Villa Chardonnay, the largest equine and animal sanctuary in Southern California, has formed a partnership with the Pacific Coast Learning Center (PCLC) of San Marcos and APK Serene of Oceanside. The partnership is dramatically benefiting the patients at both learning centers. Each learning program provides services to a wide variety of adults with developmental disabilities. Many of these people have severe cognitive impairments and are transitioning from institutional life to enjoy the benefits of community living.

Equine therapy with the gentle horses at the Villa Chardonnay Sanctuary are just what the doctor ordered. “I see such a strong connection between all of the animals at the sanctuary and the individuals we serve.  The lives of the animals parallel that of our patients. They are all living in a place that has given them another chance and, as a result, they are starting to flourish. I saw Mikey, a patient that I have worked with for years who does not communicate verbally, actually start to laugh out loud and giggle as he was feeding carrots to the horses. I have seen him smile but never laugh. He was absolutely giddy! It was an incredible moment. All of us who witnessed it shed tears of joy.” - Dr. Deborah Varos, owner of PCLC.  

Over 40 patients accompanied by staff visit with over 200 horses, goats, donkeys, dogs and cats at the “special needs” animal sanctuary. Feeding carrots to the horses is an especially fun event for the patients and the horses. They all relax and enjoy the interaction. Some patients had never seen a horse in real life before visiting the sanctuary, as many have spent years of their lives institutionalized.

With the amazing support of the PCLC and APK Serene they are finally enjoying more freedom and something incredible like visiting, touching and feeding the animals.  Alexa Paylado-Kisner, owner at APK Serene and Monika Kerber, President at Villa Chardonnay are both impressed with the quick results of the program. They are working together to expand the program to include a special equine therapist who will bring a new dimension to the program with specific methodologies developed to promote emotional growth. Equestrian therapy is particularly applied to patients with ADD, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, dementia, delay in mental development, down syndrome and other genetic syndromes, depression, trauma and brain injuries, behavior and abuse issues, and other mental health issues.  

Currently they are all seeking to expand the program, several of the patients are in wheel chairs making it difficult to get around the ranch. “We are raising funds or donations of golf carts to help the patients get around better, we have one, but we need a few more. We also need a van or small bus to help  transport the patients from the facilities to the sanctuary. And of course funding for an equine therapist who specializes in this type of therapy.” said Louise Gardner, CFO at Villa Chardonnay.

Villa Chardonnay was founded by Monika Kerber and Louise Gardner. The organization has rescued hundreds of abandoned or neglected animals, mainly  horses, providing food, shelter, medical care, dental care and nurturing during the past thirteen years.

To make a donation or to see more about the program please visit their website at www.villachardonnay.org.  All donations are tax deductible and can be mailed to Villa Chardonnay, PO Box 890130, Temecula, CA 92589.

For questions or other donations such as golf carts please call 951-526- 5710.