The Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, Northern California's oldest horse retirement and rehabilitation facility, has overcome so many daunting challenges — from severe drought to threatening wildfires and a global pandemic — since its founding 26 years ago. The non-profit foundation has survived despite rounds of increases in the cost of veterinarian care, feed, hay and other farm supplies.
But the picturesque 8 1/2-acre ranch, nestled in the rural Sonoma Valley hills near Jack London State Park in the heart of the Sonoma County wine region, could be facing its biggest obstacle yet.
The farm's 77-year-old founder and proprietor Pamela Berg is struggling to regain her strength following recent hospitalization with a bout of sepsis, which developed from an infection. Berg, who has faithfully maintained the facility and handled the daily care for GEVA's equine residents — mostly retired Thoroughbreds — with minimal volunteer assistance, is slowly recovering. But she is too weakened by her illness to perform the activities required to keep such an operation going.
Sepsis happens when an infection triggers a chain reaction throughout the body and attacks internal organs such as kidneys. Without timely treatment, sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.
“I'm home and happy to be alive, but have a long and slow road ahead of me,” Berg, a former California Horse Racing Board steward, wrote in an email.
She added that meeting unexpected expenses and more volunteer help are at the top of GEVA's list of needs. There are about 30 horses currently on the farm.
These needs will be “continuing since I won't be able to pick up where I left off,” Berg wrote. “We would welcome any and all donations for the horses and new help, which is hard to find.”
“She's a fierce bundle of energy in a small package who never quits in her fight for the welfare of her horses,” wrote Jack Shinar. “She's someone I greatly admire.”
People wishing to donate or volunteer may do so through GEVA's website at www.glenellenfarms.com/geva. The farm may be reached directly by phone at (707) 509-9110.
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