Serenity Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation

After Volunteering for nearly a year, I find Serenity to be a place of love and compassion for horses (and a pig) who have been rescued from neglect, abuse, abandonment and worse. Each animal is treated as an individual with care for their specific personality and needs.
When I came to Serenity I had no experience with horses, but founder Patricia along with mentor volunteers have so generously shared their knowledge that I been able to build relationships with these beautiful animals and be a part of their journey of healing.
It is such a gift to work alongside the many compassionate and dedicated volunteers that help to keep things running. Serenity fills my heart, brings me so much joy and I am deeply grateful to be a part of it.

Serenity Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation is top notch. I have been volunteering here weekly now for several years. I help feed, bring the horses out from the barn and clean their stalls every Thursday morning. The horses receive the utmost care, compassion and love provided by all of the helpful volunteers. Patricia, our Director, sees to it that each horse receives the medical care and careful healing that they deserve when they arrive at Serenity. I love being able to interact with these horses and feel blessed to do my small part to contribute to this community. I have met wonderful friends and it makes my heart happy to know that each and every horse here will have all that they need.

When I retired four years ago, I knew I wanted to spend my time volunteering. I also knew I liked horses but did not have much experience. What I didn't know was the wonderful journey, the growth and rewards I would experience at Serenity.
Through Serenity I have learned so much about horses, their behaviors, their habits, their care. How they communicate with us, and how we can listen to them. I have seen when love is given, and trust develops beautiful relationships happen between horses and humans.
I have also seen horses come to the rescue broken both physically and emotionally and with tender care and love seen them become whole again.
The horses are not the only reason to volunteer at Serenity, the people are amazing. We work as teams, supporting each other and lifting each other up. I have enjoyed my time working with fellow volunteers and have made some wonderful friendships.
The work is not always easy, mucking stalls, cleaning paddocks, but it always feels fulfilling.
When I first started, I thought I might do this for a year, it's been four and I see no end in sight.

I have volunteered at Serenity for the past eight months and find the experience fulfilling. I have recently passed the NAVTA Approved Veterinary Assistant exam and completed the Veterinary Assistant program at Renton Technical College. Serenity provided me the opportunity to serve the internship portion of the program over the summer. I still maintain several shifts and have elevated my status to Horse Handler.
I take private riding lessons, attend clinics and multi-day adult horsemanship camps at another barn. I'm able to develop the skills I've learned privately with the herd at Serenity and demonstrate proficiency to my instructors. The experience at Serenity has allowed me to progress in my equine journey successfully. I'm very grateful that I found Serenity.

I’ve been volunteering at Serenity for almost two years now and remain amazed at the commitment and passion of the organization. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves horses and/or is looking to get out in their community and get some exercise :)

I came to Serenity with previous horse experience but soon learned that there is such a better way to understand and benefit from being close and caring for these horses. They come to us from all kinds of unstable conditions, some almost ready to give up. We show them love, kindness, and proper care, sometimes for the first time in their lives and the reward they give us back is measured in seeing them thrive, make friends and gain strength, both physically and emotionally. The teaching provided by the owner, Patricia is consistent, thorough and she teaches the “why” so you understand what the action you are taking provides. There are regular and/or immediate veterinarian visits, so each animal is treated specific to their needs. As a volunteer, this place has changed my life in so many positive ways. I feel very lucky that I am part of this dynamic team, making a difference in lives daily.

I believe every animal has a right to a good life..one filled with love n care . This organization has rescued many from abuse and I am grateful for them , please donate I did every $1 helps thank you...go on their site n see the before and after pictures of these beautiful horses given a second chance..amen

So grateful to Serenity for providing a safe haven for these gentle and majestic creatures that have all too often been used and thrown away as age or disability deemed them 'useless'. At Serenity they are valued for the beauty of their being.
Transitioning from a rider to simply a companion and a supporter has been a fulfilling journey. The idea that horses are here to 'serve' is not a part of the Serenity philosophy. (Although we have had wonderful horses that have found homes as riding partners as well as forever family members)
I have seen miraculous things happen to people and horses, as they gained confidence, felt safe, felt seen and felt heard.
Thankful for this oasis of calm and healing in an ever changing world.

Serenity Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation is an exceptional facility that recognizes equines in need of assistance often need time to heal emotionally and mentally from their traumatic experiences. That time is given at Serenity without question and at whatever cost. The highly qualified staff know how to create and maintain the calm and quiet environment that promotes healing and full rehabilitation. Horses are found educated and competent homes and if re-homing is not possible or practical, Serenity offers a home for life. This truly is heaven on earth for horses.

I have been volunteering with Serenity Equine Rescue for 10 months now. It is a pleasure to spend a few hours there weekly helping take care of the horses and maintain a safe environment for them to heal to their full potential. Serenity tailors care to each individual equine they take in, from their veterinary care to their diets, but most importantly they provide a safe and loving environment. It is overwhelmingly an incredible place for animals to come heal from a life of neglect and abuse. I appreciate that Serenity's goal is to rehab horses and ponies for a loving life of adoption, but they also recognize some residents are forever residents due to their difficult histories. Those that are forever residents remain because they cannot recover from their lifetime of neglect in any other place than one that understands then as well as Serenity.

For me, Serenity has provided a learning environment for a beginner lover of horses, to learn how to provide an optimal environment, feed to specific dietary needs (including age), as well as how to handle horses safely. I have taken each week as an opportunity to grow my knowledge when it comes to the challenges and joys of proximity to horses. The guidance I have been given into adjusting the small details of equine handling and care have made me a better, more aware caretaker.

Serenity provides a learning environment for all its volunteers to further their passions in helping animals. The horse handling and grooming classes, owner Patricia teaches are wonderful resources.

The dedication of my fellow volunteers, many of them who have been there for years (some over 10 years), speaks to the positive environment.

I have worked at several horse ranches and never have I seen or been a part of the superior treatment and attention given to the individual animal these sometimes damaged or abused horses receive when taken to Serenity. The grounds are kept as clean and orderly as possible, with the philosophy that " these horses in most cases had a horrible existence until they were rescued, so we need to give them the absolute best environment to thrive in and the best care possible." There is always a gentle approach to all horse handling and the owner lives on the property, paying special attention to changes in behavior or needs of the farm. Volunteers all have the confidence that the horses will always come first and there is always someone around to attend to them. Serving these animals and this organization has been a life changing experience for me, full of enrichment for both horses and this human alike. So proud of what we stand for!

My husband and I adopted two rescues from Serenity. The property is very clean and peaceful. We learned so much through the process with on site classes and physical training with the ponies. Our property was inspected twice. The first time giving us instructions for improvements for the delivery and the second to ensure improvements were made. It is obvious that the horses at Serenity are loved and well taken care of. Our experience was nothing but positive.

I’ve been volunteering here for 8 years. I learn something new all the time. I’m so happy to be a part of this wonderful place for horses to come to in their time of need.

I visited and donated to this wonderful place and saw how well the horses are taken care of. When they come here, they have come to heaven.

I've been volunteering at Serenity for years now and still feel so lucky to be part of this wonderful place! I've learned so much since arriving here and continue to learn more with each shift. I love the mission, horses and volunteers here so much that I even brought my family out to help when they visited - and they fell in love with it too! Thanks Patricia and Serenity!

I am so blessed to have found Serenity in my search for a place to spend my free time and energy. I have been around horses all my life and was looking for a way to give back to my community when I arrived one Sunday morning for orientation. I immediately fell in love with the property, horses, piggies and all the wonderful volunteers.

I’ve been volunteering and in love with what Serenity represents for years. I came there during a huge crossroad in life and I wanted to help animals, only to find that I was the one they were healing. Serenity had educated me, inspired me, and most importantly puts the welfare and healing of animals first. It’s a beautiful place, and I’m incredibly thankful for the work they do.

I continue to volunteer weekly because I see how the mission of Serenity is lived out every day. The horses care, safety and rehabilitation are priorities. I am also impressed at how well the ED uses donations. Her stewardship is truly amazing. Serenity is a great place to be; not only for the horses, but for volunteers as well!

I'm a volunteer at Serenity and love the community spirit.

