2019 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Animal Protection & Welfare, Animals

Mission: To rescue and assist in rescue of At Risk equines

Community Stories

61 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

1

Mustang Man Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

11/01/2019

VVR and Marlene Dodge specifically are one of the top 10 Horse rescues in this country. I am a Horse advocacy researcher, Rescue/sanctuary reviewer and Wild Horse expert and I have never met anybody with such a endless supply of energy for doing what needs to be done. be it pulling horses out of actual slaughter auctions, feed lots. picking up 100% wild Mustangs and transporting them to their adopted or sanctuary homes, arranging training or "you name it" ! This women is simply beyond words for accolades and you can be 100% assured that any dime you donate to this organization is going to a good use.

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1

Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

11/01/2018

Marlene does more for slaughter bound and misplaced Mustangs than anybody. Other then hre recent injury I don't think she ever spends more then 48 hours at home until she is on the road taking to pr picking up rescue horses and moving then around the country. She is the definition of Rescue and a rescue person in the 10th degree. Her love of animals and people cannot be exceeded. Her operation is in the top 1% and She is the best!!!

1

Kayla R.3 Client Served

Rating: 5

11/01/2019

Wonderful! The horse I adopted from there is such a gem. Thankful for the work they do!

Equine WellBeing Rescue

Equine WellBeing Rescue Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

11/01/2019

Such a well managed organization with a long history of awesome care for all equine. Marlene is absolutely the best!!!

2

horsefriend Client Served

Rating: 5

10/31/2019

Such kind people. Love their place The last time I was there we helped feed and it was such fun

1

oliviahaller Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2019

Marlene is so knowledgeable and genuine and kind. Her and her enormous heart have had a hand in rescuing countless horses. Thank you for all the work you do and for sharing your incredible stories! So grateful to know you and learn from you!

1

skeeto01 Donor

Rating: 5

10/31/2019

Most reputable equine rescue that I have ever been involved with.

1

Responsible_Donor Donor

Rating: 5

10/31/2019

Thank you so much for having your trained volunteers helping evacuate horses in these terrible fires. Overwhelmed with so many fires during this high wind period, we all need to work together to keep safe, and it's very helpful that your people know the procedures and can assist other, less experienced people, to get through it. Thank you!

Previous Stories

Donor

Rating: 5

10/31/2018

Marlene Dodge uses her experience as a former 24 year firefighter to evacuate horses from dangerous situations, and teach others how to prepare and implement a sound plan for emergencies. She does a great job of assessing the suitability of horses and people like an old-fashioned matchmaker! And her networking and assisting of other rescues is excellent.

1

Chalupa General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/31/2019

Thanks for your great work during our bad fires. You’ve saved so many lives.

1

jodi tuft Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/31/2019

If you want to help out with true horse rescue and no mind games or manipulation, Marlene is it! She works every day to support rescues and does so much for so many other rescues all throughout the United States. You cannot go wrong supporting Valley View!

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1

Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

06/04/2013

I have extensive experience in the horse rescue 'world'.. Marlene is one of the VERY FEW people that run a horse rescue that is an ACTUAL 'HORSEMAN'. Unfortunately, most are run by well meaning people that don't really have a clue about a horses conformation, temperament, etc. This leads to some dangerous situations- but in my personal experience with Marlene, she goes to the ends of the earth to make sure the horse is everything that the adopter is looking for. Is this 'process' PERFECT?? Of course not! These are living, breathing beings with opinions of their own. But know that Marlene might be your best chance at 'helping' these beautiful animals and 'gaining' a friend of your own!
I have and will continue to foster and train horses for her in the future. I wouldn't do this if I didn't believe in her and Valley View Equine Rescue.

1

horselover1977 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/31/2019

Marlene’s dedication to equine rescue and emergency assistance is amazing. Go Valley View!

3

Deb H.4 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/31/2019

I’ve experienced the art of horse rescue through the tremendous work of Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue.

The success stories behind their work are truly inspirational and I hope to see their future endeavors raise the Equine Rescue Bar even higher than Valley View has already set the standards for their peers.

2

TLFG Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/31/2019

Marlene is known for the gentle handling of the unhandled horse. I've seen her load horses in her trailer amazingly quickly, done just with body language. She says, I'm not loading horses, I'm teaching horses how to load. And it works! I've learned a lot!

