It's been a busy year at Sunrise. Let's catch up!

Finn and Chance getting to know one another. They now happily share a paddock.

First, the horses...

Spring brought important reminders about companionship and careful herd management. Finn and Chance continued their successful playdates, highlighting the importance of healthy social interaction for horses. Mirage began wearing a UV-protective fly sheet to shield her sensitive pink skin from sunburn.

This season also introduced “Blue Booties” for volunteers entering quarantine paddocks, helping to prevent the spread of an infectious disease affecting several horses. Mini Moo, Ronnie, and Mirage were placed under full quarantine, while Apollo and Willow followed lighter protocols due to proximity. With careful monitoring, cleaning, and attentive care, the spread was contained, and the majority of the herd remained healthy.

Summer brought much-needed reunions. Volunteers continued to follow quarantine and hygiene practices to protect the herd. Rosemary also underwent successful tail surgery and happily returned home to Blue and Daddy.

This early fall has brought both joy and loss. We said goodbye to two cherished horses, Spice and Adonis, surrounded by the loving care of our team. At the same time, we welcomed five horses from the Napa area, including a pony and a mule, with Rosemary, now fully blind, adjusting beautifully.

Health continues to be a focus: Raven received emergency eye care, Far Son is being treated for neck arthritis, Pace is under evaluation for weight loss, and Sugar recovered from a mild sand colic episode. We are deeply grateful for the expert guidance and outstanding veterinary care provided by our team at Napa Valley Equine.

Through every season, our mission remains the same: be a hero for a horse in need.

Thank you to our volunteers, donors, and community for helping us navigate

every twist in the trail with grace and grit.

Should you wish to support us in offsetting these unplanned expenses, we would be deeply grateful.

So many wonderful moments with our Community....

Sunrise proudly participated in Calistoga Ag Days on May 24. A wonderful event celebrating local agriculture and community connection. We were thrilled to engage with local families and introduce more people to the work we do.

Volunteers Denise Koons and Kindah Nuseibeh

sharing our mission.

Sunrise was also honored to join the Wine Train Collective’s Open House on July 8, where guests enjoyed behind-the-scenes access, wine tastings, and small bites. Net proceeds and 10% of all bottle sales from the evening directly supported our work, helping rescue and care for horses in need. We’re grateful to the Wine Train Collective and everyone who joined us to make a difference.

Volunteer Linda Lloyd connecting

with our local community.

On August 9, we were also thrilled to team up with our friends at Dogwood Animal Rescue to celebrate the vibrant Calistoga community that makes events like this possible. This one-of-a-kind summer gathering at Robert’s Tropical Table brought together style, rescue animals, and a splash of island flair. Guests sipped fruity cocktails, enjoyed the fashion, and supported a great cause!

Summer fashion on display for a good cause.

Two very special events...

“Stunning, moving, heartfelt, and healing.” That’s how one of our volunteers described the Rescued Hearts film. Over the past two years, filmmakers Dana and Krisanna have explored the profound connection between horses and humans in locations around the world, including Sonoma County, with partners like the Square Peg Foundation and Polyvagal Equine Institute.

The film was shown in select local theaters, and we were fortunate to experience it firsthand alongside the filmmakers. Their work offers a deeply personal, comprehensive look at the healing power of the human-horse bond, spreading insight and inspiration far beyond the screen.

Cameo Cinema provided the perfect setting, with a team that ensured every detail was right for sharing this beautiful story. It was truly a memorable evening for everyone in attendance.

Representatives from the Rescued Hearts film, Cameo Cinema, and Sunrise Horse Rescue come together for a memorable group photo.

Guests enthusiastically raise their paddles in support of our mission.

On September 21, Sunrise Horse Rescue hosted Harvest of Hope: The Giving Table fundraiser at the stunning Blossom Creek Farm, and it was truly a night to remember!

As our most significant annual fundraiser directly supports our operational budget and funds the veterinary care, feed, farrier services, and daily hands-on care that our herd relies on. This year, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the event raised over $160,000.

We are deeply grateful to our incredible community of donors, volunteers, and friends. Special thanks to Julien Beaugnon for a remarkable demonstration, and to the Rombauer family for their ongoing dedication and support of Sunrise Horse Rescue.

Meet Our Team...

Questions, comments, or suggestions for our newsletter? Share your thoughts by emailing info@sunrisehorserescue.org.