthusiastic volunteers working on a fabulous float for the tractor parade. Look for their fun and creative invention in the parade -- we'll see you in Calistoga on the evening of December 2nd.
Send in your favorite picture of the Sunrise Horse Rescue float and your photo could be featured in our winter newsletter!
$10,000 Matching Gift!
Sunrise is a proud member of Napa Valley Cando's Give!Guide for the 9th year in a row, and is one of 8 participating animal organizations in Give!Guide this year. A generous donor has offered $10,000 in matching funds!
Visit our Give!Guide page and help us reach our matching goal! There are opportunities to win Vella cheese and Picayune wine, as well.
A Special Gift
Spark some holiday magic when you donate to honor someone special this Holiday Season! When you donate to Sunrise as a gift, the honoree will receive a card of thanks to let them know about the donation, and all proceeds will go directly to support our Sunrise herd.
ο»ΏChoose a Heartfelt Gift That Gives Back!
Napa Valley Features: Sunrise Horse Rescue fundraiser a boost to equine welfare
In a show of community support, Sunrise Horse Rescue, a Napa Valley-based nonprofit organization, raised a record-breaking $196,000 at its annual Harvest of Hope for Horses galaβ¦
Napa Countyβs Sunrise Horse Rescue raises almost $200,000
Sunrise Horse Rescue raised almost $200,000 at its Harvest of Hope for Horses fundraiser, its first in three years.
The event was held Sept. 9 at Bob and Valerie Fishβs Blossom Creek Farm outside Calistoga. It featured dinner from Elaine Bell Catering, music by Noema, and appearances by rescued horses like Wailer, a former wild mustang from Wild Heart Restart Ranch.
Board president Lisa OβConnor announced that Sunrise is finalizing a 50-year land lease at its current location on Tubbs Lane. The nonprofit plans to build a barn and create a covered arena that will host equine-assisted learning and therapy programs for the community.
For example, the Connected Horse program is a research-backed program for people experiencing memory loss and their care partners.
βWe are raising people and horses up at the same time,β OβConnor said. βAnd we continue to raise awareness of just how great the need is. Because the number of at-risk horses is rising, the need for rescue and sanctuary now and in the future will only increase.β
OβConnor cited the threat of wildfire and floods, the increasing price of feed and hay, and economic pressures that make it harder for people to afford and maintain their land.
Between late December 2022 and June 2023, Sunrise rescued eight horses from extreme neglect. In 2023, Sunrise has responded to more than 100 calls for help.
Harvest of Hope 2023 a Huge Success!
With Gratitude!
We are thrilled to announce that this year's annual Harvest of Hope was our biggest one yet. We raised almost $200,000 at the sold out event!!
Once again, Blossom Creek Farm provided the most picturesque backdrop for the event, further beautified by floral arrangements by Aimee Lomeli Floral Designs. The Elaine Bell Catering Team hit it out of the park with incredible food and stellar service, the band, Noema, rocked the courtyard as guests mingled with friends and horses, including some of our rescued horses as well as Wailer, the formerly wild Mustang from Wild Heart Restart Ranch. The SHR staff, board members, and volunteers kept everything running smoothly, from parking assistance, to the silent auction management, to pouring wine, and everything in between and beyond!
A special thank you to all who attended, raised their paddles high, and gave so generously to our Fund-A-Need portion of the auction.
These funds raised will help us continue to rescue and provide sanctuary for abused and neglected horses in Napa and surrounding counties, educate the public about current issues affecting horse welfare, and provide community members the unique benefit of equine assisted learning and therapy.
We feel so fortunate to belong to a community who has been supporting us since our founding in 2007. We have made a huge impact on horses and humans in need since then, and look forward to serving those needs well into the future!
With deep gratitude,
All of the Horses and Humans of Sunrise Horse Rescue
Aileron Estates
Alpha Omega Winery
Anne V Spalding
Arietta Wine
Atwood Ranch Winery
B Cellars Vineyards and Winery
Blackbird
Blossom Creek Farm
Bodkin Wines
Cal Mart
Calistoga Fire Department
Carey Shirley
Castello di Amorosa Winery
Chateau Montelena
Chris Finley
Chris Smith
Clif Family Winery
Compline Restaurant & Wine Shop
Copperfield Books
Dalla Valle Vineyards
D. Smith Garden Consultation
Evangeline Restaurant
Flamingo Resort and Spa
Garden Party
Grove 45
Halter Project
Hendry Ranch Winery
Heritage School Vineyards
Hunnicutt Wines
Jane Sinclaire
Jennifer Bennett, Lovina
Joel Gott Wines
Josh and Heather Clark
Kate Neligan - Awakening With Equines
Kirk Venge & Venge Vineyards
Kristin Knight
Krymylda (Kym) MacDonald
Mary Ann & David Moffitt
Merryvale Vineyards
Michael Haddad
Miner Family Winery
Napa Valley Olive Oil Manufacturing Co.