1

Writer Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/31/2019

Marlene Dodge is extraordinary - here's just one way: as a retired firefighter, she can go behind the firelines and evacuate horses that other people aren't permitted to get to. When it's mandatory evacuation, you can only LEAVE - no back and forth trips. But Marlene can and will!

Rachel B.5 Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/01/2018

There is no more direct lifeline for horses in trouble than VVER. Any donation to Marlene goes to feeding, recovering, and hauling horses that would be killed if she didn't step in during the eleventh hour to find safe, forever homes for them. It is unusual to find a person who so selflessly dedicates herself to the safety of others, and that is exactly what Marlene does.

Steve137 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/31/2018

Great rescue. Not only did we get great horses but great service. I have also seen many of the great rescues they have done. This company also pitches in to evacuate animals during fire emergencys

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Client Served

Rating: 5

10/04/2017

They do such great Charity , The rescue of Horses and mules is so important. Great staff and Timely service. The horses we have received are wonderful They work nationwide . In time of Emergency they help in the evacuation of animals be it Fire,Flood or and other disaster .

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Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2018

Amazing rescue. Marlene dedicates her life to help save a huge variety of horses; seeing the potential they have to offer and saving them from a gruesome fate. Pair that with her ability to perfectly match human with horse and you have a rescue that’s stands out from so many of the others.

1

Joni C.1 Client Served

Rating: 5

11/09/2017

An amazing and supportive organization that is truly about helping horses and their people!!!!

shayberz

shayberz Client Served

Rating: 5

10/05/2017

Marlene and crew are angels on earth! The many many rescue horses they have saved and placed in loving homes are so very thankful. As am I! Thank you Marlene for your dedication to Gods creatures!

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2

Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/03/2013

Valley View Ranch is a wonderful nonprofit organization that does its very best to rescue, care for, rehabilitate and adopt out horses that would have otherwise been sent to slaughter. I do not know a more kind, thoughtful or more determined woman with a cause than Marlene Dodge. She puts a lot of time into the horses she rescues, only placing them in homes she feels are a good fit. I have adopted a wonderful paint mare from VVR and had nothing but wonderful experiences with this mare! I recently was at Valley View Ranch and Marlene was able to tell me anything I wanted to know about all of the horses she has on her ranch! Such a wealth of knowledge and understanding when it came to each and everyone of the horses she has. If am ever in need of any advice, she is always willing to help out! Thank you Marlene and crew for doing what you do and finding me my wonderful Fallon!

AGirlNamedMichael Client Served

Rating: 5

10/04/2017

Marlene Dodge is a champion for horses, as well as a champion for people. She logs literally thousands of hours every year traveling, by truck and trailer, all over the US moving horses. Sometimes they are rescues- from slaughterhouse feedlots, hoarding or abuse situations, and other times it to help people who have suffered a natural disaster such as fire, flood, and storm. If someone asks for help, Marlene is there. We have been blessed by Marlene many times, and we have had three horses that came from her, and each one was a diamond. Marlene is generous with her time, with her knowledge. Her compassion and caring for both animals and people is vast and admirable.

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1

Client Served

Rating: 5

06/03/2013

I have two horses that originated from Marlene Dodge at Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue(VVRER) and they have brought a great deal of joy to my family. My mare, Sugar, came to me as a slaughterhouse rescue. She ended up at the slaughterhouse because of an untreated eye injury that left her with a white, blind, protruding left eye that a previous owner had apparently left to fester. I was told from the get-go that Sugar had "spunk" but was broke to ride. Sugar and I are perfectly matched!

The second horse we have is a gelding that was born to another slaughterhouse rescue mare that Marlene had rescued. His name is Merlot. My daughter volunteers during the summertime at VVRER, and fell in love with Merlot, and he followed her around the ranch like a puppy. Marlene gifted Merlot to my daughter(he is 3 now). Marlene was very thorough in explaining what would be required of us in regards to training a young horse, and also was kind enough to not only have Merlot gelded before coming here, but also transported him to us herself.

Marlene was generous in allowing us to try out a couple of other horses, and when there was a mismatch, Marlene took care of it. Marlene travels all over the United States, by truck and trailer, rescuing, and transporting horses both for VVRER and private citizens, and helping people by moving tack and equipment if they need it. She is one of the busiest people I have ever known, and does not draw a salary from her dedicated work. She has my utmost respect for what she does, and what she has done for my family.

