Fifty-four horses rescued from a Julian property in May have moved to a new home in El Cajon as San Diego Humane Society continues caring for animals involved in one of the largest rescue operations in its history.
The horses were transported July 13-15 to Willow Glen Equestrian Centre, while four additional horses were moved to San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus for continued behavioral and medical care.
The horses were among 728 neglected animals rescued from Villa Chardonnay on May 1. Since then, San Diego Humane Society teams have provided medical treatment, nutritional support and rehabilitation while working to reunite animals with eligible owners, place them in new homes or transfer them to rescue partners.
“The move to Willow Glen marks a major milestone in our ongoing response to one of the largest animal rescues in our organization’s history,” said Jordan Frey, marketing manager and spokesperson for San Diego Humane Society. “The new location brings the horses to a more secure place for both the animals, staff and volunteers caring for them.”
The new location also provides easier access for staff, volunteers and prospective adopters. Frey said caregivers have already seen the horses begin to relax and show signs of enjoying their new surroundings.
The horses have required extensive medical care, grooming and behavioral support following the rescue.
“The majority of the horses have needed significant medical care, grooming and behavior support,” Frey said. “Overall, they all required consistent and whole care that they had not received previously.”
Daily care is provided by a team of four to six staff members and up to eight volunteers. Their work includes feeding, watering, cleaning stalls, providing medical support and monitoring horses with ongoing health needs. During the summer months, teams begin their days early to help keep the animals comfortable in the heat.
Some horses have already moved into new chapters. Frey said 23 horses have been reunited with previous owners, while 12 have been adopted into new homes. The organization said the rescued horses require adopters who understand their individual needs. They should be considered companion animals and not expected to participate in riding or performance activities.
“These resilient animals are looking for homes with experienced owners who can provide the ongoing care and comfort they deserve,” Frey said.
The horses are not available for public viewing. Those interested in adopting should email horses@sdhumane.org to learn more about the adoption process.One of the rescue’s most memorable stories involved Ginger, a horse, and Fred, a miniature horse, who formed a close bond while in care. Humane Officers noticed the pair stayed together and provided comfort for each other during the transition.When Fred was scheduled to move to Humane Farming Association’s Suwanna Ranch in Elk Creek, California, staff asked whether Ginger could accompany him. The organization agreed, allowing the two horses to remain together.Frey credited local nonprofit H.E.R.O. Grounds with helping identify the new location for the horses. The organization’s experience with large-animal emergency response helped support the relocation effort.“While many will require lifelong special care, every single one is now in the position to receive the dedicated support they need,” Frey said.The investigation into the Villa Chardonnay property remains ongoing. Frey said San Diego Humane Society encourages animal owners who feel overwhelmed to seek assistance before situations become unmanageable.San Diego Humane Society said its work will continue until the remaining animals from the rescue have found permanent placements.
