Board of Directors: About Us
Katrina Lomax - Executive Director/CEO/Founder
Joyce Garrison - Director - Community Outreach
Katrina Lomax - Executive Director/CEO/Founder
Skills: Equestrian, Horsemanship, training and starting horses, Specializing in Wild Horses. Hunter jumper, Dressage, Western Pleasure, Trail, Reining competitor. Carriage/Cart Driving Instructor.
Entrepreneur, Technology, Leadership, Strategy, Business Management, Communication, Problem Solving, Project Management, Finance, Education,
Skills: Equestrian, Horsemanship, training and starting horses, Specializing in Wild Horses. Hunter jumper, Dressage, Western Pleasure, Trail, Reining competitor. Carriage/Cart Driving Instructor.
Entrepreneur, Technology, Leadership, Strategy, Business Management, Communication, Problem Solving, Project Management, Finance, Education, Customer Service, Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Time Management, Organizational Management, Branding, Marketing, Networking
https://www.linkedin.com/in/klomax/
Katrina grew up on Long Island New York, and her parents started riding when they bought horses in their 40's, and Katrina started riding at 4 years old. The biggest influence was her instructor, Gail Andrews Butta, who taught her how to ride, hunter-jumper and dressage until age 13. (When Katrina outgrew her pony, her mother rescued a horse, rehabilitated her, and then Katrina rode her, and used her as a lesson horse for beginners.) This gave Katrina the foundation & cornerstone that her life would be built on, un-be-known to her until later in life.
At 18, she would clean stalls just to be near horses.
At 23, she moved to California San Francisco Bay Area to finish her degree in Business Management & minor in Environmental Science. Katrina worked many years in Accounting, Sourcing & Procurement, and IT. Katrina has worked over 30 years for top Fortune 100 & 500 companies to pay for her bad horse habit. She worked at companies like IBM, AMD, Cisco Systems, Trimble Navigation, Yahoo, Google and NetApp. She currently works as an IT Project Manager full time. Katrina always had to be with horses, and work was the means to get there.
Convinced to buy her own horse & property, she adopted her first Wild Horse (Mustang) for $125, from the Palomino Valley holding center in Reno in 2001. She trained, rode mountain trails, and competed with Valentina in the Western States Wild Horse and Burro Expos for years. Subsequently she adopted and trained 3 more Mustangs. Then she immersed herself in all riding disciplines & training, learning from many top equestrians, but keeping Jerry Tindell as her mentor. She had horses for each kind of competition. She had horses for her students and friends to show and compete with. She shared her blessings. She participated at the Reno Mustang Makeover in 2008 with her Mustang named Sunday. Sunday is currently at still SaddleHawk Ranch, along with Iroquois. She created a successful horse show buckle series and held shows around the Bay Area. Katrina always owned no more than 35, and no less then 6 (Equines) at a time in her career. She is an expert in their care.
Katrina has held multiple volunteer positions with non-profits and charitable organizations. She served 8 years total with Golden State Appaloosa Horse Association; Two years as President, 2 years as Vice President and 4 on the Board of Directors. She also served 2 years as Membership Director for the Mt Diablo Beekeepers Association.
Covid created something wonderful called "remote working" and this prompted a move to the Southwest and the Land of Enchantment in 2022. This is the next part of the dream; To save horses from going to slaughter in Mexico, and have them be used by those that are less fortunate, disadvantaged both economically and physically. Give to those that have a burning desire to learn and partner with the Equine. To ride, drive and serve the Equine. To serve Others according to His purpose. Amen
Ken Wendel - Treasurer & CFO
Joyce Garrison - Director - Community Outreach
Katrina Lomax - Executive Director/CEO/Founder
Bio in the works
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenwcpa/
Skills: Basic horsemanship, intermediate driving skills, lover for manure piles.
Accounting, Preparation of financial statements, management. Accounting for non-profits. Teamwork.
Ken was originally raised in Buffalo NY, where his two adult sons currently still reside. Ken left the Eas
Bio in the works
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenwcpa/
Skills: Basic horsemanship, intermediate driving skills, lover for manure piles.
Accounting, Preparation of financial statements, management. Accounting for non-profits. Teamwork.
Ken was originally raised in Buffalo NY, where his two adult sons currently still reside. Ken left the East Coast 2011, for sunny California San Francisco Bay Area.
