I have been an equine veterinarian for 46 years and have been involved with many animal rescue organizations. At the present time I have at least 2 dozen who are clients. Castleton Ranch is and always has been by far and away the best in all areas. Whether it be in facilities, animal care, compassion or providing for the horses long term care. They are far superior to any other operation I have seen. If there were a "Gold Standard" for such rescues, Castleton would be in the Diamond/Platinum category.
CharityWatch Rating
For our complete review visit: https://www.charitywatch.org/charities/castleton-ranch-horse-rescue
CharityWatch conducted an in-depth analysis of Castleton Ranch Horse Rescue’s audited financial statements and IRS tax Form 990 (Tax ID#11-3731839) for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. Based on this analysis, CharityWatch assigned the charity a rating of C-minus on our “A+” to “F” rating scale for spending 55% of its cash expenses on programs, 45% on overhead, and for spending $43 to raise each $100 of cash support.
Fundraising
According to the Castleton Ranch Horse Rescue audit of December 31, 2023 (Note A, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Concentrations):
“…During the year ended December 31, 2023, Castleton derived $1,450,943 or 75% of its revenues through its direct mail campaign conducted by Fundraising Strategies…Any significant interruptions or impairment of campaign revenues would have a significant adverse impact on Castleton.”
Of the charity’s $1,914,443 total reported cash expenses, the charity reports spending $736,992 on “Direct Mail Expense” and $63,283 on “Professional fundraising services.”
Governance & Transparency
Castleton Ranch Horse Rescue meets CharityWatch’s Transparency benchmark but fails our Governance benchmark based on our analysis of its financial reporting for fiscal year 2023.
CharityWatch evaluates certain criteria related to a charity’s Governance and Transparency. Donors may want to consider a charity’s willingness to be open and transparent with CharityWatch to be a good litmus test for determining its commitment to public accountability.
Governance Benchmarks: Charities required to file a Form 990 with the IRS are asked to answer basic questions each year about their governing body and management, governance policies, and disclosure practices. CharityWatch reviews a charity’s tax form to see if it reports having certain policies in place, a sufficiently large and independent governing body, and other basic governance information that serve as standard benchmarks for large charities of national scope or interest. Charities must pass all nine benchmarks in order to meet CharityWatch’s overall benchmark for Governance.
Castleton Ranch Horse Rescue fails CharityWatch’s Governance benchmark due to not having a sufficiently large or independent governing body. The charity reports that its board of directors is comprised of only 3 people, of which only 1 is considered “independent.” To meet CharityWatch’s governance benchmark, a charity’s board must be comprised of at least 5 voting members with majority independence to help ensure that the board can meet its fiduciary duties to make decisions that are in the best interest of the charity.
Transparency Benchmark: Indicates whether a charity has met CharityWatch’s Transparency benchmarks for the fiscal year analyzed. To meet transparency benchmarks, a charity must post a complete copy of its most current, independent audited financial statements on its public website. It must provide complete copies of its IRS Form(s) 990 to CharityWatch upon request and may be required to answer questions related to its financial reporting and/or provide additional documentation if such information is necessary for CharityWatch to complete a meaningful evaluation.
Related Party Disclosures
According to the Castleton Ranch Horse Rescue audit of December 31, 2023 (Note H, Related Party Disclosures):
“The president of Castleton, Lisa Thomas, is in charge of all activities and transactions. During the course of the year ended December 31, 2023, Castleton compensated Ms. Thomas for work performed.
In addition, all directors reside at the Valley Center Ranch location and have corporate vehicles and phones available for personal use.”
I have been a donor to Castleton and a number of other worthy equine charities for many years. Horses were always a large part of my family life growing up although in recent years my only contact with these beautiful animals is through the many equine charities that I support each and every month. Sadly many of our equine friends are not treated very well and are exposed to all manner of abuse. It just breaks my heart. I know that Castleton and many others do their utmost to protect our beautiful horses and give them a life to live. I am proud to be a supporter of Castleton Ranch Horse Rescue, they save lives and make them better.
I am one of the crew who work everyday at the Valley Center sanctuary. I have been a crew member for a couple of years now. We make sure that all of the horse corrals are kept in clean condition. The company is very particular about the living conditions for the horses. We also ensure that all repairs and general maintenance work is kept up to date. It has been a pleasure to be able to help this great cause and see what can be achieved when hard work and great care is applied. I am very lucky to get to spend much time with the horses. Seeing them change from being in bad shape when they first arrive to now being very happy and content with their life and many friends. Castleton do a wonderful job.