Lisa O.2 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/04/2017

BEST OF THE BEST. What kind honest invididuals who have devoted their lives to rescue unwanted and abused animals all over the country.

Desiree H.1 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/04/2017

I have not dealt personally with Marlene and her crew, but have helped a friend who has got several horses from the ranch. Each time these horses are described exactly to what they truly are. I've watched the countless hours Marlene spends on the road and her dedication to helping the horse world is beyond. Great work! I have always recommended your ranch first!

pokahontas General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/04/2017

Marlene is always helping out and drives across the county to haul horses. she is a hard worker.

John B.1 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/04/2017

They do a great job saving horses that despratly need a 2nd chance.

Writer Client Served

Rating: 5

10/04/2017

Marlene, goes out of her way to connect horses with the right people. She takes time to ask the needed questions to ensure the safety and well being of animal. Thankful for the encounters I have had with this rescue.

Danny F.1 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/04/2017

Marlene Dodge at Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue is the most caring and dedicated person I know. Rescuing horses from the kill pens and from the abuse of former owners is her whole life. Good Bless Marlene and Valley View Ranch.

1

Writer Donor

Rating: 5

08/01/2017

I have been a donor to VVRER for several years, and have encouraged others to donate as well to save the lives of innocent and healthy horses. I do so because I love horses and I believe in Marlene. She is honest as the day is long and she gives all she has for horses. Thank you Marlene.

towdiva General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/29/2017

Marlene has gone out of her way several times to find the perfect fit horse for special circumstances. From pasture pet to placing a pony for 8 year old boy (My son) . I have had several horses from her ranch and feel blessed that where they came from.

Luana C. Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/30/2016

Marlene and her ranch VVRER are just amazing doing the best for the horses and people around!! Great time with them! Learned a lot and inspiring myself to be a better person! Cheers Marlene, Scott and horses!!!

Terri27 Donor

Rating: 5

08/30/2016

I first got involved with Valley View when they were doing a rescue and needed additional funds to rescue all of the horses from being sold to the meat men. I love horses and had to help. All I can say is this is an amazing rescue organization. Takes very special people to do what they do.

Susan489 Client Served

Rating: 5

08/27/2016

I adopted a wonderful horse through this rescue, ending up saving 3 lives!! Marlene Dodge is an amazing, kind, and competent person. I called her for help evacuating horses from the Chimney Fire in San Luis Obispo County, and she didn't hesitate to help. Her facility is orderly and the horses there are very well looked after. Here is a picture of the rescued family:
By the way, I am a volunteer with an emergency evacuation group, and I know only a very few people I can recommend as highly as Marlene.

burrojackie Client Served

Rating: 5

08/27/2016

Marlene and her ranch go above and beyond to help horses and burros in need. She is truly an angel here on earth.

Previous Stories

General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

03/02/2016

Marlene has gone beyond expectations, to save who she can. She is truly gods messenger for these she saves.

caseythomas37 Client Served

Rating: 5

08/27/2016

An incredible rescue organization! I adopted a filly from here a few months ago. I was astonished at how well the facility was run given the minimum staffing involved. If they had enough donations to afford a few really savvy horse people while Marlene goes on her rescue missions this place would flourish more than it already is!! I've seen plenty of "rescues" and this one by far is the best. I will continue to adopt from Valley View Equine Rescue as long as I can!

khansen2 Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/27/2016

Valley View Ranch is simply amazing. Marlene lives her life serving all of her beautiful horses. She makes sure each and every horse recieves all of the care they need. I have never seen an unhappy horse at Valley View Ranch. All of the horses are not only very healthy, but friendly, and beyond happy.

Jennifer275 Client Served

Rating: 5

08/27/2016

We absolutely love Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue and Marlene Dodge. It is a breath of fresh air to see "rescue horses" fat, healthy and obviously well cared for. The pride they take in their rescues is amazing. They are HONEST about the level of training the rescues have and care about a horse having a forever home instead of just making an opening for a new rescue. I currently have 4 horses from Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue, all saved from the slaughter pipeline. 2 of them have been used on movie sets and 1 of them had a major role in the film. Theses horses are an amazing testament to the quality of rescue horses Valley View Ranch and Marlene Dodge place in homes. Marlene genuinely cares about each horse she saves, transports or evacuates from harms way.

