Our Founder & President, Dr. Kaveh Farhoomand, is a physician and animal lover who has had a lifelong desire to help people and animals in need. He has always loved horses. Growing up in San Diego, Kaveh has developed a deep appreciation for the equestrian community. I first met him when he saved my mother’s life in 2003. We talked about the healing nature of horses, making us lifelong friends. When Dr. Farhoomand closed his Internal Medicine private practice to become a Hospitalist physician, his schedule allowed more time for horses.
He and his long-time friend Samantha Lane (Sam), our Equine Director, started to ride together. She has been an equestrian and lover of horses her whole life. They both kept their horses at Faubus Horse Farm, a large boarding facility in Fallbrook, California. In 2013, the facility had to abruptly close its doors. Many horses were abandoned and owners were unable to afford new boarding rates elsewhere.
Dr. Farhoomand sprung into action. He quickly acquired acreage in Tenaja, up in the beautiful hills of Murrieta in Riverside County, California. He then transported their horses and more than 20 other horses left behind to his new property. He and Sam have been taking amazing care of the horses for all these years, only getting help from time to time. The ranch now houses 19 horses. Dr. Farhoomand does all he can to help make ends meet.
Sam has been tirelessly caring for the horses daily, except when Kaveh has days off. Her connection to these magnificent animals is almost mystical. Continuing this work during a pandemic has not been easy. As a physician working on the front lines, Dr. Farhoomand spends countless hours caring for critically ill patients. When he’s not on duty, going to the ranch and tending to the horses restores his sense of wellbeing. As he likes to say, he gets “healed” every time he’s there. After years with these happy horses, their shared vision for starting a sanctuary of healing horses has become a reality.
There is a profound connection between Sam, Kaveh, and the horses. The ranch is beautiful and has the happiest, healthiest horses I have ever seen. Both Sam and Kaveh will rarely ask for help. Being a sanctuary, the ranch does not take boarders to offset costs. It’s just been the two of them taking care of the horses and the property until now. After some long & hard years, Breezy Meadows Equine Sanctuary is an official 501©(3) corporation. We are all excited to partake in the process of building a successful non-profit organization whose mission it is to provide a sanctuary that brings healing to horses, as well as to people.
It is an honor to be asked by Kaveh and Sam to be a part of this healing sanctuary. Join us for a lifetime adventure of loving, nurturing, and being healed by these beautiful horses.
Tanya Snyder
Vice-President