I have been a donor to Castleton for a number of years now. I was fortunate to be able to visit both of their California based sanctuaries last year while on a business/family hook up visit before all of the Covid problems. I live in New York state and have also donated to a number of animal charities close to my home. I have also given my time to help out at a local humane shelter. To say that I was totally unprepared for what I saw at both of their rescue sanctuaries would be an understatement. I had visited equine rescue groups before but as I said was not prepared to see what is Castleton Ranch Horse Rescue Inc. Both ranches are meticulous and more importantly all of the horses were in wonderful condition and all of them appeared to be very happy and very friendly. The staff could not be more helpful and the atmosphere within both places was something to experience. When I visited, they had more than 100 rescued horses, all retired and living what must be the optimum life for a horse. Thank you Castleton for a wonderful experience and for what you have done and do every day. So thankful.
I have been volunteering at both Castleton Ranch sanctuaries off and on for a few years. I have also worked at other animal rescue/sanctuaries in other states. I help both with the horses and in the office when I am at Valley Center. This non-profit organization is without a doubt the most caring and professional in every area. The love and care which is shown to all the horses is just wonderful to see. Everywhere you look all you see are happy horses.
I wanted to acknowledge with great pride that Castleton once more achieved Guidestars highest star award, The Platinum Star for the 6th year in a row. So well deserved.
I would say keep up the good work but I know I do not have to because it is just something that is built into the wonderful structure of the company. Bless you all.
As a staff member, for 6 years, being part of the Castleton family has been the best experience. The love the members have for what they do is shown everyday, whether it's at the Lancaster or Valley Center sanctuary. Both sanctuaries are filled with positive energies and passionate members who care tremendously about each horse and their well-being.
Thank you Castleton Ranch for what you do!
For the last 11 years I have been a patron to the Castleton Ranch Horse Rescue Facility. It has been a beautiful experience watching this rescue operation. The dedication from the owners and staff makes this organization luminate.
This ranch not only provides the necessities that every rescue should, but Castleton Ranch goes over and beyond to ensure that these majestic animals have a peaceful environment. I have observed all this through their hands-on sensitive approach in husbandry of these horses, to the scented flora and fauna that provides equanimity in their sanctuary.
In horse rescue operations you’ll find that each horse has its own special needs. Some horses are seniors just living out the rest of their lives and some come from neglected or worse, abusive homes. Through their philanthropic contribution and commitment to their mission, Castleton Ranch transcends beyond all expectations of a horse rescue.
As a fellow patron and neighboring ranch manager, it's always a pleasure to see such a professional organization that provides such a quality of life for horses. We at Rancho Corona del Valle support Castleton Ranch and wish them all the best in their continued success.
Joseph DeLeon
Rancho Corona del Valle
Antelope Valley, CA
I remember when I was barely three, standing on my very tippy toes in an attempt to get a better view of our new home.
I’ve lived almost my entire life on Castleton Ranch, and when we began here there were only a few trees, and dirt pathways leading almost everywhere. In the last ten years, I’ve watched this ranch—my home—grow. I’ve watched as the old trees unfurled their leaves, and the young ones grew taller.
Now, when I look outside my window, not only do I see barns and corrals, I see large trees providing shade, mint junipers offering a green look to the now gravel-lined roads; and most of all, the horses, peacefully standing in the shade or happily scratching each other’s backs.
This sanctuary has given me space to breathe, room to run, and something to care for. An oasis in the desert, this has always been my home, and Castleton Ranch will always be my family.
My first introduction to horses came when I was 7 years old. From that moment, these majestic and beautiful animals have been a huge part of my life and always will be. I consider myself very blessed to have been able to spend so much time with them. Little did I know then that my life would turn in a way that I could not have expected. I am so fortunate to be part of the Board of Castleton Ranch from the first day. I have watched our company grow in a way that we could not have ever thought possible. However through hard work, dedication and much love we have achieved what began as a wish. I have seen at first hand the love and caring that goes into bringing horses back from the most terrible of situations. Sometimes they have been so badly scarred mentally that it can take quite sometime to gain their confidence and trust again. We currently provide permanent sanctuary to more than 100 horses between both of our sanctuaries. Many people who visit our sanctuaries are amazed at how happy and healthy the horses are. We spare nothing in our efforts to return them to the once happy horse they were. They are part of our family and we are so blessed to be able to provide everything that they need. Apart from the food and medical supplies there is always a large demand for jolly balls and a particular brand of cookie, which they can smell a mile away!.