Delilah K. Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/02/2016

I have known Marlene at Valley View Ranch for many years and never met anyone with so much love and compassion not just for the horses but for people as well. Marlene has been there for me during the good times and even during a very depressing time for me and my horses but she guided us through it. Her love and dedication goes above and beyond!!! Marlene, you are one of the most amazing people I have had the honor of meeting and crossing paths with!!!! Hopefully we can catch up soon!!

Carol215 Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/01/2016

This is a great group of people who really care about the fate of horses that, for one reason or another, have been pushed to the side. Our horses (3) in the sanctuary are loved like pets. You know the adage...the only difference between men and boys? Well that holds true for horses and dogs but the difference is in daily and medical care. It takes so much more to care for an aging or sick horse and to feed them. I wish I had photos to share. Our "kids" are beautiful.

Marlo Schalesky Client Served

Rating: 5

03/01/2016

We LOVE Valley View Equine Rescue and Marlene who runs it. A few years ago my young daughter fell in love with one of their untrained (young) ponies. She was too young to train a new pony at the time. A year later she was still talking about the pony and was now able to train, so we adopted our Pippin. When a tragic freak accident took Pippin from us, Marlene called me immediately. She had a young mare that had barely begun her training, and she had been thinking that this would be such a good mare for us. My daughter went down to see the mare and loved her. Marlene said we could have any horse on the ranch, for free, but of course my daughter chose the beautiful paint mare that Marlene knew was right for us. Blizzard (the new mare) has been such a blessing for us. She not only eased the pain of Pippin's loss but she has also helped my daughter to grow in confidence (they've helped each other) and become more of who she was meant to be. Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue saves horses bound for slaughter and gives hope not only to the horses but to the people who adopt them. This non-profit saves lives! (The pictures are of my daughter at a gymkhana (barrel racing) show with Blizzard, who is just learning how to do it. They won their division that day!)

Previous Stories
4

Client Served

Rating: 5

06/03/2013

I've adopted two horses from Valley View and inquired about several more. What I love best about Marlene and the Vally View staff is that I can trust them to tell me the truth about their horses. Marlene Dodge, in particular, seems committed to finding the best fit for horse and family, rather than just trying to adopt out horses to anyone who will take them. She does an amazing job first saving the horses, then caring for them, and then finding just the right match for each horse. I trust this group and admire what they are doing for horses and for the people who love horses. This is a great group and I recommend them highly to anyone I meet who is looking to adopt a horse.

Stephanie231 Donor

Rating: 5

03/01/2016

Valley View is a wonderful rescue organization with tremendous integrity. They network tirelessly to improve the the world for equines. They work very well with other organizations and individuals to make rescues happen. They take really good care of the equines under their supervision. This includes handling and training, which is one of the biggest factors in the future success of equines.

Pam_90 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/10/2014

It is with great respect that I acknowledge Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue. I am proud of the work they do. It is hard work and long hours, done with only God's horses in mind. Keep up the great unselfish work you do. Proud to call you my neighbor.

Zsofi Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/09/2013

The best place in the whole world!!!
Amazing horses, and Marlene has the biggest heart ever.
Thousands of beautiful horses are thankful for their lives to her, and thousands of new owners are thankful for their hepiness to her.
She is a real Angel. :)

1

farmfresh Client Served

Rating: 5

06/04/2013

Marlene is an angel. She was put on this Earth to watch over horses that others have given up on. Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue is Heaven on Earth for these forgotten hooved creatures, for it is there they can finally be free. They can eat, drink fresh water and run through the pasture. It is where they are given a second chance...a second chance at life, to be cared for and loved. It is where they find patience and acceptance and a forever home...either with an adoptive family or there at the ranch, at peace.
I opened my home and heart to one of Marlene's rescues...a tall grulla mare...full of spunk and a little spoiled.She needed special handling, a lot of patience and love...time and trust heal. Rescued horses need healing...it isn't easy, but nothing worthwhile is.
If you want to make a difference in your world, this is a great organization to support with your donation - money or time...or perhaps you have what it takes to open your heart to one of the horses...whichever you choose, it will be well spent!

