Retiring Vandenberg Horse Finds Sanctuary at Redwings
The military working horse unit at Vandenberg Space Force Base was retired in August. The program was established in 1996 to help patrol thousands of acres that would be difficult to do on foot, or inaccessible by ATV. Four horses were retired – Buck, Duke, Patton, and Trooper. In place of the horses, base security forces are switching to drone aircraft to do aerial patrols.
Buck, an American Paint gelding, is now living the retired lifestyle at Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Paso Robles. Buck was transported from Vandenberg to Redwings by Staff Sergeant Kyle Young, a U.S. Air Force Conservation Patrolman, along with Wayne Moses, Lead Conservation Officer, and Program Manager. Buck arrived with an Air Force Achievement Medal for Meritorious Service and a Certificate of Retirement, signifying Buck’s 12 years of faithful service to the United States Air Force.
The public will be able to meet Buck in person during Redwing’s 2nd Annual Block Party and Fundraiser, held on Sunday, September 18TH from 11-3. The Event will feature a BBQ lunch catered by Co-Host CASS Winery, music from Monte Mills and the Lucky Horseshoe Band, self-guided barn tours, 805Photo Booth horse-themed pictures, Shaved Ice, wine, and beer sales, and much more. Then there is the Main Reason for the Party, the Silent and the Live Auctions, with all proceeds going directly to the care of the horses.
Tickets for September 18th can be purchased online at My805Tix.com only. General admission is $50, and there are also VIP Reserved tables available as well. These tables feature numerous benefits, as well as offering front row seating for the band and live auction. Still not sure? Live auction items include: a trip to France, hot air balloon ride, Magnums of wine, a glamping experience paired with a 2-hour private animal interaction from Zoo To You, an animal conservation organization, plus so much more. There is also an interactive Heads or Tails game; you could win a Traeger Pro Series 22 Bronze Grill. If you are unable to attend, please consider donating to Redwings at www.redwingshorsesanctuary.org.
Redwings Horse Sanctuary
Donate now!redwingshorsesanctuary.org
(805) 237-3751
Equine Care Manager: Sara Ruggerone
Mission
Our mission is to eliminate the causes of equine suffering through education and community outreach programs, rescue abused and neglected equines, and provide permanent sanctuary or selected foster homes for those equines.
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We know you care about where your money goes and how it is used. Connect with this organization’s leadership in order to begin to build this important relationship. Your email will be sent directly to this organization’s director of development and/or Executive Director.
Marilyn and I have been associated with Redwings Horse Sanctuary for over twenty-one years. We started to support Redwings shortly after it was founded and have served as volunteers, officers, and board members. We have visited the sanctuary to view with compassion the horses who had been rescued from dire situations and rehabilitated and restored to good health.
“We also helped in the relocation of the sanctuary to Paso Robles, California. The wonderful care given to the animals by the staff and volunteers of Redwings has been the driving force in our continuing to support the mission of the organization. I am sure the new facility will enhance the care of the animals and we wish Redwings continued success.
Paso Here We Are
Prior to moving to its new spread in 2021, Redwings Horse Sanctuary led a capital campaign called “Paso Here We Come” to pay for its new permanent facility. Even though Redwings has arrived in Paso Robles, the fundraising campaign continues with a target of $1 million. “Now that we’ve completed the move, we expect to have additional volunteers and to be able to offer more guided tours and educational outreach to the public. With our new proximity to the San Luis Obispo County community, we anticipate more interest in Redwings, which hopefully turns into more fundraising support,” says Linelle Soxman, a board director.
Key Supporters
Marilyn and Jack Clifton
Catholic Community Foundation
Community Foundation for Monterey
Evelyn Gaul
The Mary Jo and Hank Greenberg
Animal Welfare Foundation
Harden Foundation
Diana Tiernan Hunter
Sharon Johnston
Kinnoull Foundation
Belina Lee Lazzar
Maureen Marshott
Joan and Terry McHenry
Kristan Otto
Rosamund Reece
Juanita Reid Trust
Dr. Yvonne Robinson and Don Buss
Patricia Theis
Jan Vanderbilt
Ward Family
California Retirement Management Account
and Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance
With special thanks to all the Redwings volunteers
who give their time so generously to the horses