Nothing really prepares you to experience the once terrified horse who would not let you touch him, into a loving snuggling up horse who shows how grateful they are and to be where they are. What more can warm your heart!. Perhaps only the sight of some horses playing with their jolly balls with no memory of their fearful past. Onward my darling horses, only happiness is ahead of you now.
I have been honored, overwhelmed and just completely bowled over by the success that our organization has achieved. When we started this endeavor in 2004 we had no idea what the company would become. The Board members all came from corporate America so at least we had a great deal of diverse business experience to go with the many years of sharing our lives with countless horses as companions. This new venture though, was basically throwing each of us into unknown territory. Being successful in corporate America is one thing but when it comes to stepping up to achieve the same success as a non profit horse rescue was indeed something different and would be more challenging than anything else that any of us had done before. What should we expect and could we deliver what was needed, were questions that we asked each other on a daily basis. Each of us shared the same desire to make a very positive impact into the lives of as many horses as we could and along the way try to instill love and respect to those folks who had somehow lost their heart for the horse. It was clear that horses in general were not being treated in a manner which they so deserved. It was very sad to see how many people could so easily forget how much our country had depended on these most wonderful animals in past times. For each of us, the motivation to succeed with this venture, came easy. These majestic animals had been there for us throughout many terrible times in our history and did so without question or regret, now it was our time to stand up and be their beacon of light as so many of them had been for us.
I could write paragraph after paragraph about the many experiences we have had since our small beginnings. It has been a journey like no other. We have met many good souls along the way who still had the heart and desire to help these beautiful animals.
Today, Castleton operate two beautiful lifetime sanctuaries in Southern California providing rescue, rehabilitation and a home for life. No more fear, hunger, abuse or abandonment. When you arrive at Castleton, you will be surrounded by love and caring . You are almost home. We hope that each of our rescued souls live with us for a long time until the rainbow bridge beckons. Although each passing is a very sad day, we take heart that we will all meet again and once more share our love for each other.
I want to thank the rest of our hard working Board, staff and volunteers for their selfless dedication and to making our little pipedream in 2004 what we are today. Bless you all.
My daughter and granddaughter had the privledge of visiting Castleton Ranch Horse Rescue Inc after three of their " babies "were retired to Castleton after years of providing happiness education and love to all those who were fortunate enough to know them. After visiting Castleton Ranch Horse Rescue Inc touring the facility and meeting staff members their fears were eased and their hearts light. They know their three amigos have found horse heaven on earth. Thank you Castleton from a forever grateful mom and nana.
I will FOREVER be grateful to Castleton for giving 3 very special boys that have been in mine and my daughter's life for a very long time a soft and gentle landing. They literally hit the jackpot. I was devastated to learn that 3 boys from my daughter's 1st lesson program, and the program where I started riding many moons ago were going to be sent to a retirement home/sanctuary and we're not going to get to retire with their barn where they loved and knew the people and the horses/their herd. I was petrified that somehow somewhere they would end up at a low end auction or a kill pen. Fortunately my daughter got the chance to ride with the horses and drop them off at Castleton. My daughter couldn't rave enough about the beautiful, clean facility that she saw. She even mentioned how all the babe's feet were nicely trimmed. She felt at ease once she saw where our 3 babies would be. This truly eased our minds and warmed our hearts. Alex, a kind soul, has been amazing at keeping me updated on the 3 boys and their health and happiness/wellbeing. It is because of Castleton, that I am starting to regain faith in humanity again. They are angels on earth. I 100% feel comfortable and happy for our boys living out their days at Castleton. We will be going to visit soon!!
Phyllis and Richard - 9/30/20
Our Good Fortune to Find This Magical Place
My partner Richard and I had the good fortune to chance upon the Castleton Ranch Horse Rescue located in Lancaster. We were on vacation from New York where Richard volunteers at a therapeutic horse ranch for children and adults with special needs. Daniel’s warm welcome helped us feel instantly connected to the oasis, as we observed his labor of love for the horses and ranch entrusted in his care. He explained the impressive history and empathetic mission of the Castleton Ranch to save abused, abandoned, injured and old horses. He clearly enjoyed our enthusiastic questions. We were impressed by the incredible efforts lavished on these fine horses, who were each treated with the care and dignity of thoroughbreds. The synergy of the beautiful environment and the rhythms of the equine’s day created a calm, relaxing, playful, and safe place for its animals. Richard and I felt uplifted. During our two subsequent visits, my autistic California teenaged grandson was brought along to witness this heartfelt, healing place. Daniel kindly taught Tom about the animals, then allowed him to feed apples to the many horses. My grandson really enjoyed his rich, magical experience, which included watching these stunning creatures frolic and roll around on the ground. Such tender memories will always be incredibly special to us. We cannot praise Daniel and the Castleton rehabilitation sanctuary enough. Hopefully, someday soon we will return.