Serenity Equine is a heartwarming place to volunteer. My 13-year-old daughter and I began volunteering there because we had heard about it from some friends, and it was something that she wanted to do. She loves getting to be around the horses and doesn't mind doing the physical work of cleaning up the paddocks. And it is a cool opportunity for us to serve together. The horses there seem happy and comfortable around people. They are beautiful and majestic creatures. I love that they have a safe place to live and thrive! I do wish more folks would support this place financially and volunteering their time. It takes a lot of folks to do what is needed for these horses. I would love to see Serenity get more funding and more exposure, so that more people will want to come out and help.

Thoroughly enjoy volunteering my time to aid Serenity's mission. Fellow volunteers have become friends, and it's an absolute joy to spend time with the horses (and pigs).

Serenity is the perfect name for this equine rescue and rehabilitation. Just being on the farm is calming. The first time I went to Serenity as a volunteer I was surprised by the cleanliness of the farm. It is clean and peaceful and you just know that these are well cared for animals.
Owner Patricia Clark is passionate about the horses and every horse brought to Serenity is given the best of care, using gentle methods only. They’re cared for physically and emotionally by many, including veterinarians, trainers, Patricia and fabulous volunteers who all work tirelessly.
When a horse is deemed ready to be adopted and rehomed, the potential new home
and owners are carefully vetted, including a property inspection. From all I’ve seen and know, Serenity is exactly what an equine rescue should be.

Serenity provides a safe, loving environment for horses that need it most. The horses are well cared for and the barn is always clean. I have learned so much from Patricia and enjoy spending time with the horses and other amazing volunteers. Volunteering on the farm has been a very special and unique experience for me.

I've only been volunteering with Serenity for a month and a half, but it's obvious how dedicated everyone is and how much they care about the horses and 2 pigs. The animals are treated with so much respect and caring and the volunteers are taught so well and are so knowledgeable. I look forward to learning a lot.

My son and I volunteered here for 10 months. All of the horses and the two piggies get excellent care. Their training and feed is formulated for each individual animal. The volunteers are encouraged to pet and tell each horse how special they are, and that is true!
Pastures and barn are kept incredibly clean and well maintained. We really enjoyed bonding with the horses during our time "on the farm".

I have been a volunteer at Serenity for almost a year now. My time there is the highlight of my week! My reasons for volunteering were to up my level of horsemanship and to do something worthwhile in my retirement. I’d say my goals were rather small compared to my experiences! I’m learning so much from Patricia and her team of Leads, with their mentorship and support. And worthwhile? Loving, caring, and providing for these wonderful horses and piggies is beyond worthwhile. It is an honor to keep them safe, healthy, clean, and secure in love. And the crew of volunteers here is my community, especially during the COVID lockdown. But the best thing about being at Serenity is the relationship with the horses: knowing their stories, seeing them come back to health, watching their personalities come out and flourish, and earning their trust. Caring for horses is an expensive venture, and at Serenity the horses often need more extensive vet care and medication than is typical and Patricia insists the horses get all they need. Please consider a visit to the Rescue, and consider donating to Serenity.

Serenity is seriously the most amazing place I have experienced in my life. I have only volunteered there for just a little over 2 months, and it already really really feels like a home to me. The connections that I have already made with all of the horses and people is just so so special to me. Yes, every horse you come across has a special scratch spot and their own special personality, but at Serenity, you build so much more of a bond with the horses and learn what love truly is. I have never felt so connected to a place and nothing feels more like home.

What a bunch of fabulous and caring animal loving people. I have learned so much here and respect the owner Patricia and her sidekick Myrna tremedously. I think these horses are treated like Greek Gods!

I have been volunteering at Serenity for years and always enjoy my time there. It has been amazing to see the transformation that takes place with the horses and ponies when their needs are met and they are surrounded by their herd friends and caring people. I am always learning something new and appreciate the great group of supportive volunteers at Serenity.

Serenity has brought me back home within myself and I am learning high quality knowledge on Equines and Human/Equine Relationships.
I am a volunteer at Serenity and I have been here for over a year and training as a Lead at Serenity as well.
I am grateful for Serenity and what they are doing.

I have loved being a part of a great organization that cares for both the animals at the farm and those in the surrounding community. This has helped countless individuals keep their beloved animals with them with the support of Serenity, those that donate and the volunteers. Happy to have found this place.

I volunteer at Serenity and it is a great place. I wanted to do work with horses, but had no experience, so I searched online and found Serenity and I'm very glad I did. The owner Patricia has a vast amount of knowledge about horses and is a great person to learn from. She has taught me so much about horses in the few months I've been there its amazing. Her focus is not just on the physical wellbeing of the horses, but their mental and emotional health as well. I work/volunteer at a few animal facilities and Serenity is the cleanest, most organized and well-run of them all. Truly a great place for horses and people!

Serenity Equine Rescue is a magical place. These horses are so fortunate to be here. It is so sad what humans can do to an animal, a range from neglect to abuse, it is hard to hear about such things. But, the horses here are able to rebuild trust and connection with humans because of the love and respect they are given the moment they arrive at Serenity. Patricia is amazing with animals and she gives them exactly what they need to heal and become whole again and live the life they were meant to. All of the volunteers that work here are awesome. If there could only be more places like this.
Lisa

I had minimal experience with horses so I thought I would donate my time to help this recommended foundation. I had no idea the depth of knowledge that I have gained about horses, their awareness and physical needs until I joined up and had the privilege's to work with the leads and Patricia. They made me aware of the breadth of ways that horses are mis-treated/abused and how they work with them to bring them back to a stable life in which they can be adopted. Not only did I have the opportunity to help out; but this experience has made me more aware of myself and areas to improve upon. I found this opportunity to be beneficial to the ranch as well as myself. It is very well run and well worth the benefit to the horses. Thank you!

I started volunteering at Serenity because horses mesmerize me, even though I had no experience with them. In only two months, I have learned so much! I am very impressed with how thoughtful, careful, mindful, and loving Patricia is about every choice she makes in the care of these amazing animals. She considers their long term health and adoptability in all that she does. This is a rare level of commitment that makes her job harder, but she couldn't do it any other way, as she deeply cares for the horses and wants only what is best for them.

It is heartbreaking to hear of the situations the horses were rescued from. I had no idea how little institutional support there is for rescuing horses. The thought of what these gentle, sensitive beings were enduring before they were rescued, and how many horses may still be in need of rescue is heart wrenching. It is deeply satisfying to know that I'm helping to end a cycle of suffering at Serenity, and the growing friendships I have with other volunteers and horses alike are more nourishing than I had imagined.

Beautiful place so peaceful and the horses are getting the best care. Lucky horses to be living there. I hope they all find their forever home. Thank you Patricia for giving them another chance for a good life.

I am a new volunteer have been working with the horses for a little over a month. I have no horse experience and the other staff and volunteers really helped me and welcomed me into the family. After just one week I became more confident with the houses. I absolutely love being here.

Serenity has a wonderful mission and service, providing a healthy and healing home to once abused and neglected horses. The staff and volunteers are deeply caring for the animals and one another. Volunteering at Serenity is meaningful and enjoyable.

I began working at Serenity to learn about the care and rehab process of a rescue horse. I have learned soooo much through Patricia and am in awe when I see her and our trainer working with the horses. Every horse and human to step foot on the property lifes are changed forever, in the most healing and positive way possible!

Serenity is a beautiful haven for horses that experienced cruelty in their lives. It is a peaceful sanctuary for both animals and people to heal and to love. A recent story of a cat viciously attacked, hanging on for his life, found his way to Serenity and leapt into the arms of the owner, as if he too knew it is where he will be saved and protected. Saved by a wonderful human with nothing but love to give to animals. This is what she does for the horses fortunate to be rescued and be in her care.
Serenity is where extraordinary people and horses come together. Leaders of Serenity teach us humanity exists. They share themselves selflessly to volunteers, horses, (1pig), and all those who make this place a possibility. I am grateful to be a part of this amazing possibility!

Serenity is such a special place. The horses are so well cared for and the love for them is obvious! Truly an amazing rescue.

This is a great place, very companionate towards the horses.

