How We Rescue
& Rehabilitate At-Risk Horses
Canham Farm Horse Rescue is a small non-profit tucked away in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains, our mission is simple: to protect abused, neglected, and at-risk wild horses the chance of a better life. Using a unique consent-based approach, we help each horse heal at their own pace—so they can eventually thrive as riding horses, companions, or therapy partners.
These two 3-month old orphan mustang babies arrived in very poor condition. Both were underweight, had injuries likely caused by other horses – one injury was infected. We immediately got them into a safe, dry stall with plenty of bedding, gave them unlimited access to forage and water, and treated them with antibiotics. They are both doing well.
How We Help Them Heal
Horse rescue and rehabilitation is a team effort—our vet, farrier, dentist, nutritionist, and caregivers all work together. We don’t measure progress by speed, but by how relaxed, curious, and content the horse becomes.
They ALL receive:
- – Rest and re-cooperation
- – Nutritious, forage-first diets and slow re-feeding when needed
- – Corrective hoof care to ease pain and improve movement
- – Gentle bodywork and vet-approved therapies
- – Social turnout and enrichment to bring back joy and curiosity
Our Gentle Horse Training Style
At Canham Farm Horse Rescue, training is a conversation, never a confrontation. We ask for a horse’s “yes” before moving forward, and if they give us a “no,” we listen. By offering choices, celebrating small wins, and building trust, we create a partnership between horse and human.
Consent-based Horse Training
A Kinder, Gentler Way
Finding The Right Home For All Horses In Our Care
When a horse is ready, we carefully match them with a loving home. Adoption isn’t just about finding a horse a place to live—it’s about building a partnership that lasts.
Here’s how it works:
1. Fill out our adoption interest form.
2. Come meet the horse in person.
3. We’ll talk through the horse’s needs and your experience.
4. We’ll do a quick home check to make sure it’s safe and suitable.
5. Adoption is finalized with an agreement (with a lifetime return guarantee).
6. We stay in touch with coaching and support whenever needed.
Our Promise – A Full-Circle Horse Rescue
We promise our horses a safety net for life. That’s what we mean by “full-circle horse rescue.”
– Every adopted horse can come back to us anytime as space allows, no questions asked.
– When the time comes, we provide compassionate, vet-guided end-of-life care.
– Adopters are part of our family—we are here for guidance and support always.
Embrace the Moment – A Horse Therapy Program for Adults On The Cancer Journey
How Our Rescue Horses Help Adults With Cancer
One of the most beautiful parts of our work is our *Embrace the Moment* program, where rehabilitated horses partner with cancer patients and their caregivers. These are quiet, non-riding sessions in our redwood setting, focused on connection, breath, and simply being together.
How You Can Make a Difference
– Donate: Your gift directly to our horse rescue – your donation funds feed, vet care, and rehabilitation.
– Volunteer: Help in the barn, at events, or behind the scenes—there’s a place for everyone.
– Sponsor a Horse: Cover the care costs of a horse you love and watch their journey unfold.
Let’s Connect
We’re located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, California. Our horse rescue visits are by appointment only so our herd can relax in a peaceful environment. You can contact us to request a visit.