I have been a longtime supporter of the work of Castleton Ranch, probably around 10 years. This organization is without a doubt one of the most reliable and consistent groups working within the horse rescue community. They have a wonderful website which gives you all the information you would wish to need to make an informed decision about whether to support them or not. Their facebook page also keeps you up to date with all that is happening in their world. No doubt a first class operation which I will continue to support. It is such a pity that so many horses need the help that Castleton provide. Thank you guys for all that you do.
This is a wonderful and caring group that has dedicated their lives to making lives better for horses in need. I've met with Lisa and Alex and know they are kind hearted people that have made sacrifices for the well being of their horses. They work very hard to ensure the horses there are loved and cared for. Great group!
I have had the honor of observing the inner workings of this incredible labor of Love for nearly 10 years. Every horse entrusted into the care of Castleton Ranch is treated like the royalty these amazing sentient beings truly are. A warm, family atmosphere is felt from top to bottom with every member of the organization, four-legged or two-legged, weaving seamlessly in and out of the rhythms of the day, week, month, and year in a beautiful synergy that can only come from a place of Heartfelt connection.
These equine blessings are given a life of fullness. I have watched wee folk and elders alike thoughtfully stroll through these oases and receive immeasurable healing from these Angels on Earth. I have observed the shyest of horses relax and accept the calm and Loving hand of a willing groom. Where many were once tossed aside and discarded, Castleton Ranch provides a refuge. A place of Peace where these maginificent beasts can live out their days until they are called across the rainbow bridge.
To observe these things is a blessing in and of itself. To be a part of it is perhaps one of the most humbling experiences of my life. I could not possibly sing the praises of the individuals who make this possible highly enough. But I don't need to. It is evidenced in the behavior of the beloved horses. Just watch a timid Soul saved from the auction frolic and playfully roll around on the earth. Observe a brood mare whisked from certain death tenderly nuzzle the foal she brought Earthside on these grounds.
This place is magical. A true Heaven on Earth. I will forever be grateful for being allowed the experience of the Loving sacrifice that is to be a two-legged member of the Castleton Ranch family.
I have been a regular donor and visitor to Castleton's sanctuary in Valley Center. Simply beautiful. From the moment you arrive it is so easy to see just what care is placed by the staff into caring for the many horses who live at this sanctuary. As I said, the ranch is very beautiful and extremely well maintained, providing a beautiful and tranquil setting for the many horses who live here. All of the horses are in wonderful condition and you can tell that they are very happy where they are. I have seen at first hand how this organization operates and they are without a doubt very professional and methodical in every aspect of their mission. Each visit is an uplifting experience. As a horse lover, to see such caring for our equine friends that have fallen through the cracks and had nowhere to go or no one to care for them is just wonderful. Thank you Castleton for being there for them.
I've been blessed to be a staff member at Castleton Ranch Horse rescue for 10 years. The amount of Love shown to these, our Equine family is second to none. You would think these horses were world class race horses! From the best in food, medical care, basic maintenance, the beauty and cleanliness of their facilities and living quarters, you name it. Before serving at Castleton, I'd never heard of a rescue that saved the sick, lame, blind, elderly, abused, neglected and abandoned, and didn't try to re-train them to serve us. But rather, gave these souls a chance to be served for the rest of their days, with a beautiful forever home, honoring them for their service. It's truly a site to see! Horses from all walks of life, living together in large corrals, still able to run around and be horses. Many are beautiful big Thoroughbreds who were injured at the race track. Others were rescued from the hands of a "killer buyer" at an auction here in So. Cal. Castleton Ranch is truly doing God's work and it's an honor to serve such a righteous cause.