Serenity Equine is a hidden gem and wonderful, well kept farm for horses that have been neglected or abused. Each horse that comes to Serenity is loved and cared for with the upmost respect for the horse. The barn and paddock area are cleaned every day by dedicated, hard working volunteers in two different shifts.
The owner of the farm has incredible horse knowledge and is the voice for these animals. Her program not only rehabilitates horses, but she helps find forever homes for those that can be adopted. You could not find a better animal rescue program to support and donate to or even volunteer.

I have been to many rescues and voluntered and worked throughout the US and found Serenity to truly be the most exceptional rescue. The care and attention to each horse for aiding in their full recovery before adoption is most impressive. The horses are not a number to be churned out and adopted in a hurry which is very rare in the world of rescues. I give this rescue the highest rating and hope others discover this gem in Maple Valley Washington whether to donate funds or volunteer.

The moment I got there I knew this place was filled with love. The place is just as gorgeous as the horses and the staff are amazing. Kristen is such an inspiriation and the owner, Patricia greeted us personally and welcomed us with open arms. The stables are well kept and the horses are filled with love and personality. It’s the perfect place for any person or animal that’s in need of a santuary and/or a place of tranquility. Coming here was very empowering to me and woke up a genuine interest for horses. Thank you Serenity Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation for everything.

My group visited as part of Wounded Warrior Project. I had not imagined the impact that visiting Serenity Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation would have on my soul. I left there with what felt like a ton lifted off of me. The experience opened gates that had been closed for years and shut doors where I needed some closure. The staff are gentle, warm, and professional.

This place was amazing, beautiful and serene. I really enjoyed bonding with all the horses and meeting Patricia. I would definitely recommend this place to others who are in need of any form of healing. If I get a chance once I'm better I'm going to volunteer there.

As a life long horse owner and lover, I made the spontainious decision to rescue a feedlot horse without doing my research on what it could mean financially. My heart was broken seeing all these beautiful animals who were being sent to die. There was one horse that caught my eye and I figured he was so inexpensive that even a vet check and a little treatment couldn't be THAT expensive, right?! Boy was I wrong. After our initial vet check and positive strangles test I realized I was in over my head, that was when I wrote a tearful email to Patricia at Serenity. I told her how ashamed I was of myself for getting into this position and all but begged her to help my beautiful rescue boy. She said that if I was willing to keep him and give him the loving him he deserved that she could help us. It was the first time in days that I felt I could breathe again, she is truly and angel here on earth and I can not begin to express in words how greatful I was and am for her help. She came out to our property, met our horse and gave me lots of advice for helping our guy begin to recover. She never once treated me like the fool I was, she was never judgmental, didn't lecture me for being so irresponsible - she simply was there to help. This non profit is doing amazing, wonderful things for people and animals and they deserve all the support they can get!! I hope one day to return the gift I have been given! ❤️

Serenity has been a great place to volunteer. I have been volunteering there several years. I enjoy meeting and working with the new friends I have met there. Learning about the horses, seeing them come in sick and neglected, then watching as they recover and thrive has been amazing to witness.

This organization is absolutely wonderful. These rescues are treated with the utmost
kindness and respect. They are fed on time everyday and their paddocks, pastures and barn
are cleaned everyday and kept immaculate. Patricia Clark, the owner, is an amazing and dedicated person who always puts these horses welfare first. She offers many classes for the volunteers so we are well trained in every task we perform. I am so honored to be part of this wonderful organization and all the incredible work they do to rescue and rehabilitate these beautiful animals. When a horse is ready to find a forever home, Patricia is extremely careful and particular about the adoption, and if something goes wrong at the new home it is in the contract that the horse will come back to Serenity.

Serenity Equine Rescue is truly that, a place of serenity. I have been privileged to volunteer here for the last 8 months and it has been a most incredible and powerful experience. The horses that come here have had many different and often traumatic experiences. They are met with so much love, caring, and positive energy, and it is amazing to watch them heal and flourish. I am constantly learning from them, and from our number one horse mama, Patricia Clark. She is a superhero in a 5 foot frame. The care, hard work, boundless love and energy that she puts in to every aspect of Serenity shows. It is so therapeutic to be in the presence of these fantastic creatures-the volunteers put their heart into this place and it shows. Please consider donating, volunteering, or just coming to an Open House to check it out and share the love!!

Patricia truly cares for everyone of the horses on the farm, and is always putting their health and safety first. I am grateful that this rescue exists.

Volunteering here is rewarding in a number of ways. Not only do I have the opportunity to build friendships with other amazing volunteers, but I also have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of the horses. The horses, some of whom have come from some very hard pasts, show unconditional love and kindness to the volunteers and they make the experience truly worth the while.

I began volunteering at Serenity Rescue a couple months ago and have found it to be an absolutely amazing facility. The horses are treated with exceptional love and care. Their stalls and paddocks are cleaned daily and every horse is monitored individually to meet their special dietary and veterinary needs. They learn to trust again and thrive with the loving attention they receive everyday. I am very proud to be a part of this non-profit organization and would encourage anyone who loves horses to consider volunteering or donating to this incredible cause!

Patricia and Serenity do such amazing work for horses in need. She has taken in horses that many others would not and provided them safety and security so they can rehabilitate. This is amazing to watch and be a part of. I have volunteers for 2 years and love it!

I have volunteered at SERR for 5 years. It is a good experience for learning about horses and about animal welfare. The executive director, Patricia Clark, works tirelessly to improve the lives of animals (mostly horses, but also other critters) who have found themselves in situations in which they are abused and/or neglected. Often when they arrive they are underweight and in need of medical attention. I happened upon Serenity Rescue and Rehabilitation at a time when two of my neighbors were not providing good care for their horses. I was at a loss about how to help the animals get better care. I explained their stories to Patricia Clark but I didn't expect to be heard. Horses are expensive to board and feed and few places have a large enough area to give them the space they need to exercise. Neither the Humane Society of King County nor Animal Control of King County can handle large animals. Serenity took in the animals and provided them with good veterinary care, food, and socialization. Within months of their arrival, they all looked healthier and calmer. They learned the feeding schedule and the evening routine. Through it all they became less stressed and more emotionally secure. The volunteers learn compassion by interacting with the horses and watching the positive changes in their health and well-being. I know I learned a lot and will reflect on this knowledge throughout my lifetime.

We are lucky beyond words that Patricia Clark has opened her property to care for these needy animals. Her devotion and compassion are exemplary.

I am a director with a horse rescue in Southern California. I visited the Seattle area June and August , 2016. I looked up horse rescues and found Serenity to be close by, arranged a time to visit and met Patricia and the horses. The surroundings were beautifully maintained and clean. The atmosphere of the whole facility was, as it's name, total Serenity!
I again visited in August and brought some family, spent several hours cleaning and playing with the horses. It was awesome.

I LOVE horses & helping others...so when I heard about Serenity Equine I was SO impressed & happy that both those things can come together! It takes a special bunch to do this work! Thank you Serenity Equine!♡

I am a previous volunteer at serenity. They provide an important service for these horses and save many lives. Please consider them for any grant or financial help possible. I was impressed by the care and concern given to all the animals during my time there. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking to volunteer or get a rescued horse.

There is so much love for the horses and other animals at Serenity! Patricia and the other volunteers have so much compassion for the well being of these precious creatures who have been neglected and abused. It's important for organizations such as this to have a voice for beings who are less empowered and need help. Serenity is not only a safe haven for animals, but a learning center for those interested in horse care, riding, healing and all around awareness of what it takes to rehab these creatures so they find loving homes!

I am a volunteer at Sererity, not only have I met some wonderful and caring people, I see first hand how the horses are treating and I enjoy working there very much. I am there two days a week for almost a year now. I see how Patricia Clark cares very much for her animals, as she is their "Mommy" and she oversees the daily operations and is in there getting her hands dirty with all of us volunteers. She has taught me so much about the horses and how to interact with them as I am not very experienced. The people there have also helped me learn about the caring of the horses and yes they learned it from Patricia. Everything is done the same way with all the horses so everyone know what to expect. It's a lot of hard work but I love being there around the people as well as the horses.