Kimerlee C. Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

06/04/2013

Marlene is dedicated to the well being of horses other we easy or quick to discard, or worse send to a feedlot to simply await slaughter. She has hauled more rescue horses, scared horses, wild horses and unwanted horses than likely any other hauler around. Please support her efforts and amazing grass roots organization with support and/or funds. ~ Kimerlee Curyl

4

SJClark Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

06/04/2013

I'm am not a horse lover. To me the horse is no different than the people I work with. We are there to get the job done. When the day comes that we can no longer deliver or perform our task we are considered to be of no more use and disposed of. But there are some that feel different. Some believe that we have use and should not be disposed of. Marlene is one of those people. She feels the horse is an animal of pleasure. That every horse has a place other than the supper table....She has driven for days and used many of gallons of diesil to save just one horse, from coast to coast of this USA...then mortgaged her own home to feed it. She has and still does spend in my view an unequalled amount of time and energy to evaluate each horse she saves and match them up with the right home. There still are some horses in her yard who she feels are not an animal that matched up with the right home and is content on feeding them until their last days.....Now for most folks these days the horse is a luxury and some have a this fantacy of the life the two of you will spend together running threw fields of barly.....Well that is what it is....a fantacy....the horse will not change your less than perfect life....It will not save your marriage or make you the person you would rather be...owning a horse or any other animal is a commitment. If you adopt a child and he ends up a drug addict....don't blame the adoption agency! It's your fault...Some folks just shouldn't raise a child or own a horse. Next time try a rabbit...If it don't work out...they make great stew. Adoption from a rescue is not a place to get a good horse at a CHEAP price...It's a place to find a great horse that deserves an equally great owner...By now those of you that have read this post know who it is directed to...and that is fine with me. But hear what I am saying....People like Marlene are breaking their asses trying to fix what others have broken.....You want a horse? by all means get one! Most of my best days were spent on the back of a horse. But understand the commitment an LISTEN to people like Marlene and the others like her. They will not stear you wrong. I wn tree horses that I cowboy and rodeo off of...all three are rescue horses...rescued by Marlene Dodge and Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue.

Fallon 16 Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/04/2013

I meet Marlene about 4 years ago when my mom and I were looking for a horse to add to our family. My mom found her website and after exchanging emails for a week we came to visit the ranch, after spending the day looking at all her wonderful horses I was in love. So my mom let me stay with Marlene for a couple more days, now mind you we had never met Marlene before this day and I was only 15. I had never learned so much about riding and horses until that weekend, she put me on different horse in different saddles and in different bits. It was a blast!!!

Within a few more weeks I was back and ready to ride this horse she thought would be good match for me. The mare's name was Fallon. she was the most beautiful horse I'd ever seen, but not the easiest for me to ride. But, after a few days we were partners. I did everything with this horse, trails, cattle work, and even rode her around town. She was without a doubt the best horse I have ever had, and I had had quite a few before her. Still I would come to the ranch whenever I could to learn anything Marlene would teach me. After about a year Marlene showed me a picture of a 10 month old half Arab paint who was at the feedlot in Nevada. He was $75 and I really wanted to learn how to train a horse myself so I bought him. Marlene hauled him to me and everything.

Then 2 years later Fallon, the mare I bought earlier, started developing weird symptoms. I immediately went to Marlene. She helped me as much as she could and after 6 months we finally discovered what it was, but sadly there was nothing more I could do for my horse and I had to put her down.

Through everything that's happened Marlene has always helped and supported me. I trust her completely ever since the day I met her. She gave me now the 2 best horses I have ever had and would recommend her to anyone.

1

Patti17 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

06/03/2013

I was introduced to Marlene Dodge about 3 years ago. I went to the ranch just to meet and greet because I had heard of her wonderful work. She was warm, welcoming and introduced us to every horse on the property. All were happy and healthy. I sent a picture of a rescue to a friend of mine and she bought the gelding which turned out to be a great dressage horse. Also, I asked Marlene to find a rescue for me to give a child that we were fostering. Not only did she find him, she delivered him for us. Valley View is the BOMB-DIGITY in my book now and always will be. I have been the owner of my own Dog Grooming Shop for 30 plus years and if anyone knows how nasty others in the same associations are, I know. So Valley View and Marlene Dodge Thumbs up ALWAYS!

