Glen Ellen horse sanctuary receives grants

The Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, Inc., Northern California’s oldest thoroughbred retirement and rehabilitation foundation and sanctuary, has recently received grants from the Brennan Equine Welfare Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation and the Thoroughbred Charities of America.

Founded in 1995 by Pam Berg on her Glen Ellen Farms, GEVA is an equine retirement and rehabilitation sanctuary accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. It has also been accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance for several years and is currently going through the re-accreditation process, a regular process for renewal of accreditation every two years, awaiting the final farm inspection. Berg runs the nonprofit with the help of volunteers.

GEVA received the grant from Brennan to be applied toward emergency lighting for the several paddocks in which the horses live in groups. The donation from Thoroughbred Charities is to be used for the maintenance of the more than 30 horses typically quartered at the farm. The funds will be used for hay and feed and other supplements for the horses under GEVA’s care.

“We are one of the few accredited equine sanctuaries in the country, and we appreciate the support we have received from both foundations. Thanks to the hard work of our volunteers, all money we receive is used solely for the horses,” said Berg.

Berg received Dogwood Stable’s Dominion Award in 2004 for her work with GEVA. The award honors those in the racing industry who work to create a positive influence in the business. Berg was also honored by the Sonoma Horse Council in 2011 by being inducted into their Hall of Fame for her work providing for horses in need.

In addition to being a retirement operation, GEVA was also founded as a bilingual vocational school to teach people the skills necessary to work with horses in a safe, humane and confident manner.