A friend volunteers at the ranch and I have tagged along a few times to help. All the people that volunteer here care about the animals immensely and love what they do there. Which is a lot of hard work, but it is all for the horses, and everyone does it with a smile. Patricia and her team do an outstanding job of caring for the horses and providing them with all the essentials and love they deserve.
Anybody looking to support whether financially or giving time would come away feeling like it was money or time well spent.

I have been a volunteer with Serenity Equine Rescue for over 3 years. I have to say that Serenity Equine Rescue is an outstanding horse rescue. Patricia Clark, is exceptional in caring for these wonderful horses, she has the knowledge to return them to good health when they are rescued from some very bad situations. Serenity is kept very clean and all the volunteers put forth a lot of effort to keep it that way. I didn't know anything about caring for horses when I first started, but knew that I wanted to help them. The other volunteers are so supportive and have become great friends over the years. I can't begin to explain how much I have learned since starting there and still learning! It is an emotionally rewarding experience volunteering at Serenity and the horses are the best!!!

Serenity Equine Rescue is an amazing nonprofit dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of horses in need. I first volunteered at Serenity in 2015 for the Martin Luther King Day of Service through United Way and UW. I was impressed with how clean and peaceful it is there. The dedication of the Executive Director and volunteers is truly impressive. Since then my family and friends have joined me in various volunteer activities as well as simply spending time with the horses. It is therapeutic for them as well as for all of us. I have done a lot of volunteering with nonprofits, but truly I have never seen one more committed to their cause and effective in the delivery of their mission. I highly recommend them and invite others to join us in supporting this great nonprofit. The impact you can make is definitely life-changing.

The horses at Serenity receive excellent care and lots of love. I've enjoyed working with Patricia, Gabrielle, and all of the volunteers. The focus at Serenity is truly on putting the welfare of the horses first, as it should be!

I began spending time at Serenity a year ago offering massage bodywork and Reiki (healing energy) to some of the horses. It is so moving to connect with these horses with backgrounds of abuse and neglect. They have taught me as much or more than I have given them!

At Patricia's request, my co-collaborator and I have begun offering workshops in equine facilitated learning with the Serenity herd. (The Horses As Healers program.) So many horses of all backgrounds have amazing things to share with people, and now that they are safe and beautifully cared for at Serenity, they are ready. It is a joy and an honor to hold individual sessions and workshops with the special horses there, and the arena and farm are very serene and lovely!

I have been volunteering at Serenity for almost 3 years. I have gained a wealth of experience and confidence working there. When I started, I didn't have experience dealing with horses that have been rescued. Through great training and encouragement from the owner, Patricia Clark and others, I have become very confident around these horses. These rescues are very well cared for both physically and emotionally. I want people to know what an awesome Rescue, Serenity Equine Rescue is.

I recently adopted a Quarter Horse mare from Serenity. I visited the facility twice, and both times I found it very clean, safe and welcoming. The horses were all well kept. They were clean, hooves in good condition, well fed and content. There was never a promise of performance out of my mare, she was not "marketed" to me as anything but a rescue from a situation of neglect and abuse. In fact, the trainer followed up with me several times to discuss how to proceed with the mare once she left Serenity. I found Patricia to be kind, compassionate and extremely passionate about the care and placement of the horses. It is clearly her intent to find forever homes for these animals and she does not care (nor should she) if she happens to hurt someone's feelings. Her goal is to find good, qualified, caring homes for the horses. I would recommend adopting from Serenity in a heart-beat! The volunteers are all so wonderful and you can really tell that everyone there loves horses.

Serenity takes truly excellent care of its horses. As a professional in the field, I am happy to volunteer at Serenity because I know that my time and energy is going to a worthy cause. The horses at Serenity are well-cared for, and the organization puts in a lot of time and effort to ensure the proper rehabilitation, care, and placement of the horses. It is really inspiring to see the number of horses who have been rescued, rehabilitated, and placed in forever homes. Having worked with horses in a professional capacity for over 20 years, I am confident in saying that donations and volunteer time are used very effectively and for a great cause.

I have volunteered for Serenity's 'Raise the Barn' and 'Holiday Bazaar' fundraisers for two years now. I has hooked on my very first visit! It's more of a sanctuary for the horses.... and the amazing people that help them. If you haven't been, I highly encourage you to do so. The care for these horse's just oozes out of the air you breath. I wish I could do more.....

The animals at Serenity are given a second chance at life, not only with food and shelter, but with love and compassion. The director, Patricia, leads the care with as much love and devotion as a parent. Without Serenity, many of these animals would be slaughtered or left to die in horrible neglect. The work of this nonprofit is absolutely essential and I love being a part of it.

Serenity Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation is a place where the horses and other rescued beings are treated with a level of kindness that extends to the appreciation of each creature's spirit and individual place on this earth. The volunteers and staff are committed to caring for each animal's physical and emotional needs and it's wonderful to watch them go about their work.

Serenity Equine Rescue started out as a place for me and my little sister to volunteer together. Two years later, it has become a sanctuary for me as well as the horses. The animal cruelty that people are capable of never ceases to amaze and disgust me. The feeling you get when you help rehabilitate one of these beautiful and intelligent animals is indescribable. I am so grateful to be a part of this organization.

I have volunteered at Serenity for almost 4 years. This is a compassionate forum for damaged horses to be rehabilitated and then rehomed. We work hard to provide them with clean food, water, and pasture along with daily tlc.

I have been volunteering at Serenity Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation (SERR) for about 3 years. I have learned much about not only the care of horses but how much horses can help the people around them. Cleaning the barn stalls, the paddocks and loafing sheds are done daily. Not only is there work with the horses to do, but general maintenance on the farm must be accomplished; never a dull moment. Occasionally, Patricia puts on classes that teach proper care and the safe way to handle horses.

The volunteers that work at SERR have big hearts and love being around animals. If you are looking for a place to spend your time or money SERR would be good place to start.

My wife and I have been volunteering at SERR (Serenity Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation) for over three years now and there is never a dull moment. We usually get there early in the morning (well, early for us since we are now retired!) around 7:45 to clean the paddocks and help feed the horses (and a couple of pigs). Once everyone has been fed we lead the horses out and begin cleaning the stalls in the barn. If a person is new to SERR or working with horses there is always someone around to show what needs to be done. Patricia puts on classes periodically that teach proper care and the safe way to handle and be around horses. Also, there is always other things to do, fences to repair, other maintenance work to be done, picking rocks out of the paddocks or pulling weeds if that is what a person wants to do.

The volunteers that work here are all people with BIG hearts that want to be a part of something bigger than themselves that helps animals. If you are looking for a place to donate either your time or your money (or both!) you would have to look long and hard to find a better non-profit to do so.

Serenity is such an amazing place not only for the horses, but for the volunteers. They really welcome you and make you feel like you're part of the barn family. The work that Patricia does is unrivaled, and she has the kindest heart of anyone I've met.

I have a senior horse (33) and was having difficulty keeping weight on her even tho I had her teeth done and thought I was giving her enough hay. I called Serenity because I heard that they help owners in the community to evaluate a horses needs. Patricia came out to my farm and spent an hour with me and my horse Ginger. She told me she would develop a nutrition plan for her and that she would bring back what I would need to make a mash for her later that afternoon. She was back a few hours later with a plan and some rice bran, canola oil, and supplements. She mixed up a mash and we fed it to Ginger. She loved it! We have been feeding the mash twice a day and the difference in my horses is amazing.
I can't thank Serenity and Patricia enough for helping me. She went way beyond what I would expect from a rescue.

It was around 2005 I think that I went to Patricia to offer some expertise in Marketing (as an advisor and volunteer). After a couple of meetings and several discussions I decided it was not for me. Around that time she had received some negative press online and I wanted to get the story for myself so that I could figure out how to help her move past those problems and redefine her nonprofit. She was in the process of cleaning up her financials (I met with her volunteer lawyer) so that part was already underway. I was thankful for that because I wanted nothing to do with that kind of paperwork - YUCK.
I was told by her that a story that leaked online about her stallion getting loose on the property and impregnating at least one rescue mare, was true. It was a year or so prior to us meeting but this is the kind of story that does not go away so I recommended that she geld her stallion and post the proof online. After a period of months later I continued to receive their emails and I responded with the question of whether she had gelded him yet or not. After asking this several times it was apparent that she was going to continue having this stallion onsite so I stopped working with them.
My opinion is that if you are that passionate about animal rescue, you should not be making more of them and intermingling that business with your nonprofit.