2 C.C.

C.C. Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

06/03/2013

Marlene is amazing!! Her compassion and respect for the horses is remarkable! She can take a horse that has serious human fear issues and immediately they love her!! She has my utmost respect and support!!

4

Trickedouttrixx Client Served

Rating: 5

06/03/2013

I have 3 horses that I adopted from Marlene Dodge and Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue. My first rescue through them was life changing for me; a big lean long legged black mare, "Peaches," who we now call Tricked Out or Trixx. This mare is amazing but somehow even with her impeccable breeding she ended up in the slaughter pipeline. Needless to say, like any person who has been beaten, battered, and left to die, Trixx had her issues. We spent many months learning to trust each other. Now we are an unstoppable team, we excel in gymkhana(state champions), barrel racing, mounted shooting, trail rides, parades and search and rescue.
Our second rescue, Tonka, played a pivotal role in my daughter's life. She came to us heavy in foal just as a foster horse. She could barely waddle around she was so big. Yet despite a very uncomfortable situation Tonka, was so sweet and loving that I adopted her shortly after her arrival. 8 weeks later.... Luna was born. March 1, under a full moon. It was the first animal that my daughter had ever seen born and Tonka, being such a good momma couldn't wait to so us our newest family member. Caitlin & Luna have both grown up & respect other animals & people.
Say what you want about rescue horses or rescue organizations..... You get out of them exactly what you put into them.....if you believe, have patience, & understanding(& lots if hours) you will end up with an amazing life partner! I've thanked Marlene & Valleyview Ranch Equine Rescue countless time but will once again say..... Thank you for my beautiful ladies!!!!

7 wyldhorses4u

wyldhorses4u Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

06/03/2013

I have worked with & around horses for many years. My specialty being Mustangs. Marlene Dodge & Valley View Equine Rescue have been a very valuable resource for me and our community for quite some time. There have been numerous times when I needed some sort of assistance and without hesitation the ONLY person I ever called was Marlene. Her knowledge and well-versed handling of horses in any sitation has been a God send for me over and over again.

I have found that a good horse's bad behavior is strongly environmental... If put in an unfamiliar situation or unsure circumstances they are bound to fall back on some of the easiest remedial/subtle hints....ie: biting, nipping, even bucking...needless to say, issues with foot handling as they are the quickest way to achieve their goal of being left alone.

So perhaps the environment was not condusive to the horse you chose... therefore he chose to show you as such. You stated you are disabled, well, we all know that horses are great therapy...but those horses are TRAINED to adapt to the circumstances of the disability.... oh, and before you feel that I am coming across harshly about disabilities and horsemanship, just know that I was born with ONLY one hand... so I am not dismissing the abilities of anyone.

I have grown children and a one year old granddaughter ...and if Marlene says to me a horse is safe, then I would not hesitate to put anyone including my granddaughter on it's back.

In all my life, I have never actually known of ANY horse from ANY breeder or trainer to be 100% perfect... I've seen some well trained $30,000 horses throw the very person who trained them.... so if you can find the PERFECT horse, please feel free to let me know. Have you considered maybe you are a little uncomfortable so the horse sensing that takes the initiative to prove you RIGHT?!

To take your opinion public was a little over the line in the era of animal over-sensitivity...and really the ONLY people who will be affected will be Marlene and the general public who are NOT concerned with the facts of the situation, but will condemn out of simple public awareness.... something that doesn't always hold it's validity on the internet.

I am proud of the work Marlene has ...and IS doing! I will continue to be a staunch supporter of Valley View Equine. So, if you feel your words have fallen on deaf ears...well, we can only hope!

6

Matt43 Client Served

Rating: 5

06/03/2013

I was recommended to this rescue early 2009. I went on their website and made a small donation to help save 2 young colts from slaughter. I then asked through email to find out more about their rescue. I was contacted by Marlene Dodge who invited me to come see the operation. I visited the ranch and found out first hand how much hard work and dedication Marlene puts into caring for the horses on the property and the endless time she puts into returning emails, fundraising, and returning phone messages. I was very impressed with the care Marlene gave to every horse, with her seriously intense knowledge of horsemanship, and her hospitality as she showed me around her property and operation. I have since helped the organization by putting up flyers at my local barn, helping to get a beautiful grey quarter horse filly adopted who has been winning ribbons at local jumping in Los Angeles, and adopting a yearling myself. I have also since been to the ranch numerous times. I can whole heartedly endorse Marlene and Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue. They are a good non profit. Please realize that in any endeavor there are likely to be some bad experiences like the one the person describes in the above post. I hope that it ended up getting sorted out and in my opinion this is not a typical situation with Marlene and Valley View. Thank you for reading my post- Matt Boyd

