Page 52 - 2021 TAA Magazine

Glen Ellen SANCTUARY

REHABILITATION
Vocational Academy RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL:
“TAA grants have
provided much-
needed funding to
provide for these
noble Thoroughbreds,
who have given their
lives to the racing
industry and need a
comfortable
sanctuary in which
to retire. Some go on
to second careers,
but others have a
well-earned retirement
and just enjoy being
horses.”
Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, located in the wine country of Sonoma Valley, is one of
America’s oldest rescue organizations and has provided safe haven for hundreds of horses.
FOUNDED: 1995
ADDRESS:
Glen Ellen Vocational Academy (GEVA) is to the stakes winners. GEVA’s mission is to be
one of America’s oldest rescue organizations, the best friend and advocate for each individual P.O. Box 2101
founded in California 25 years ago by former horse. Glen Ellen, CA 95442
racetrack steward Pam Berg. The foundation GEVA has an established relationship with
has rehabilitated, placed, and provided safe Santa Rosa Junior College, with Berg being on its PHONE:
haven for hundreds of Thoroughbreds, for Equine Advisory Committee. UC-Davis Veteri- (707) 527-8092
which Berg has been honored with the Dogwood nary Medicine Club members come to GEVA MAIN CONTACT:
Dominion Award as one of racing’s “unsung for their dental wet labs twice a year, and many
heroes.” She was also inducted into the Equus Sonoma State University students do their volun- Pam Berg
Hall of Fame of the Sonoma Horse Council. teer hours at the farm. Clinics and seminars can WEB ADDRESS:
“GEVA was founded for injured, retired, and be arranged upon request, as well as farm tours.
abused horses or those just in need of a home,” Through fundraising and informational efforts, glenellenfarms.com/geva
Berg said. “GEVA is dedicated to preventing GEVA attempts to educate the public about horse AVERAGE NUMBER OF
slaughter, needless euthanasia, and abuse of racing, as well as the inherent responsibility in
horses in any way.” the ownership and care of horses. THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR:
Most horses become permanent pensioners at GEVA is fortunate to have many supporters, 30
the sanctuary since they don’t have the option including Ridgeway Ranch, the home of the
of a second career. “There is so much empha- famous Seabiscuit.
sis on second careers nowadays that those who GEVA is currently located among the vine-
can’t have a second career need to be assured of yards in beautiful Sonoma Valley. However, a
a comfortable retirement,” Berg said. 136-acre farm has been purchased in Oregon to
GEVA, also accredited by the Global Federa- which the farm will eventually move.
tion of Animal Sanctuaries, focuses on the reha- GEVA is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit

bilitation and retirement of the sport’s noble organization totally dependent upon the generous
racetrack warriors, from the lowest claimer grants and tax-deductible charitable donations.

PAGE 50 DAILY RACING FORM