Patricia and the volunteers at Serenity have a genuine passion for loving and rehabilitating wonderful horses that have had unfortunate experiences. The natural horsemanship philosophy Patricia has with these beautiful souls are expressions of love, understanding, and gentle teachings. I am honored to know Serenity and to have the opportunity to learn horsemanship from Patricia.

My journey with Serenity began by signing up for the classes that Patricia Clark teaches on horsemanship. I highly recommend them if you wish to glean insight and understanding of horses from someone who has spent her life caring for and working with them on a holistic level. I knew after the first class that the care and well-being of the wonderful horses at Serenity were of the highest standard and I have been working in the barn, volunteering and learning from Patricia, other volunteers and the animals themselves ever since. Though the physical work can be demanding, there is an inherent, reciprocal benefit to spending time at the rescue that cannot be marked or measured. Creating relationships with these most magnificent animals, some of whom have endured the neglect and unkindness of humans, is a gift in itself. They are more willing to trust and be present than any other type of animal I have worked with in my volunteer history, and there is a team of us that are dedicated to the well being of each other and every animal (including pigs!) connected to Serenity. I love this place and the opportunities granted for people and horses to build relationship and help each other grow and thrive.

Darren & I have been volunteering at Serenity for 18 months. It is a wonderful experience to see the sick and mis-treated arrive and slowly blossom back into fun loving, sweet healthy horses again, then onto their new forever homes with a second chance at life. I have learned so much, not just dealing with horses but the wonderful positive and healing effects that have on people. It's great to watch new volunteers with no experience discover the wonders of horses and watch their knowledge grow into confidence and understanding.

I have been a volunteer at Serenity Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation for about 1 ½ years. I had nearly no knowledge of the “horse” when I arrived as a new volunteer. I gained my "horse education" on site at Serenity through the classes offered by Patricia. These classes encompassed alot of information. I learned many aspects of horse care, such as anatomy, digestion, diseases, nutrition, horse behavior, nature and habits, grooming, and rehabilitation of abused, injured and neglected horses. Listening to Patricia's stories of her many experiences, was both enjoyable and enlightening. I highly recommend the classes offered by Patricia. Even if you have a horse, the knowledge is valuable.

Patricia would answer any question I would ask her, no matter how busy she is, so I could gain knowledge and understanding of these wonderful animals. Then the "on hands" work, mucking stalls, cleaning paddocks, getting morning feed to the horses, and turn out of the horses from the barn, getting blankets on the horses during the cold, fly masks on during the heat, learning how to trailer horses, a challenge in itself, ibut its gets done. I have had opportunities at Serenity I believe would not have anywhere else volunteering. A new meaning to the word “patience” and "caffine free drinks for me only". Also, becoming one of the operators of Serenity's big green machine (tractor), has been a fun bonus. Working in the corporate world, that green machine would bring anyone back to reality! Thanks to volunteer Vern for making sure our green machine keeps on going and going and going.

Not only from Patricia, I have also received a tremendous amount of knowledge of horse care and handling, from Brenda, and Linda and Darren at Serenity. All of these very experienced horse loving individuals are truly amazing and dedicated to Serenity and I admire everything they do and have done at Serenity. All their hard work doesnt go unnoticed, just look at the horses!. Needless to say, I am very thankful for them spending time with me, giving me knowledge and direction, also in the arena working with the horses. Always learning.

At Serenity, the horses and animals absolutely come first. Having witnessed the arrival of some of the rescued horses and the horrible condition they were in and see the results of Patricia’s dedication, her compassion, her knowledge and giving of holistic care, meds, specialized and proper nutrition, and loving concern, some 3 or more months later, is nothing short of remarkable. Dental, chiropractic, massage, medications, supplements, corrective trimming and hoof care, ..you name it, if they need it, they get it, even at 2:00 a.m. Patricia is out in the barn doing what needs to be done. Her consistency amazes me. I have seen many horses transform into a complete different animal who understands that they have a second chance at life, because of Patricia. And because so much time, love and effort is put into each rescue, Patricia’s contract and contacts are tight...she wants to make sure that every horse onsite, never has to suffer abuse or neglect again. Patricia has a very special way with the horses and they can feel it. Just look into the eyes of each of the horses on the property, its truly amazing.

One simply cannot fathom just how much light that the volunteers at Serenity bring to the facility. I must say that I have never worked with a more dedicated, loyal and fun group of volunteers. I have found that not only are the volunteers kind, caring, and giving, but over time we all become part of a great volunteer family. I have made several friendships with many of the volunteers and am very grateful for this.

Importantly, I believe that every volunteer at Serenity are each determined to make a difference in the lives of all the horses, healthy and no so healthy. I, as with so many volunteers, do our hard work, through rain, wind, snow and the hot summer sun. Some of us drive long distances to be at Serenity, getting there early in the morning to clean paddocks, help Patricia with getting the morning feed and mashes ready, feeding all the different hays, etc. special diets several horses are on, cleaning the stalls, water pails and troughs, and those volunteers that stay late for the night feed, preparation of special mashes, and getting the horses from their pastures to return to the barn for the night. Then helping with maintenance of the facility, always work to be done with fencing, repairs to the barn, and grounds. Its good hard work.

Of course there are ups and downs in caring for all the horses. Caring for them needs to be done every day, morning and night. Volunteers come and go. But those of us volunteers that stay, and out of their day commit a little time here and there, or alot of time to help Patricia with the horses at Serenity, are the volunteers that quickly learn that in some funny, silent kind of way, they find a that special connection, a quiet peace, a gaining joy, and often times, laughter in each of the horses’ personalities. And the horses at Serenity do have personalities, can't help but love them all. And when a new rescue is brought to the facility, Patricia gives again, 100% heart and soul, as with other volunteers that are there by her side helping, more than the words "hard work" can define. So returns that tireless effort around the clock care, then that connection, peace, joy and laughter, begins all over again. I don't know anyone that could keep that pace and dedication daily.

The bonding that I have got to experience, not to mention I believe every volunteer gets, with one or more of the horses after their few hours or day of volunteering at Serenity, is unexplanable. I see it when I am there and I sense it. And we all do our part, not because we have to, but because we WANT to. Sure that can be said on behalf of all the volunteers.

I look around at all the hard work Patricia, and not to mention Dr. Deward (a big shout out for him!), and all of the other volunteers who bring these horses back from near horrible situations, and it is only then that I realize that I spend time in a very special, beautiful place, a place that is very grounding, and makes you a better person for being there.

Accompanied by our two barn pigs, Sophie and Peanut, our little mini's Blu and Stormy, and Patricia's helping hand, dog Max, and Ms. Piggy, at the end of the day, the place called Serenity is filled with plain old good farm love, and the fresh air is free!. And it doesn't matter if a horse has been at Serenity for a week, month or year or more, the ones that are available for adoption all deserve to find a good forever home, a safe place to be. Until those special homes are found, those ready horses will continue to be well cared for and loved at Serenity by Patricia and the volunteers.

Patricia is an amazing woman who has opened her heart and home and given so much of her time, to unwanted, badly treated, and abused horses. Now thats a HERO in the horse world.

I recommend becoming a volunteer at Serenity to anyone, even if you never had been near a horse, it warms the heart and strengthens ones soul. Now Starbucks cannot give anything close to that feeling to anyone!

I have been a volunteer at Serenity for 2 1/2 years and have highly recommended it to friends as a volunteer opportunity. These wonderful horses (and pigs too!) are a pleasure to be around. I have seen the tireless work that Patrica and the other volunteers put into keeping these beautiful animals healthy and happy. Some of the horses were in extremely poor condition when they came here and it's wonderful to see them restored to good health! Patrica's knowledge and the good Veterinary care they recieve is impressive to say the least. The extra bonus for me has been the opportunity to make some great new friends and I've learned so much about taking care of horses! I never get tired of coming here...not to mention it's also a great workout :-)

Karen

I have been a lover and rider of horses, since I was very young, growing up around friends’ horses, across the street from stables, in the hills of Morgan Hill, Northern California. As life happens and we get busy, I placed this strong, innate interest that brought me such comfort and a smile, to the side, got married, raised a family, etc. Though, in the back of my mind and heart, my love for them was still very present, time just hadn’t been on my side to pursue having one of my own or exploring that world more and again. Until one day......