6

Angela44 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 4

06/03/2013

Being in this rescue field myself, i would like to start with responding to the above post .... Rescue horses are at the end of the day animals and can be unpredictable. I have had many rescue horses and many of them have had varying backgrounds. A horse can be perfect in one situation, and with a inexperienced or pushover handler can pick up bad habits or get dangerous quickly. People all animals are a risk if you do not establish boundaries and enforce them they will get progressively worse. And i haven't met a reputable trainer yet that cant help with behavioral issues. I have worked with marlene and have gotten some amazing animals through her feedlot rescues. I would not hesitate to adopt from her again. I love my boys dearly, and i would not try to dump them if they needed time and training. By adopting an animal you are saving a life. If you want a perfect horse be prepared to pay thousands for it- and even then, they can be unpredictable... . Just like a dog or a child, if you do not put the time in to training then you will have a horrible finished product. Thank you marlene and valley view ranch for saving lives and making a difference- one horse at a time....

4

Janet66 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

06/03/2013

I have known Marlene for 15+ years. She has always been known in our communtity to be very experinced and fair. She is very good with her horses and with others, Marlene is known for being a hand and if you needed help she was always willing to do so. She has taken her life and dedicated it to saving horses and trying to find the right homes for the ones she is able to save. So many just throw away there horses when they are done with them or have problems that they dont want to deal with. Marlene is trying to find there forever homes and make sure that there new owners are the best match for them.

1

Candace8 Client Served

Rating: 1

05/03/2013

I adopted 2 mares 3 years ago, I was told the paint mare was broke and had no bad habits. I found out real fast you did not dare try to pick up a foot. For 3 years I had to have the vet come every 7 weeks to sedate her to have her trimmed. She would send you to the moon in no uncertain terms without sedation. My farrier tried many times. The after 2 weeks here I discovered there was no way she could be saddled and cinched up, let alone handle a rider. She had a broken wither I found out after taking her in to the clinic for test. In Sept. of 2012, I saw a posting on Face Book from Weshawee Equine Rescue Project for a beautiful Paint gelding . I contacted them and spoke with a Mary Archer who owned it. After many phone conversations and emails , I wanted him, as I told her I was partially disabled and needed a non spook, gentle horse to ride once in a while. Many times she said he would be ideal. He was supposed to have been with a trainer for 4 months, but she said he was still considered green broke. But was very quiet. I said that was fine, I would have a trainer work with him once he got here. I paid Marlene Dodge of Valley View Rescue for him and transporting, for as it turned out he was her project but was in Santa Ynez with Mary to adopt him out. I was told by the both of them (after the fact) that Marlene had him for 8 months prior to taking him to Marys. After paying marlene she got him out of the trailer and he took about 8 steps and bit her, she violently jerked on his head with the lead rope as she kept control of him until he was put in his pen. As soon as the horse bit her she turned to me and said "he must have picked that biting up while at Marys, probably from being fed treats"She stated she was in a big hurry to get back to Ca. and left. From the very beginning this horse has had a severe biting habit to all people. Trainer, farrier, myself, my help, my daughter (adult) , my grandson who helps me daily (adult), neighbors, and any friends who visit. I wrote marlene right away as it got progressively worse and very dangerous. He broke my wrist, and has taken chunks out of many. The horse was delivered to me on Jan. 16, 2013. I emailed her the first of Feb. stating what a nightmare he was. I emailed Mary and called Mary on the phone. I left many phone messages with Marlene and she would not respond. I stated she needed to rectify this situation and return my money and pick the horse up as he was most definetly not what they represented him to be at all. On March 27, they finally said they would make it right, but no longer answer my phone calls and left messages. On May 2, 2013 I was told to never call them again. People need to be aware of this scam. Also, there was never any Health Certs., or Coggins on any of these horse, and money had to be paid in cash.

Review from Guidestar

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