Neyers Vineyards
Nickel & Nickel Winery
Oakville Grocery Napa Healdsburg
O'Brien Estate Winery
Pam Ingalls
Papa Lou's Wine & Spirits
Paula and Billy Soekland
Picayune Cellars
Progeny Winery
Quivira Vineyards
Rachel Davies
Sam's General Store
Sandra Barros
Sharon Hedlund
Sidecar Memories
Smith Madrone Winery
Solage, an Auberge Resort
Sonoma Valley Trail Rides
Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery
Stacia Brady
Sugar Daddy's Consignment
T+ Designs
Tamber Bey Winery
The Duckhorn Portfolio
Tom Scheibel
Trinitas Cellars
Valerie Jespersen-Wheat
Vineyard Dog Grooming
Woran & Debbie Deckard
Matching Grant Challenge! Donate Today!
$5,000 Matching Grant Challenge!
We are incredibly fortunate that we have been issued a matching grant challenge by the Winifred Johnson Clive Foundation for $5,000. And it could not have come at a better time!
As many of you know, just this last month we have taken in 2 starvation cases that desperately needed our help. These sweet mares, now named Sugar & Spice, are recovering slowly with carefully guided veterinary care and are under the constant watch of the dedicated Sunrise staff and volunteers.
Sugar and Spice were out of options, and needed the specialized care of a sanctuary like Sunrise Horse Rescue that is experienced in guiding horses through recovery from starvation to give them the best chance of survival. The mares specialized refeeding, veterinary and farrier care for the first year with Sunrise will exceed $6,500 each.
Please help us meet the challenges these horses face and donate today!
Taj and Pace at Pasture - Donate Today!
Taj and Pace at Pasture
Photo by Sally Seymour
Shortly after the arrival of the mares, a long-time beloved herd member, Taj, developed a severe corneal ulcer, a painful eye injury that can be difficult to heal as Taj is now at the advanced age of 30. Taj is our youthfully spirited Arabian who is the sentinel of the elder herd at the Sharpsteen pasture. Most have trouble believing heβs 30 years old. Taj spent a month going back and forth between UC Davis and Napa for examinations and treatments, while receiving medication for the fungal infection of his eye 5-6 times per day as well as pain medication. Unfortunately, his eye was not able to heal, and it was determined that the eye needed to be removed to alleviate the pain he was experiencing. Taj is recovering well with his buddy Pace by his side, and our hope is that they will be able to return to their herd mates in the pasture soon. Costs for Taj's care will exceed $10,000.
The combined costs of treatment and care for both the mares and Taj were not anticipated in our annual budget and so we are reaching out to you, our amazing supporters, to help us meet our $5,000 matching grant.
Harvest of Hope is BACK! π΄π€©
Please join us for our annual dinner and auction, Harvest of Hope!
After three long years without this event, we are so excited to celebrate with you our 16th anniversary of serving the Napa Valley and surrounding areas by helping horses in need and providing Equine Assisted Learning & Therapy programs for all ages & groups within our Community.
The event will be held on September 9 at the picturesque Blossom Creek Farm in Calistoga, CA. Guests will be greeted with sparkling wine as they peruse the bountiful offerings of the silent auction and mingle in the courtyard as a live band plays in the background. Before the seated full-course dinner, expertly prepared by Elaine Bell Catering, guests will enjoy a special presentation featuring Wild Heart Restart Ranch and some of their formerly Wild Mustangs! And then the real fun begins with an exciting live auction, where you will have the opportunity to bid on some fabulous items and experiences, and help the horses while doing it!
The afternoon will include:
Live Music
Horse Activities for kids of all ages
Silent & Live Auctions
Mustang Demonstration by Wild Heart Restart Ranch
Seated Dinner featuring Napa Valley fine wines
Special appearances by equine beneficiaries
... and more!
$225 per person
$175 for kids 18 and under
$2,000 for a table of ten (of any age)
For more information, go to www.sunrisehorserescue.org
Do you have an item or experience you'd like to donate for the Silent or Live Auction, or know someone who does? Great! Click the link below to fill out the online donation form:
All proceeds benefit Sunrise Horse Rescue, a California 501(c)(3)
non-profit organization, #42-1746834