I had the television on in the background at home, and a horse rescue show came on. I stopped the housecleaning I was doing, as what was being aired immediately had my full attention. It was about a place of help, healing, refuge and shelter - and it only took me a minute of this television show - and the lightbulb went off. I immediately began Googling horse rescues in my area, found Serenity Equine Rescue & Rehabilitation (SERR) and made contact. Unbeknownst to me, it would become the best day of a new, amazing chapter in my life.

July of 2014, my new journey began, helping horses and giving back in a way I had never thought of or considered before. Up until this time, it had never even crossed my mind, that I could selflessly give my passion of horses that was so dear to me back, via a cause of being a part of their own path, from pain to healing, wholeness and happiness.

During my time here, I have never witnessed an organization and someone that gives the utmost in knowledge, commitment, care, love, respect and quality of life to horses as I do in Patricia Clark, the owner, and at this horse rescue. The standards of excellence and quality of care in every aspect of SERR are 100% plus. The horses lack nothing and get the best affection and attention in the world, from everyone who is a part of this rescue team.

Each and every volunteer I have ever met or encountered has such heart and beautiful souls for what they do to help. It is an honor and privilege to be a part of that and more importantly, a part of making a difference in the life and well-being of horses that have been harmed, neglected, abandoned, or had brushes of death with kill pens. At Serenity, I never have any moment of doubt that any of them are unwanted. We celebrate their existence.

Horses are such amazing, intelligent, resilient, insightful, forgiving creatures. It is an honor and blessing I have the air to breath to get to help them. It is an honor and blessing I get to help heal them. It is an honor and blessing I get to actively, socially, engage with them. It is an honor and blessing I get to love on them. But what is even more amazing is what is learned from them, every time I am there.

We give a lot to them, but even in the midst of all they have been through, they give back so, so much more. Horse as Teacher. Yes, this is what they give to us, without even realizing it. They are our mirror, if we will only look at the reflection and remain present and aware.

Every day I step foot on the farm, I get so excited and filled with joy - to interact and shine bright for them. I can only hope and pray, there will be one fine day, where they will be able to truly grasp the profound realization of what a tremendous gift of light, love, healing and difference maker they have been and are to me, in return.

In response to the review that smyhes wrote, it is concerning that people with bad experiences are able to trash a non-profit without giving the least bit of documentation for their claims.
I currently volunteer at Serenity and have not once been treated badly at the facility. Patricia has very set ways of wanting the facility cleaned and taken care of, and has no qualms about voicing that. As she has every right to be, at the end of the day it is her that is responsible for the horses. Each day the stalls are mucked out, fresh bedding is laid, waters are scrubbed and filled, and the appropriate feeding is given. The paddocks additionally are cleaned out daily.
The benefit for 'Raising the Barn' is not being done to benefit anyone but the horses, at the command of the city per their statutes. There is only 1 barn on the property and all horses are housed there. Make no doubt, it is a barn and not the Waldorf. However during the rainy season, the heat of summer, or during the snowfall - I have not once been drenched while working in the barn. The horses hooves keep dry and their feed is placed on the inside of the stall so moisture impacts it.
Serenity might not be the most fancy rescue around, but it is filled with love, kindness, and care of neglected and abused animals. That is what the foundation of any rescue is. If Patricia was rolling around in a brand new Escalade instead of her old pickup, I would be the first to raise questions. But I have no doubt that Patricia and the volunteers there are doing this labor of love simply for that - love for the horses.

A quiet place…and a healing one.
I am so thankful to have discovered Patricia and her beautiful rescue. I have been privileged to see the incredible process of healing and loving care of horses, along with the sometimes lengthy journey of finding these precious creatures “forever homes”. I have learned so much from Patricia, and have been able to observe closely the painstaking individualized care that goes into each horse that has arrived there… some under terrible circumstances and near their end. One thing that I feel is important to note. Not only is this a place of healing for horses. It has also been a place of healing for me.
I lost my son in Afghanistan in January of 2012 in a negligent soldier on soldier homicide. My world was torn apart. There is really no describing here what the loss of a child is like and what it does to a family. I will say, though, that when I came as a volunteer almost a year ago…it was with uncertainty as to why I was even doing it. I knew in my heart, that I had to find some sort of place to start healing. I have always loved horses.
When I arrived and took Patricia’s horsemanship classes…I was a broken person. It was difficult to speak to anyone due to the fact that I had crawled into a black hole inside of myself for many months. Her classes were interesting and informative. Patricia was easy and approachable, and I felt welcome and valued from the start. I started volunteering four days a week and will say honestly, that from the beginning, it was purely for my own healing. Many mornings, I awoke with my heart so shattered that I could barely get up from my bed. I pushed myself to dress and get to my car and drive the 30 miles to Serenity. The horses, the rescue, never failed me. At first, it was a pure burning off of grief. Cleaning the barn and paddocks, laying out feed and soon bringing out the horses in the morning (after I had gained Patricia’s trust with them). I rarely spoke to other volunteers. It just hurt too much.
But the horses….
I felt peace and acceptance whenever they were near. Just a simple few minutes with “Dante”, and suddenly the world didn't look quite so harsh and scary. To observe their quiet simplicity, acceptance and trust of whatever lot or blow life had dealt them, this beautiful virtue I have learned from these horses. To see the perfection of these horses… helped me to remember the perfection of their creator. It has gone a long way in healing my relationship with God, one that had been wildly shattered by me at the death of my son. Dante… has seen me cry. And now… I know, when I head down to the lower fields after working for a few hours….Dante sees me and always heads over for some stroking and love. As I have touched, held and talked to the horses, grief has lifted, and purpose and value have entered into my spirit again..
Patricia originally bought and built the stable for her own horses and to take in a few boarders to help her in her retirement years. During the sudden event of a shutdown of an operation some years ago, she took in many horses and so the rescue began. The horses that are owned by Patricia were the original occupants. These horses, play an important role of providing stability to the rescues that come to the ranch. I find it amazing, that in all the skilled and heartfelt care that Patricia has put into the horses that have been fortunate enough to end up at her ranch, I don’t think she realizes the healing that is happening among-st some of us who are volunteers.
Serenity is a wonderful place to volunteer. Patricia has a genuine heart for the care of every horse that lands there. Coupled with her vast equine knowledge and willingness to teach, this truly is a worthy non-profit and a very special, healing place.
I gladly sign my name to this post. It is easy to criticize and hide behind the anonymity of the internet. Easy to stab quickly, and then retreat without giving the victim the benefit of a face to face discussion. It is easy for one to cause unwarranted damage and hurt to others when hidden in the vast frontier of those that post bitter blogs, but don’t have the courage to openly discuss and learn the truth before spewing irreversible, unwarranted “reviews”.
Charlotte Cox-Turner
Serenity Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation Volunteer

Someone seriously needs to look carefully into Patricia's "rescue" program. The majority of the horses on the property are hers, not rescues. Many rescues are returned as they are not safe, sound or trained as advertised. The current plea seen on TV recently was for Patricia's gain, not the rescues. The barn which needs "work" rarely if at anytime houses rescue horses, but her own horses. The drainage near/in the barn is poor. Paddocks are rocky and muddy. Gotta hand it to Patricia, somehow she sold this "rescue" bit and is not only having her personal horses taken care of by volunteers but her home and property well taken care of from the pockets of innocent decent people trying to help a supposed "rescue" operation. Shame on you Patricia. Now if only one of the local TV stations would really look into this sham of a rescue vs. letting her go on camera and cry about needing her barn worked on. Skip volunteering at this "rescue" and put hours towards real therapy programs such as Lil Bit etc. Gee, if everyone could get away with hiding financials as well as Patricia we would all have our 11+ personal horses (oh, and pigs too) taken care of with free labor and not a dime of our own money.

