Foundation Plans Horse Rescue Sanctuary in Hidden Valley

(Newbury Park, CA) The Hogan Family Foundation announced today that they are closing escrow this week on 22 acres in Hidden Valley to build a horse rescue sanctuary for neglected and abused horses. The undeveloped property is on Potrero Road where construction is set to begin once approval is received from county government agencies. The project is expected to cost the Foundation in the area of $5 million dollars initially and approximately $250K annually in operation costs.

Ed Hogan, Chairman of the Foundation said, “Horses have been a passion of mine for many years. Following last years devastating fires, I was deeply affected by the many stories I read of the burned and disabled horses that were victims. That was the birth of my dream to build a sanctuary where we could help the many horses in our area that each year are abandoned, neglected and mistreated.”

The ranch will be called Rancho San Francisco, after St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment and founder of the Franciscan order. The facility will include a barn, paddock and stables that will be able to house more than 30 horses. There will be two structures on the property to accommodate caretakers and ranch hands, as well as a residence for the program director. The program will be called the 15 Hands Horse Rescue Sanctuary.

The program will be funded by the Foundation for the purpose of providing a nurturing shelter for abused and neglected horses in the community and offering rehabilitation and placement opportunities. Volunteers will be recruited to assist with the project. As the program develops, the Foundation hopes to provide bonding opportunities for area children for whom interaction with horses can make a difference in their lives and teach them compassion and respect for animals.

“Once we receive our grading permit we will begin the construction phase of the project,” said Chuck Melber, President of Peregrine Inc, the contractor for the project. “The property will take about 18 months to complete.” Melber is best known as the builder of the Hogan Foundation’s Gardens of the World Community Park on Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks. “If we receive the same cooperative spirit from Ventura County officials that we received from the City of Thousand Oaks, we should be able to move fairly quickly”, said Melber. “We are very appreciative to date for the efforts of the County Department of Fish and Game, and other government agencies including the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.

Foundation Chairman, Ed Hogan said, “Our plan is to create a program that will benefit the county and local community and serve for the good of all – in particular those unfortunate creatures that cannot help themselves.” Hogan’s non-profit foundation funds many charitable and humanitarian programs such as the Gardens of the World and the Hogan Angel Flight Program which provides transportation for patients in need of medical diagnosis and treatment. “We are very excited about this new opportunity and are hoping that, with the support of local government agencies, we can expedite this project and create a place of beauty, peace and love for some of our beloved horses.”

Furthermore, Hogan, who has been active showing and riding his Arabian horses for many years, wants to educate underprivileged children to the joy of trail riding and proper use and care of horses. He has contacted many professional and amateur equestrians about this project who have offered their support and will serve as mentors and trainers benefiting the children. Rancho San Francisco will be adjacent to the great Santa Monica Mountains Conversancy with its hiking, bike and horse trails all the way from Potrero Road, Hidden Valley to Malibu - nine miles of natural beauty.