Alexis with Chloe, a relative to the great Ferdinand
Nick, a youth volunteer enjoys a summer morning with the horses at The Equine Sanctuary
Our magnificent Stellar Hostess, known to us as Chloe. A beautiful mare, with a prestigious family line that includes; Nashusa, Count Fleet, Nasrullah and the great Native Dancer.
St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of the animals in our garden
Alexis Ells, Founder & Director of The Equine Sanctuary
Best friends having an afternoon chat
Two American Thoroughbred mares with their Argentine Thoroughbred best friend, Sir Thomas
Oh, the safety and love of true friends.....
Elegante, an ex-racehorse and retired high goal polo horse is now part of the Goodwill Ambassador program. "Ellie" had a serious polo accident that required an extensive surgery to place 6 permanent pins in her left front leg. Here, Alexis teaches her about her new job as an educator for children.
Our Muse, The Black Breeze A beautiful and intelligent Canadian Thoroughbred who won our hearts and souls.
Black Breeze, could open and close any gate. She spent hours moving herself around the Sanctuary, always closing the gates behind her so no one else could follow, unless personally invited by her!
Best friends gather at sunset...
Stellar Hostess, desendant of racing greats, Count Fleet, Native Dancer, Nashua and Nasrullah
Even though she is injured, lunch under the shade of a tree still tastes as good!
Medicinal soaks for the "good leg". Another rescued and re-trained member of the Sanctuary, is Maka Nani, a Rhodesian Ridgeback who always assists with the daily therapy in hopes of a carrot or two for her!
Alexis and her best friends
Home of The Equine Sanctuary
Castor oil packs and herbal soaks must be applied several times a day for painful legs.
Group shot for National Geographic Magazine
Travis does his stretching exercise for National Geographic photo shoot.
Alexis schooling a 5 year old mare on the joys of a beach ride.
White roses and wind chimes add to the peaceful setting at The Equine Sanctuary.
Alexis and Maka Nani (means beautiful eyes in Hawaiian) enjoy a moment at the beach with National Geographic photo crew.
Children at The Equine Sanctuary of Ojai
Trust amongst special friends
Andrew, Maka Nani (the rescued Rhodesian Ridgeback) and Elegante
Horses by nature do not let people next to them while laying down, however with trust and love anything is possible.
Alexis and her beloved Black Breeze
Alexis and her special friend, Black Breeze
Adalenia after her history making orthopedic surgery.
The barn we are praying for....
Our Muse, Adalenia, a beautiful grey Argentine Thoroughbred playing high goal polo.
It takes a special gift to have an abused animal trust a person to this degree...animals know our hearts and can read in a second if we are safe to be around. Here, Andrew spends a quiet moment with his beloved Elegante.
Over the rainbow at The Equine Sanctuary, dreams really do come true!
Maka Nani, (means beautiful eyes in Hawaiian) a rescued Rhodesian Ridgeback is the Sanctuary's resident guardian.
polo
Rhonda and her favorite friends.
Maka, and her best friend Bo, also from a rescue, take a time out, after hours of play in the horse pasture.