I started volunteering with Serenity towards the end of the summer and it has honestly been life changing. Patricia and the staff (Brenda, Loreana, and many others) truly give 110% to this great cause and it's infectious. As another reviewer has mentioned, it is not only a sanctuary for horses but for people, as being around these beautiful creatures and seeing and hearing about all the success stories works its way into your heart.

I have been a volunteer with SERR since 2007/2008 until present. I have personally witnessed numerous success stories as Patricia Clark the sole proprietor of SERR nurtured and healed the broken bodies and souls of numerous horses lucky enough to find their way to SERR. Patricia leaves no stone unturned as she seeks to restore these beautiful animals. She oversees the entire operation of the farm, from feeding, treatments, to fence building. SERR has held on during times of economic downturn, and turmoil, because Patricia never gives up. Today, SERR provides communitywide education and wellness clinics to the public, offers weekly classes for new volunteers and continues to promote responsible equine ownership through stringent adoption processes. Through the years I have spent with SERR I have gained valuable knowledge and skills that have allowed me to adopt through SERR and reach my personal goal of a horse of my own.

Serenity has become an amazing home and sanctuary for everyone involved. This facility provides not only a rescue for the amazing horses, but a place for me to go and work on being more connected with myself and others. While I have been working here, I have seen amazing acts of kindness and passion towards these creatures. This only furthers my love for the people and animals which call Serenity Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation home. Its places like this that restore my faith in human kind, and make it possible to re-connect with ourselves and these amazing animals.

I currently work two days a week, primarily upkeep and feeding, as well as spending time with the horses. Each of them have different personalities, and I have truly enjoyed getting to know each and every horse. I look forward to continuing to work here, as it has made a huge impact on my life.

I would like to thank Patricia for having such an amazing sanctuary, and being so incredibly knowledgeable and kind towards every creature that walks through her gate.

I have been to several horse rescues and Serenity is definitely one of the best. They are well organized and the farm is very, very clean. Every horse is given the best of care. Each has a nutrition plan, regular veterinary and farrier care and is given lots of attention.
The volunteer program is wonderful. Everyone works hard and enjoys each other and the opportuity to spend time with the horses. Great therapy!
The education program gives everyone an opportunity to learn about horse behavior, nutrition, and handling, and a number of different holistic approaches to health care.

Serenity Equine rescue is a truly an inspirational place. I am a regular volunteer and spend about 4 days a week working there. Ever since my first day I have felt nothing but welcome and gratitude for me being there. Patricia the founder and owner has taught me so much in the short time I have been there.
All the horses are in amazing health and they have never had an animal become ill due to sanitary reasons. Everyone works extremely hard to make sure everything is the best it can be.
I have recently adopted one of the horses from the rescue and would not keep my horse anywhere but at the rescue. I have been in the equestrian scene for many years and this is by far of the most amazing facility I have ever seen. Everyone is fully committed to the work done here and genuinely want to and are making a difference in the community and the lives of these animals. They give the animals a fighting chance in a fight they would have lost on their own.

My daughter is a volunteer and her participation has allowed me to see what a great service Serenity provides. Animals that would otherwise be destroyed are rescued and given new opportunities. These animals bring awareness to everyone who comes into contact with them. They are well cared for and have a great life

Serenity equine rescue and rehabilitation has raised my awareness about race horses and the damage it can do to young horses. Their facilities are clean and the horses a taken care of by wonderful volunteers who genuinely care about the well being of the horses.

They are incredible! The volunteers are so hardworking and so thoughtful and take such good care of each individual horse. They are part of the community and are making such a difference in the lives of these horses.

My husband and I have been volunteering at Serenity for almost 2mnths and have enjoyed every moment. He was laid off from his construction job, we found Serenity online and found it to be ran only by volunteers. This was only one thing of many that we found good about this setup. Everyone is hard working and works together. There is a system that everyone follows. The people volunteering there are from all different backgrounds and there for different reasons ranging from the love of horses and wanting to be around them to boarding them, trying to fill some sort of void, being active and exercise to the person having to give hours to the community with some community service. Nobody is there to judge and there are no certain clicks. I have a full time job but find myself there every morning on my day off to clean stalls, such comraderie and friendliness. You will make friends for life. Our son who is 16 even joins in from time to time. Now he can put it on his resume that he has done volunteer work. You can come and go as your schedule allows. All it takes is one Saturday morning to get oriented and you are set for work from fixing fences to cleaning stalls. From working with marketing or the volunteer organization team. Please come join us at Serenity, we welcome you and look forward to your help with these horses who have either been abandoned or abused.

I have volunteered with Serenity on and off over the years due to surgeries related to age and not work done with horses. I have found this work to be rewarding and others at the farm to be a dedicated and a breath of fresh air. Patricia, the founder of Serenity is knowledgeable about horses and is very passionate about each horse and it's well being.

Like any organization there are those that stand behind everything and then those that find fault in everything. Politics are everywhere and unfortunately they can tarnish even the best intentions. I like, respect, and believe in what Serenity does on a daily basis and there is no doubt in my mind that there is sacrifice made at every level at Serenity, but when it comes down to it the goal is the same: animals and their welfare.

I encourage each reader to come to the farm for a tour and decide for yourself. You may even feel a calling to come and help out the horses with your smile, pets, or other gifts you may bring. This rescue makes a difference and it is evolving and doing great things every day.

I volunteered with Serenity every week for four years. I also fostered a couple of their rescues and ended up adopting one. The long term volunteers were the most dedicated group of big-hearted people I ever met, and Patricia, the Executive Director, is one of the most passionate and committed people I know. The welfare of the horses in her care is paramount and the horses have always been taken care of no matter what. Educating the community is also very important, as that is where problems can be averted or nipped in the bud. The rescue has suffered from the economic downturn and has had to limit the number of horses in its care as a result, but I would like nothing more than to see them thrive through a timely injection of funds and/or resources. The only reason I am not still volunteering there is because I moved out of state.

I am in my 40's, and had only been with out a horse in my life for about two years when I heard of Serenity from a friend who was helping out as a volunteer. Owning a horse just didn't fit into my situation at the time, as my husband experienced a catastrophic health event that devastated our finances.

Horses had been my escape and therapy since I was a child, not having that bond in my life created a void I desperately needed to fill, especially after tirelessly coping with my husbands illness and rehabilitation.

Serenity is not only a place where abandoned, abused or neglected horses can peacefully live and rehabilitate, but it is also a healing sanctuary for us horse loving humans to reconnect with the beauty that these amazing animals bring into our hectic lives.

After working as a volunteer at Serenity for a few months, I decided to get involved further and accept a seat on the Board of Directors. Working on the mission of Serenity has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It warms my heart to know that I have been directly involved in protecting and re-homing about twenty displaced horses that otherwise would have probably been sent to slaughter or unnecessarily put down.

The high standards of consistent cleanliness and compassionate care are evident on a daily basis, and obvious as all the horses appear and act healthy and at peace. Rescue work is often a thankless job, but thanks to our incredible volunteers , we push through each day as it comes and try hard to show appreciation for all who contribute to this cause. Like most non-profits, not all has been perfect; making a few mistakes and learning from them is how most organizations learn to thrive. We strive to constantly improve our operations while continuing to focus on our mission and goals.

The unfortunate state of the US economy has forced many horse owners to abandon their equine friends, some tried to hold out as long as possible, usually leaving the horses in poor health and condition. Serenity was founded for these exact types of situations, as well as others. We are 100% dependent on charitable contributions to continue harboring and healing horses in need of a safe place to live until we can find them a loving forever home.

I ask that anyone who has a passion for horses, and their well being, to please find it in your heart to help Serenity continue our mission. Every contribution helps no matter how big or small, and is greatly appreciated.

Michelle Cherewatenko, M-LMP

Serenity equine rescue is an amazing place. Its filled with hard workers that always put the horses first. The people there are very helpful, and the horses are well taken care of. Owning a rescue is a tasking job and I feel Patrice Clark does an amazing job with it, as well as all the volunteers that help keep it going. Overall serenity is a great place with fun, family, and mostly horses.