Ken has his CPA and has been an accountant for over 30 years, and has his bachelors degree from University of Buffalo in Business Administrator with a concentration in Accounting.
During his corporate employment in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ken has worked for Fortune 100 and 500 companies like; Mattel, Yahoo, Twitter, Golden State Warriors, Yelp, Pattern Energy, Calpine Energy and NetApp.
Ken and Katrina met while working at ITT in NY, and later Ken took a position at Yahoo which brought him to California. Ken and Katrina owned the Loose Rooster Ranch in California for 8 years. After covid, when working remotely was the new norm, they moved to Deming NM in Jan 2022.
Ken started working with horses in 2014, and learning to ride when he purchased his first horse, GIN, in 2021. Ken then became very passionate about driving as well, and has been a big part of moving the Driving program at SaddleHawk Ranch forward in Southwestern NM. He donates his time to Equine Safe Haven as the CFO/Treasurer and as an Instructor.
Ken has worked for many non profits and charitable organizations: Controller for Erie County NY agricultural society. He was Treasurer for the EMW Boys club, and Mt Diablo Beekeepers association in the SF Bay Area. Ken still works full time at his company: Ken Wendel CPA
Joyce Garrison - Director - Community Outreach
Joyce Garrison - Director - Community Outreach
Joyce Garrison - Director - Community Outreach
I am Joyce Garrison. I am almost 69 years old, and I was raised in Texas. I attended the Texas Woman's University and received a degree in Nursing.
I became a Commander in the Public Health Service working with Native American Peoples.
During my years in Alaska I was privileged to train as a dog musher with the father of the Iditarod Tr
I am Joyce Garrison. I am almost 69 years old, and I was raised in Texas. I attended the Texas Woman's University and received a degree in Nursing.
I became a Commander in the Public Health Service working with Native American Peoples.
During my years in Alaska I was privileged to train as a dog musher with the father of the Iditarod Trail Sled-Dog Race; Joe Redington Sr.
I retired from nursing and mushing and moved to New Mexico, where I met Ken and Kate, and began to work with horses. I have worked at SaddleHawk Ranch since Spring of 2022. I cherish my experiences there and I thank Ken and Kate for everything.
Larry McMahan - Director
Jenn Gahres - Director - term ends Dec 31, 2024
Joyce Garrison - Director - Community Outreach
Skills: Former Journalist for newswires and features, PR, Marketing. Fundraiser for various outlets. Hard Labor; Farming and Package Handling. Award winning filmmaker, former Creative Exec at Paramount. Top producing realtor, current property manager, adventure traveler, kills it at cocktail parties and discothèques, animal lover, some S
Skills: Former Journalist for newswires and features, PR, Marketing. Fundraiser for various outlets. Hard Labor; Farming and Package Handling. Award winning filmmaker, former Creative Exec at Paramount. Top producing realtor, current property manager, adventure traveler, kills it at cocktail parties and discothèques, animal lover, some Spanish. Writing instructor, volunteer coordinator...
When Screenwriter (Larry McMahan) Airbnb' d at the Bunkhouse to work on a writing project, he was so enchanted by the horses and humans at the Ranch that he came back the next week, and then stayed an extra week. And..is back again
He grew up down the street from the farm of Gold Medal Olympian Melanie Smith (and her horse Calypso), in Germantown, Tennessee, a stop on the then Rolex Grand Prix Show Jumping tour. A grandson of farmers, a brother of an equine assisted therapist, and frequent attendee of the tour's Germantown Charity Horse Show, Larry grew up learning the importance of horses and how their presence enriches and informs.
While getting his MFA in Film, with funding in part from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, he helped jumpstart, CineStory, a national 501(c)3, non-profit dedicated to the craft of screenwriting. There he served to connect emerging writers with industry professionals via constant outreach, organization and promotion via an international writing contest, which he served as a Director, and co-producing conferences, workshops and retreats.
Larry has also worked extensively with the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation as a team leader and participant, managing creative fundraising teams for 3 different 1/2 marathons to raise money and awareness for finding a cure.
His other volunteer experiences range from St. Jude's Childrens Hospital, the Austin Humane Society socializing dogs, and various hurricane relief efforts raising money for those recovering from natural disasters.
