Sea Star Horse Sanctuary is an absolute gem located on sacred land overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the Monterey Peninsula. The owner and steward, Sharon, has created an oasis for these incredible god-like creatures. Every horse is treated like an individual, cared for with great respect, and allowed to live in harmony as a family. In turn, visitors are able to receive their profound gifts of love, serenity, and deep understanding simply by being in their presence. There are no exact words to describe what these great spirits invoke within my soul. Every encounter has opened my heart to more joy and has stirred up a deep knowing within. ~Toni-Lynn
Seastar Horse Sanctuary is an idyllic setting perfectly arranged to nurture and care for these rescued horses. Attention to every detail is continuously demonstrated by the volunteer staff that spend countless hours with these beautiful beings. As an emergency first responder, it felt so good to spend a day with the horses. They immediately washed away the stress I was feeling.
Matt_H
Big Sur
From the moment you arrive at the Sanctuary you not only see what a special place this is, but you feel it. Like walking into a painting you are transported to the embodiment of beauty, love, and absolute serenity. Just being around these gentle beings brings a sense of calm to the visitor with striking views of the ocean and hills as a backdrop. With each horse comes a distinct personality but they all exude an unmistakable sense of peace. Come visit the Sanctuary and you will leave with a whole new perspective.
I have been volunteering at the Sanctuary since 2018. It is such a powerful and profound experience to be with the horses in this serene haven. The owner, Sharon, encourages us (volunteers) to connect with each horse, to mindfully touch and communicate with them, and to be free in the pastures with them. She shares that through grooming, exercising the horses in the round pen and just being with them with our full presence allows us the opportunity to really understand them and feel their spirit. A day spent with the horses brings a lot of laughter, a clear mind, and a content heart.
Sea Star Horse Sanctuary is truly a sanctuary in every sense of the word. Nestled on rolling hillside acres right at the ocean’s edge, this refuge for neglected and abandoned horses provides every aspect of enlightened horse keeping.
Sea Star’s founder, Sharon Regan nurtures the horses here with loving attention to the details of environment, nutrition, veterinary and holistic care.
Sea Star is an equine paradise and a healing place not only for the Sanctuary Herd, but for anyone fortunate enough to experience the loving, peaceful yet dynamic energy of the horses. It is an unparalleled setting for the horses to thrive and for humans to grow in spirit.
sanctuary: a place of rest and refuge
I was lucky enough to visit the Sea Star Horse Sanctuary this summer and I was absolutely blown away by the level of love and care that these horses are given.
The sanctuary is perched atop a grassy knoll overlooking the sea, and the horses are free to roam the paddocks as a herd. Horses are extremely social and sensitive animals, and the sanctuary allows them to thrive as such.
I visited the sanctuary multiple times with a professional healer, who works with the horses to offer them medicinal herbs and essential oils. The horses are offered a range of medicinal herbs which they self-select according to their healing needs. Some of the rescue horses come from extreme maltreatment, but at the sanctuary they are allowed to recover and heal at their own pace.
It was absolutely incredible to witness firsthand the healing journeys of these horses, and to watch them regain their health and spirit again. This place is a sanctuary in the truest sense.
I have had the honor to witness the transformation of many of the horses that have come to Sea Star Horse Sanctuary. They are given care that is specific to their needs so they can feel safe and thrive. I am a volunteer at the Sanctuary, grooming and tending to them and yet I feel they give me so much in return. This Sanctuary is vital for the livelihood of these amazing horses.
I became aware of Sea Star horse sanctuary from a friend who volunteers regularly and invited me to join her. The first time I visited, I was stunned by the beautiful facility and serene location overlooking the coast. I’m an animal lover, but I was not experienced with horses. At first, I was only comfortable as an onlooker. The horses are beautiful and clearly well loved and cared for, but I was fearful at first of their size and strength. I thought the best/most respectful thing I could do for them was keep my distance. Sharon, the owner of the sanctuary, picked up on my nervousness right away. She handed me a grooming kit as she explained that the horses really do want that kind and trusting connection with humans. She showed me how to groom Jane, the sanctuary’s senior mare. Soon enough, Jane and I were quite comfortable with each other, and she’d even nuzzle me to get me back on task if my grooming lapsed momentarily. The sanctuary provides a wonderful experience for both the horses and the volunteers. It’s a great place to volunteer with your family, or to come for some solo time with the horses (and the feisty pony, Bentley, who’s not be left out).
Everything about this place is healing, beginning with its location on the spectacular Central Coast of California. Rescued horses regain their health, strength, confidence, and happiness between the silence of evergreen coastal mountains and the crashing of the Pacific Ocean. A full-time grounds manager keeps the barn, property and gardens meticulously clean and beautiful.
Founder Sharon Regan is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of neglected, abused, and abandoned horses. Four were saved from shipment across US borders to slaughter houses. Along with permanent refuge comes excellent nutrition, farrier and veterinary care. Every activity, from grooming to groundwork, carries the intention of strengthening connection and trust. A unique feature is the holistic healing modalities that are brought to the horses by volunteers, including Animal Communication, Medical Qi Gong, Equine Massage, Healing Touch for Animals, and Applied Zoopharmacognosy. In return, they benefit from the love of animals and Sharon’s profound knowledge and experience with horses.
The horses divide their time between several spacious pastures with room to run, maritime chaparral for forage, and sandy areas for rolling. Each has an individual stall in the barn, where feed is served twice daily, in addition to their grazing. The need these social animals have for companionship in a herd is fulfilled and respected. The sense of security and bonding that comes from this is essential to their sense of well-being and security. It is a happily-ever-after ending for the horses who were fortunate to land in this loving, forever home. Visitors and people interested in volunteering are welcome by appointment. It’s a five star, top quality, thoughtful operation in every respect.