The Santana Center

The Santana Center was established in November of 2004 by Kathy Castro, named after Santana Satin & Gold, her stunning palomino American Saddlebred gelding. When Kathy and her daughter first stumbled upon him in someone’s backyard, Santana was 9 years old, filthy and untrained. They instantly fell in love with him, and brought him home where he was broke to ride, loved and pampered. Slowly but surely, Kathy regained Santana’s trust and they developed an incredible partnership.... (read more) Although Kathy had years of experience with horses, Santana truly captivated her heart and taught her even more the significance of trustworthy and appropriate interactions between horses and humans. The bond between the two of them was truly incredible. As a team, they inspired many a horse lover and even those with no horse experience.

Years later, Santana was critically injured while out playing in the field. Despite much effort to save him, he sadly had to be euthanized with Kathy by his side.

Santana’s memory lives on through the development of The Santana Center, echoing the message of the true bond that can exist between horse and human if just given the opportunity. Many horses that we rescue come from bad owners or situations, yet are still capable of giving their hearts to that one special person. The Santana Centers mission is to bring to light the issue of unwanted horses, and help these horses find their forever homes.