Serenity Equine Rescue & Rehabilitation

Sonya Gosain

It’s plain to see that this organization does stellar work. I am subtracting a star for treatment of volunteers. I have an invisible disability which affects how I come across to others. Compared to anyone else at the rescue, Patricia was quick to let me know she looked down on me, only calling me “honey” or “sweetie.” I quickly left, in part due to being unable to approach her. The subtraction of one star also applies to her volunteer training curriculum. The training of volunteers has one portion that is ableist toward autistic people. I understand that Dr. Temple Grandin has done incredible work on behalf of animals and those working with them. Yes, obviously continue to praise this. That being said, don’t preach that all autistic people think the same way just because one person (Temple Grandin) said that this is so. Not everyone on the autism spectrum relates to that. In general, the training from Patricia took an attitude of knowing autistic people best simply due to having read Dr. Grandin’s “Think In Pictures” book, so she literally said and I quote, autistic people “think in pictures.” She also said that they experience life the way that horses and animals in general do - again, all because Temple Grandin said so in her book. It was a horrific experience, but I felt obliged to provide utmost respect due to Patricia’s accomplishments with horses. Once again, Temple Grandin has done great things, but there is no perfect spokesperson for autistic people. Despite your amazing abilities and talents Patricia, with all due respect, please consider these words. It may be that my physical and relational abilities as a volunteer were subpar - but I gave my very best efforts in the paddocks, aside from the fact that I often showed up late to my shifts, for which I take responsibility.

Sarah L.

Great place to volunteer if you love taking care of pigs and horses. The weather is unpredictable though but the staff is amazing.

Pauline Marsden

On the surface Serenity seems like the ideal place, but on close inspection i believe this is not true. It appears to be a place all about appearances, but nothing about true animal welfare. I was a volunteer there for several years. It took me quite awhile to see what really is going on there. For starters their web site is full of misinformation and untruths. They have no trainer - he quit years go. The horses are given no exercise or training. Sure, the paddocks/barns are clean and the horses are fed, but there is a lot more than just leading a horse from barn to paddock every day. Horses must be exercised, socialized, trained, etc. One can't leave a horse standing in a small paddock and expect it to be happy. Many of the horses have been there for years and years. They are growing old instead of being adopted out to loving forever homes. In my opinion Serenity isn’t a rescue, it is a holding pen, and a tool for the owner to use volunteer help in maintaining her property and her personal horses. My heart goes out to these beautiful rescue horses. I love them all. And that is why I am posting this review.. In addition, the owner treats the volunteers who she interacts with with disrespect. Many end up in tears, and many volunteers quit. It is not a happy place. Finally, the review by the lady who has two horses at Serenity is true. What's is really sad is that Serenity's owner will not let this reviewer come and visit these two horses. Why, I do not know. It seems a very mean spirited thing to do to someone. There is lots more that is not good about this place; but, I hope that my review will give the reader a better perspective of what is really happening at Serenity

Susan Freeman

I have been an enthusiastic volunteer at Serenity for over a year. I started with the intention of spending one day a week there and now I'm up to three. If I lived closer, I am sure I would be there most day of the week. This is a lovely environment for horses, piggies, and the people who volunteer. I grew up with horses but had not been around any for many years. I thought I knew a fair amount about them until I started watching and working with Patricia. She is a marvel, a true force of nature in her knowledge and passion for these animals. I learned about the horses’ health needs and their social needs, not to mention that I'm in the best physical shape I've been in for decades! We work hard to keep the environment as clean, safe, and supportive to the horses as we possibly can. Based on a few reviews I have read that are critical of the operation, I can only conclude these were written by people that do not have a clear understanding of what is involved in an operation like Serenity's or perhaps have a personal axe to grind. I am shocked and saddened that anyone would give any place a poor review based on a single encounter. There is an old adage "Walk a mile in my shoes, See what I see, Hear what I hear, Feel what I feel...Then maybe you'll understand Why I do what I do.. until then don't judge me." At Serenity the horses ALWAYS come first. We are there because we want to help provide a happy and comfortable life for animals that have had some pretty tough times. I would encourage anyone who wants to step out of their own ego to give & receive some love to these lovely animals to come join the team at Serenity.