CASTLEWOOD RANCH
Learn about our private animal rescue's passion for saving ranch animals at risk.
Join us in our Mission today!
About Our Ranch
We Are Dedicated To The Welfare Of Equines And Ranch Animals In Our Care
Our amazing team is committed to providing for the well-being of all animals at the Ranch. Whether it's a boarded horse or one of our many equines rescued from the brink of slaughter, we are passionate about quality care. From facility management and strict bio-security, to husbandry and proper veterinarian care, we strive to do our best with limited resources. Follow our good work on Facebook at Castlewood Ranch, Aptos Hills.
The History Of Castlewood Ranch
Kelly Marie has been an avid animal and horse lover her entire life. She has over 40 years of equestrian experience and is also a skilled dog trainer. She rides English and used to be an ardent Hunt Field rider. She has been trained by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and started the Mounted Ranger unit for a local County Parks Department. Despite Kelly's riding style, she respects all approaches to riding and training horses -as long as it is kind to the horse and safe for both horse and rider.
Castlewood started out as a horse boarding operation. But, Kelly saw the need for another energetic rescue to help stop the never ending stream of at risk equines and ranch animals being slated for slaughter or euthanasia. In order to make a difference, she restructured her horse boarding operation into an organization promoting education, rescue, rehabilitation, re-homing and permanent sanctuary for selected at risk ranch animals. When you secure paid services from Castlewood Ranch you are actively supporting equine and ranch animal rescue.
Our Primary Mission Is To Rescue At Risk Equines
While we occasionally rescue a variety of ranch animals, our primary mission is is to rescue equines from the brink of slaughter.
Our goals include the following:
- Reduce the number of unwanted animals through the promotion of aggressive spay, neuter and castration policies.
- Provide for the well-being and rehabilitation of rescues in our care while soliciting lifelong, loving homes.
- Promote responsible animal ownership through education and youth programs like our Cowpoke Kids Club.
- Nurture gift and volunteer relations while actively engaging the community to support animal rescue.
Our TEAM and Lead Trainers
Kelly Marie, Ranch Manager
Kelly Marie, Ranch Manager
Kelly Marie, Ranch Manager
Kelly invites you to call the Ranch and see what volunteer, sponsorship, horse leasing or boarding opportunities are available. Don't have time? You can always give a non-deductible gift to save an animal.
Donna Lee, Supporter
Kelly Marie, Ranch Manager
Kelly Marie, Ranch Manager
Donna has been an ardent animal lover and dog trainer her entire life. She cares deeply for the environment and animal welfare. She supports Defenders of Wildlife, and asks that you do as well.
Kimberly Lee, Supporter
Kelly Marie, Ranch Manager
Kimberly Lee, Supporter
Kim advocates for the concept #AdoptDontShop. She has volunteered at her local shelter in the rabbit room, and has adopted several rabbits. Kim also loves cats. Please help feral cats get altered. Consider supporting Project Purr.
Sandi, Volunteer
Amaryliss, Lead Horse Trainer
Kimberly Lee, Supporter
Sandi is our longest serving volunteer and deserves a "shout out" THANK YOU! She has seen our rescues come in, and go out to new loving homes. And, she is a BIG part of why we can d o what we do. Do you want to volunteer? Call us!
Amaryliss, Lead Horse Trainer
Amaryliss, Lead Horse Trainer
Amaryliss, Lead Horse Trainer
We are lucky to have Amaryliss on Team Castlewood. She has 20 years of horse / rider training experience under her boots and helps to manage all aspects or our programming. She is a skilled ranch
fixer-upper as well She offers onsite private riding lessons by appointment and manages our CowPoke Kids Summer Camps.
Chris, Volunteer
Amaryliss, Lead Horse Trainer
Amaryliss, Lead Horse Trainer
We are proud to have Chris on our team. She has a special talent with the kids, and supports our efforts to teach responsible animal stewardship.