A sucker for a selfie and self promotion, Larry hopes to expand both awareness and understanding of Equine Safe Havens mission via social media and other avenues bringing the world to know the richness of the Ranch
Jenn Gahres - Director - term ends Dec 31, 2024
Jenn Gahres - Director - term ends Dec 31, 2024
Jenn Gahres - Director - term ends Dec 31, 2024
Skills - Problem Solving, Strategic and Organizational Abilities. Social Media & Event Management; Educated in Psychology, Counseling & Arts and Learning Education; and Yoga Teacher Certified. Interests in Travel and Photography. Loves Animals & Nature.
Has volunteered at SaddleHawk Ranch multiple times and contributed to Equine Safe Ha
Skills - Problem Solving, Strategic and Organizational Abilities. Social Media & Event Management; Educated in Psychology, Counseling & Arts and Learning Education; and Yoga Teacher Certified. Interests in Travel and Photography. Loves Animals & Nature.
Has volunteered at SaddleHawk Ranch multiple times and contributed to Equine Safe Haven's social media growth...
Jenn was born outside of Philly and grew up in Massachusetts. Blending academic training in psychology, counseling and education with hands-on experience in floral design, event management and various roles in the social work world, including in management positions. She has the ability to problem solve under the most difficult of circumstances using strategic planning and well honed organizational skills. Even while paying close attention to detail, she continues to visualize the global picture when completing tasks.
She is a writer, a baker of a variety of breads (that Will often calls cake), a photographer, and an artist herself, having a true love for visual arts. She is also a certified yoga teacher, however currently only develops sequences for her personal daily routine. And, has recently decided to use her voice in her work, which could mean facilitating guided meditations or something similar.
She has a love for travel having been to Europe, Central America and on a solo cross country trip across the United States and back, camping the majority of the way.
Upon meeting her partner Will, she knew that her life would be changed forever. Finding a connection through nature, where they both find tranquility, they are often found exploring together. Constantly challenging themselves to live with intention and to practice with a minimalistic view, they purchased a school bus to renovate into a tiny home. Being a couple who want to live life with intention and gratitude, together they hope to find community in this adventure and aim to be aware and responsive to their surroundings.
Since being on the road, Jenn has managed their daily lives as she organizes their travel, tends to responsibilities within their home, and manages all of the social media related to their Skoolie life, including creating short and lengthy videos for YouTube, Instagram, Tik Tok, and Facebook. She developed their website and maintains their social presence, including the time they have spent at each location they pass through - highlighting places like Saddlehawk Ranch and the work that Katrina and Ken do there.
Will Burgos - Director - term ends Dec 31, 2024
Jenn Gahres - Director - term ends Dec 31, 2024
Jenn Gahres - Director - term ends Dec 31, 2024
Skills - Love Animals & Nature. Artist, Musician, Critical Thinker, Creative Abilities - Sculptures, Carpentry, Building, Welding. Educated in Emergency Medicine & Surgical Technology. Property Management. Interests in Travel and Woodworking. Has volunteered at SaddleHawk Ranch multiple times and contributed to Equine Safe Haven constr
Skills - Love Animals & Nature. Artist, Musician, Critical Thinker, Creative Abilities - Sculptures, Carpentry, Building, Welding. Educated in Emergency Medicine & Surgical Technology. Property Management. Interests in Travel and Woodworking. Has volunteered at SaddleHawk Ranch multiple times and contributed to Equine Safe Haven construction & social media growth...
Will grew up in Puerto Rico and California prior to making his way to the East coast as a Traveling Surgical Tech in his adult life where he met his partner, Jenn. He automatically won the hearts of her family with his ridiculous sense of humor, his infectious laugh and his genuine love for children, animals and horses. With an immense passion for life, he definitely wears his heart on his sleeve and pours soul into all that he does.
He is an artist and craftsman, skilled in various disciplines and thirsty for information that assists him in gaining more experience. When he was living in California, he created several murals in his local community and in his young adult life, he moved to Arizona and managed an art gallery. Not only did he sell his art there, he was also commissioned to create specific pieces of work often. And, still to this day continues to draw, make silver coin rings, orgonite pyramids and wood sculptures.