I have been volunteering at Castleton Ranch Horse Rescue for some years now and hope to continue to do this in the future. I also help out at a few others rescue groups but without any shadow of doubt, Castleton is in a class of their own. Everyone associated with the company are so on top of everything nothing is left to chance. I get to help out with some media stuff and I can tell you that they have just received Guidestar's highest star rating, The Platinum star for the 5th year running. This affirms their dedication to transparency in all aspects of their work. Every horse under their care are so lucky to have been given a permanent home at one of their sanctuaries. Keep up the great work Castleton.
Sometime around 2004, I had the good fortune of meeting the directors of Castleton Horse rescue and spent several days at their ranch while I was totally falling in love with their horses. I saw first hand how much this rescue cares for and maintains the horses in their care. I learned a lot from them and watching Lisa work with the horses and Alex taking care of Lisa and the horses. Lisa really is a horse whisper and can get any horse properly wormed! They don't mess around with getting vet care, training and hoof
care. I am so glad that I met them as they set a high standard for caring for these injured and unwanted beautiful animals. They have always been available to me to offer advice or instructions and they are the nicest folks. This is the top horse rescue anywhere. Hands down they are horse people who really care about the horses.
I have been very fortunate to have been associated with Castleton since the beginning in 2004. Little did we know then what the company would become. Now operating two lifetime sanctuaries in Southern California which are home to over 100 horses, the dedication and caring toward achieving their mission is so very obvious. Whether it is from a Board member, staff member or volunteer, everyone has one goal. It has also been very uplifting to be part of the team which puts together the different programs which we have, helping not just horses but horse owners also. We assist at various levels both within and outwith our community. Castleton is truly a wonderful organization who have made such a positive contribution to the equine rescue/sanctuary industry. I'm very grateful to be a small part of that.
A dear friend passed away, having set up a trust fund for the care of her forever horse, Tanzer. Tanzer lived many years in our area and we found the trust dwindling. After some internet research, I reached out to Castleton, asking if they would consider taking Tanzer and any remaining trust funds to enable him to continue with the care his owner endeavored to provide for him. Being the angels that they are, they took him in and this was the start of a great friendship. We visit this oasis often (until covid!) and Tanzer (32+ years) is living his life with love and dignity. Compassionate, caring, involved, proactive are all words to describe this nonprofit. The horses are the number one focus!
Castleton Ranch is a great horse rescue. You can tell they truly love the horses in their care. All you have to do is look at the condition they keep their horses in. They look great, you can tell they are happy.
The people running the rescue are very kind and caring people and have a real passion for helping horses that would otherwise likely meet their end at a horrible slaughterhouse. These people have changed these horses lives for the better, and as a horse lover and animal lover in general I support what they do. It’s not often you come across such kind and caring people.
They sent me a nice letter and calendar so I thought I would donate since I am around the horses in Saratoga Springs, New York. MERRY CHRISTMAS! JLD
I would like to address a comment made some time ago by oohayliam64 who claims that we had been calling and mailing "stuff" to them for more then six months. Firstly, we have not, or would not call anyone, unless at their specific request. If anyone wishes to not receive any literature from our organization they simply have to ask us to remove them from our mailing list , which we would be happy to do, it is a very simple process.We would not wish to waste resources contacting people who did not wish to be contacted.
It would be helpful for all charities, if people, when making comments, try and be honest and constructive, not destructive.
Review from Guidestar
Castleton Ranch Horse Rescue in partnership with two other rescue groups descended upon a low-end auction on Saturday evening in Southern California. Every horse that went through the auction was saved, not one was left behind. They even saved a pregnant mare from a drunk man in the parking lot who had arrived too late for the auction. The killer buyers and such as those did not know what had hit them as they left the auction with empty trailers. What a wonderful achievement, made a little more special so close to Christmas. Kudos to you Castleton Ranch.
Review from Guidestar
I have also received direct mailings from this rescue, and if the callous people who complained about them had bothered to look a bit deeper, they would have found their answers in the founders' statement. People who visited the ranches found them to be of superior quality, and the rescued horses in optimal condition. That's all caring people ask for!
I am happy to contribute what and when I can!
Review from Guidestar
My friend and I recently visited Castleton's Ranch in Valley Center and without a doubt, it is the most impressive rescue ranch that we had ever visited, and I have visited quite a few. The paddocks are large, the ranch is very clean all of the horses were in wonderful condition and looked very happy. The staff were very helpful showing us around and the ranch itself is beautiful. I have been a donor for some time now and I will continue to be in the future. Keep up the good work Castleton Ranch.
Review from Guidestar