Really dedicated to the welfare of the horses. All are well fed and the place is kept clean. The horses have the company of other herd members. They have space to move around and are not left in a stall all day long unless medically necessary. There are even two delightful pigs. The other volunteers range in age from the young and not so young, a fun group to work with.

Given my recent personal experience with Serenity and its purpose I'm disappointed in those people placing negative comments here. I'm more disappointed in those individuals hiding behind pseudonyms; kind of like showing up at a protest in masked costume. I really don't put a lot of trust in negative reviews from people who don't use their real name and conceal their identity. In a way, it epitomizes what is wrong worldwide and is just another false flag of sorts; in this case cloaked provocation on a worthy cause with intent to harm. I wrote a blog,"Dr. Jekll and Mr. Hyde", recently on this type of attack, which you can read on the following website: http://amusingcommunityperspective.wordpress.com/2011/11/04/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde-are-pseudonyms/

I am a current volunteer at Serenity and enjoy my time supporting their needs and programs. I have watched several horses be placed for adoption in just the last two months! I have participated in educational events, viewing firsthand the outreach and education that SERR offers to the community. It has been impressive to see the out pouring of volunteer support for farm improvements, equine development and the financial donations from our local community and sponsors. This organization is supported by dedicated volunteers willing to go above and beyond to help rescue and rehabilitate horses in need. I feel lucky I have found this group and will continue to support them for years to come.

Completely agree with all those who said steer clear of Serenity. To clarify why the Board Members were not "doing their jobs", Patricia does not listen to or consult the board when making decisions. Most board members last around 6 months before jumping ship. Once they realize that they are partially responsible for the the wrong doing in the organization, they get out as fast as they can. People are treated poorly, there is no communication, horses are not cared for properly, and a lot of the "dirty secrets" are swept under the rug. Patricia uses money and resources for her own personal gain. She also spends rescue money on animals that are not rescues and never needed to be rescued. She and her breeding buddy have horses listed on the rescue page that are their own broodmares/foals that were bred by Patricia.

Furthermore, Patricia has had horses euthanized without consulting with the board. Some of them were healthy and were just gone one day. There are lots of secrets that will probably go to the grave with her. In addition, she gives adoptable horses way to family and friends, while charing ridiculous adoption fees for horses with health and behavioral problems or conformation defects.

The financials posted on Guidestar are another mystery. There are large sums of donated money that do not appear anywhere. Also, unless you are paying your mortgage and feeding you own 12 horses with the money, there is no way SERR could use up the funds on the small number of rescues they have on site. It seems Patricia pulled the amounts out of her hat.

The best part is when someone starts to ask innocent questions about legitimate SERR business. Patricia starts throwing insults and verbally abusing people. She also loves so send her "attorney" after the people who are there to help her.

As a former volunteer and board member, I must advise anyone looking for a place to make a difference by donated money or time to steer clear of Serenity Equine Rescue. Just to start with, check their form 990 on this site. It says 2009, but is dated 2008 at the top right corner of the form. The top of the form claims to be Feb 2008 through Dec 2009, but it was signed in August of 2009 and the information is from 2008. Notice that now, at the beginning of 2011, there is still no sign of financial data for 2010.

Check out the details on this site - there are no financials disclosed aside from the 990 form.

There is no record of who the active board members are, which is no surprise as the board of directors for this rescue is a revolving door.

The place looks lovely on the surface and if you are just helping with chores, things seem okay. Once I got on the board, I started seeing how deep the issues went. They have great explanations for all the questionable bits. "We've already addressed that" or "it just happened" or "we need money".

Volunteers are expected to help care for privately owned horses in addition to the rescues and there are no provisions for separate storage of supplies for private and rescue horses. During my tenure on the board (seven months), I only ever saw one financial statement, and it was incomplete.

There were multiple oops pregnancies because a supposedly experienced horse woman did not have proper containment for the stallions on her property and allowed some mares to wander freely. Two horses sustained damage from barbed wire that was supposedly not on the property. An experienced horse woman to have put two lame mares with foals in the turnout closest to dogs that had previously come onto the property and threatened the horses. While the mares were in that turnout, the dogs attacked, driving the mares into the barbed wire.

Their website rarely changes and is never fully up-to-date. You have no idea how many horses are really at the facility, nor their condition. There is no listing of board members, no information about who is training these horses, etc. There are no financial reports to check.

Serenity has been investigated, they participate in deceptive practices, and best to steer clear. I purchased a pony from Serenity. The pony had a previous fractured hip. It was not discovered until after we started him under saddle. The vet said he is a pasture pony. I returned him to Serenity with the EXPRESSED UNDERSTANDING that he would do more than that. I didn't ask for a refund. Now the pony is listed as "trained dressage pony" and is being sold under saddle with xrays. This was not the agreement I had with Serenity, and this pony should never be ridden. They do not keep promises and have deceptive practices.

I visited SERR with a friend who volunteers there. I found the owner to be very passionate about the horses there and all animals. The facility was very clean and well maintained. I came away with a very positive experience and hope for the future of the horses who were lucky enough to be there.

I came accross SERR in December of 2008 by visiting the King County Animal Control site. I was greeted at the barn the following Saturday by Patricia the owner of the property. She gave me a tour of the property and we discussed the basic daily care of the horses. I was looking for a way to reconnect with horses since I gave mine up after moving to Seattle in 1987. I have continued to work at the farm most every Saturday since. It is not only benificial to the welfare of the horses but it is also a peaceful time for me after my busy work week. I enjoy interacting with the other volunteers. I also enjoy being at the facility because of the maticulous way things are kept. I will continue to volunteer at this organization for the foreseeable future.

I have volunteered at SERR within the last month. I really enjoyed the people here and the horses are really wonderful. The horses love the attention paid to them by all of the people here.

I have known of Serenity since it started it's existance. SERR has a reputation of being willing to step in where others will not. They are very willing to do whatever it takes to help the horses. Their horses all look wonderful and the before/after pictures are outstanding. This rescue fulfills it's mission of "Rescue and Rehabilition" with amazing results. Good job!

I have assisted many small rescue groups, helping some mature into 501(c)(3) charitable organizations. (During this growth it is not unusual for a group to struggle with the new administrative and legal requirements, and sometimes volatile personal conflicts, as most members prefer to focus on the actual "rescue work.") While not advising SERR, I have followed SERR's work since it initially took on a huge burden of extremely neglected horses seized by the County, and did a magnificent job of saving them. I was unaware until recently that some of the earlier Directors and/or Officers apparently lacked the administrative experience and knowledge to handle the conflicts and issues that are common in new charities. Unfortunately, instead of using their authority to resolve any problems, these individuals simply left. (Then one or more actively worked to damage SERR's reputation in as many venues as possible.) Fortunately, SERR's founder sought, and has now found, dedicated professionals willing to step in, with a plan of action that will work. SERR continues to rescue and place horses in need, and with a mature and dedicated Board, this excellent facility, and the horses it takes in, will continue to thrive.

This rescue totally has missappropriated donor funds to feed her own horses. She has allowed rescue horses to breed. Many horses have died due to lack of vet care. There is never enough food for the horses and meds are not given. One good thing. The money and grants given has sure made her house and property look nice. Financials are not given when requested!

I've volunteered at Serenity for almost 2 years now - mucking out stalls, picking paddocks, grooming & socializing horses, riding when we have time. I also do new volunteer orientation, fundraising and outreach. Serenity is a young rescue, only 3 years old, and has done a remarkable job with limited resources. They have rescued over 75 horses, as well as some pigs. The farm is run without pesticides and chemicals, to honor the environment as well as the animals' health, and every horse gets regular personal attention - from loving and grooming to vet, dental and farrier care. Everyone I know who is currently involved with Serenity takes their responsibility to the horses seriously, and does everything they can to keep the horses happy and healthy while we look for new homes for them. When I first volunteered, I had no idea what to expect, knowing that most of the horses had been rescued from abusive or neglectful situations and therefore they would have every reason to distrust humans and be unpredictable or dangerous. I found the exact opposite - the horses know they have found sanctuary at Serenity, and are generally calm, trusting and sweet. I have been volunteering at least weekly and I think sometimes it's as healing for me as it is for the horses! I trust the horses and they trust Serenity - to me, that is a strong endorsement.