When the couple bought a school bus, his creativity was further displayed by not only the results of the interior work, but also the exterior vision he had. Will tirelessly worked to renovate it into their home utilizing his knowledge of welding, woodworking/building, electrical wiring and plumbing. Although his other favorite ride is his Jeep, his original passion was motorcycle stunt riding. However, following an injury where he nearly encountered death, he came to the realization life was far more precious. He is now committed to savoring every moment, following his dreams and "making every place that he visits a better place than he left it" which he absolutely does.
Given that statement, he has done so throughout their travels, helping Jenn's family members and all of the friends they have met along the way. At Saddlehawk Ranch, most recently he finished the entire interior build out of the restroom located on the property for guests. In addition, he fixed their horse cart and helped build a firepit in the back pasture for tent campers. Also, he has been teaching himself to play several instruments, including the guitar - which he plays for all the animals, every time he visits the ranch!
Lynn Gay - Honorary Board Member
Jon Brautigan - Director - Community Outreach
Jon Brautigan - Director - Community Outreach
Bio coming!
Jon Brautigan - Director - Community Outreach
Jon Brautigan - Director - Community Outreach
Jon Brautigan - Director - Community Outreach
Bio in the works.
Cori Ryniker- Director - Travel
Jon Brautigan - Director - Community Outreach
Kurtis Cochrane - Secretary of the Board Ashley Cochrane - Events and Volunteer Committee Associate
Skills: Leadership, Business Acumen, problem solving, critical thinking, space planning and evaluation, teamwork, teaching, traveling the world and meeting new people/other cultures
Cori was born and raised on Long Island NY. She is sister to Katrina.
She had a career as a Registered Commercial Interior designer, holding positions as D
Skills: Leadership, Business Acumen, problem solving, critical thinking, space planning and evaluation, teamwork, teaching, traveling the world and meeting new people/other cultures
Cori was born and raised on Long Island NY. She is sister to Katrina.
She had a career as a Registered Commercial Interior designer, holding positions as Design Department Director for a national company, past president of several volunteer organizations, board member of a school district's educational foundation, experience as head coordinator of educational programs for professional groups and elementary school programs.
Travel coordinator and advisor. Loves the arts.
Kurtis Cochrane - Secretary of the Board Ashley Cochrane - Events and Volunteer Committee Associate
Kurtis Cochrane - Secretary of the Board Ashley Cochrane - Events and Volunteer Committee Associate
Kurtis Cochrane - Secretary of the Board Ashley Cochrane - Events and Volunteer Committee Associate
Terms ending Dec 31, 2024
Support Equine Safe Haven Today
We are members of...
The American Driving Society or ADS
Arizona Carriage and Driving Society
United States Trotting Association
Deming-Luna County Chamber of Commerce
Life As A Horse
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Most horses pass from one human to another - some horsemen and women are patient and forgiving, others are rigorous and demanding, others are cruel, others are ignorant.
Horses have to learn how to, at the minimum, walk, trot, canter, gallop, go on trails, tow a cart or carriage, and maybe jump, to be treated by the vet, all with sense and good manners.
Talented horses must learn how to win races, and if they can't do that, they must learn how to negotiate courses and jump over strange obstacles without touching them, or do complicated dance like movements or control cattle or accommodate severely handicapped children and adults in therapy work. Many horses learn all of these things in the course of a single lifetime.
Besides this, they learn to understand and fit into the successive social systems of other horses they meet along the way.
A horse's life is rather like twenty years in foster care, or in and out of prison, while at the same time changing schools over and over and discovering that not only do the other students already have their own social groups, but that what you learned at the old school hasn't much application at the new one.
We do not require as much of any other species, including humans. That horses frequently excel, that they exceed the expectations of their owners and trainers in such circumstances, is as much a testament to their intelligence and adaptability as to their relationship skills or their natural generosity or their inborn nature.
That they sometimes manifest the same symptoms as abandoned orphans - distress, strange behaviors, anger, fear - is less surprising than that they usually don't.
No one expects a child, or even a dog to develop its intellectual capacities living in a box 23 hours a day and then doing controlled exercises the remaining one. Mammal minds develop through social interaction and stimulation.
A horse that seems "stupid", "slow", "stubborn", etc. might just have not gotten the chance to learn!
Take care of your horses and treasure them.
- by Jane Smiley