

2008

Not the Typical
Horse Rescue
Oakdale Equine Rescue has taken in 642 horses since November 11, 2008 and placed over 580 in forever loving homes. Out of that 200 horses adopted we have repossessed three. Two miniature horses that had badly foundered and had slipper feet and one 23-year-old off the track thoroughbred that was impregnated by and Andalusian horse on purpose with the adopter knowing that we had a no breed law in our contract.
Oakdale Equine Rescue is not the typical horse rescue. Not all the horses come in from terrible circumstances. If fact a majority the horses are from folks that have lost their homes, ranches or jobs. Sometimes we have people call because they are very sick and can no longer care for their horse/s. We assist several County Animal Controls and or services on horses that have been severally abused, neglected or abandoned. We rehabilitate them in hopes that they will have a chance at a better life.
We Educate



Meet the Team
Board of Directors
Reviews from our Supporters
Justin Johnson
I have known Lora Handley for years and have found her to be a woman with a special gift to be able to match a horse with the perfect person. From rescue horse 1 to horse 2020. It has been my great pleasure to have been a part of Oakdale Equine Rescue. OER has given me a great opportunity to get under over 100 plus horses and experience many extreme cases of poor hoof conditions. It has been a great learning experience and has helped me grow in my business. Lora Handley has given me the opportunity to explore new ideas and work with several different Veterinarians to help horses with different lameness issues. I am excited to see what great things are coming in 2014 for OER.
Eleanor Gomez
Salon 2717 has been financially sponsoring horses for Oakdale Equine Rescue for the past 2 years. I am constantly amazed at the dedications OER gives these horses. The time and money that OER must raise to care for these horses can be astronomical. I am so thrilled that I am able to help Oakdale Equine Rescue do Gods work.
Shirley Puga
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Oakdale Equine Rescue on several occasions, when we co-hosted low-cost castration clinics for the benefit of local horse owners. Their team is knowledgeable, professional and possesses a high level of integrity. They are deeply committed to making a difference for needy and at-risk horses.
Dr. Edna Overstreet
** Oakdale Equine Rescue is a place where the battered, starved, abused, neglected and throw aways can come and be healed, made whole, get loved on, fixed up, beautified and re-enter the world with a hope and chance! All of my encounters with this organization have been a blessing, positive and of excellence. Please join and support their outreach to rehab and rehome horses… YOU WILL BE BLESSED.
Cerissa Hultgren
My job places me in a position that allows me to work with horses that are often neglected or abandoned, and in desperate need of care. Over the past few years I have forged a relationship with Oakdale Equine Rescue that has given these horses a hope and future they hadn’t before. Prior to OERs existence it was very difficult and disheartening to try and place these unwanted horses. OER gives these animals feed, board, vet care, training, time, and love. I have seen OER board members personally invest themselves, heart and soul into these horses. I have watched them place their faith in an insoluble horse to give it every chance and watch as a miracle unfolds. OER by far is the most active horse rescue that I have had the privilege of working with and would recommend anyone with the means to support this wonderful rescue.
Julie Monroe
Oakdale Equine Rescue is an incredible organization. Over the past 2 years, we have adopted 3 horses from OER. The staff are knowledgeable, professional and most importantly they truly care about the animals and their cause. I can’t thank you enough for taking the time in teaching us about horses and any questions we have. Because of OER we’ve been blessed to extend our family by 3 amazing creatures.
Jonnie & Valerie Moore
AMAZING!!! That is how we describe the work of the volunteers at Oakdale Equine Rescue. The people who run it give so much of their time and effort for the benefit of horses in need. We have recently been fortunate enough to become volunteers, when our schedules allow. We have personally seen horses of all shapes and sizes brought to the rescue in need of help. These volunteers nurse them back to health with vet care, nutrition and trust. They personally have taken me from a person who is terrified of horses, to someone who can care for and trust the horses. The most amazing part for us is after we see a horse come into the rescue that has been abused, malnourished and neglected. Within a few weeks of care, the horses’ personality returns and they begin to trust their new caregivers. I never knew the level of intelligence of a horse to be able to differentiate their situation. These animals overcome their previous nightmares and understand they are now safe and cared for at Oakdale Equine Rescue. They are given a second chance to live a happy and healthy life. The volunteers then find a new permanent home for these rescued animals, ensuring they will be safe and happy for the rest of their lives. My husband and I will continue to volunteer our time and support this rescue.
Brandee Kathan
Love OER! What an amazing organization! I could never stop raving about them. I adopted the most amazing horse from them! They take as many as they can and then some. They take all walks from healthy to the sick. Give them the best …care and find them the best homes. They take the time to work with the adopters to make sure it’s the perfect fit. They will provide you with all the resources possible! For those who think horse ownership is out of the budget, yet think again you can adopt a horse and save a life and it can be well with in your financials. Research and reach out to OER they will help you every step of the way. Thanks to you OER for the perfect horse!
Joanne Schifini
I have watched the Facebook page of Oakdale Equine Rescue for some time. They work really hard doing the best for the many animals who come their way. To name a few of their projects from this summer: They rescued a Blind Mare with twins starving on public lands. Stallion mustang that needed gelding and teeth floated. Belgian draft mare with a screw in her frog. And Recently a Gray Percheron from Nevada. They work with The Flags up Farm of Monty and Pat Roberts of Solvang, CA on evaluation and training for many horses. No wonder they are able to place many of their animals all over the Central Valley of California as well as in the San Francisco Bay Area and several others in homes as far away as Idaho. People trust their evaluations of animals because they are accurate. They do not rush rehoming. They try to match the right people with the right animal. That takes people who work well with animals and work well with humans. Hard to come by in this day and age. They also have a wonderful group of volunteers that make it all happen. They add a great deal to the Community of Oakdale, CA.
Lana Colman-Clayton
Amazing people helping Gods beautiful creatures.
Susan Dockter
I’ve known Jeannine Etheridge for about five years now. From the start, I was impressed with Jeannine’s spirit and dedication to the health and welfare of the horse. Her tireless devotion has helped to nurture a struggling enterprise into one of the most well respected and successful rescue agencies in California. She has devoted her life to helping less fortunate horses find permanent homes with loving owners. Oakdale Equine Rescue has saved hundreds of horses with few prospects for the future. I salute Jeannine Etheridge and Oakdale Equine Rescue for their devotion and dedication to the horse.
Margaux Buchanan
Any horse that finds its way to OER is blessed. OER is the most passionate, dedicated group of people assisting with the unwanted horse population in the Central Valley. They are compassionate, practical, and committed to finding the right home for every horse that comes through their organization. Whether a horse needs just a simple checkup to full veterinary care, each horse gets personalized care from this group. These women do amazing work on a limited budget, and I am awed by the impact they make on the local equine community.