Claire Demarest – Executive Producer

Claire’s 25-year professional background varies from working with non-profits to Fortune 100s. She has experience as a trainer, educator, content creator, project manager, and editor. Claire is also an artist, giving her a creative eye when directing and editing. Her personal love of horses, photography and story-telling helped bring the story of Throw Away Horses to life

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Karla Munguia Colmenero – Editorial Consultant 

Karla Munguía Colmenero was 10 years old when she saw the image that would change her view of life: a family living in outer space.

This family was part of an attraction on a theme park and the members were holding hands, floating in a spaceship. Far away, behind them, Karla noticed Planet Earth through a small rounded window.“Why are we going to live in outer space? What are we going to do to the Planet that we’ll have to leave?”, those were the questions that haunted her. In that moment, at that early age, Karla knew that she was going to dedicate her life to the Planet.

Beating 34,000 other entries, Karla was one of 6 Finalists in Animal Planet ”Unearthed”, a docu-reality TV series in 2006 . Karla spent three years working in South Africa as Camera Operator and Off Line Editor for Animal Planet series ”Shamwari: A Wild Life”. While her years in South Africa, Karla took care of an orphaned African elephant while documenting the story about him and his best friend, a sheep for National Geographic’s ”Wild and Woolly”.

February 2014 – to date Karla has served as Ambassador for the Award-winning film ”Keiko, The Untold Story of the Star of Free Willy”, in which she hopes to raise awareness about animals in captivity. January  2019  to date, Karla has served as an editorial consultant on the film Throw Away Horses. www.karlamunguia.com

Valeria Moonch – Photographer /Videographer

Valeria Moonch is a creative with over 15 years of experience in photography, marketing communications, and audiovisual production. She started her career in advertising in Santiago, Chile, before expanding her expertise in Mexico, where she focused on lifestyle, events, and brand content photography. She has also taught photography to beginners, sharing her passion for the craft.

Based in Denver, Colorado for the past five years, Valeria continues her work in photography and marketing while exploring film photography direction. She has served as a key videographer for Colorado Horse Rescue sequences. Her storytelling approach captures authentic moments and reveals the beauty of real-life stories.

 http://www.valeriamoonch.com

Julie Murray – Videographer

From a small quarter horse racing industry family

Julie is an experienced Video Producer with a history of working in the top news markets across the country. She now focuses on assisting government agencies with strategic communication across many platforms. Skilled in Journalism, Television, Social Media, Storytelling, Drone, and Video. Strong media and communication professional with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) focused in Mass Communication/Media Studies from St. Cloud State University.

Jeff Hino, Videographer, Eventful Productions

I have extensive experience in the application of instructional design and technology to science-based education and Extension outreach products and activities. My audiences—and content experts—have ranged from Kindergarten kids to scientists. My passion is to serve as a “friendly disruptor” injecting new ideas and methods into the most incredible of all human endeavors: learning.

I consider myself a digital strategist, and am a strong believer in the capacity of technology to add new dimensions to learning. However, it still boils down to a human activity; so I pride myself in being able to “feel the pain” of those who are venturing into new methodologies and technologies for teaching and learning.

I also have a long history in the production of documentary videos, websites, and other learning products. My portfolio also includes international work in instructional technology and documentary production. Newly retired, after 36 years, I look forward to continuing my exploration of digital strategy, storytelling and learning innovation as a consultant and producer.

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Laurie Brown is UI/UX Developer based out of Portland, Oregon. Laurie has long had a passion for horses and on most weekends can be found volunteering at Wildwood Stables in Cornelius, Oregon.

GRAPHIC ASSISTANT

Jamani Ward-Lewis

Joanna Grossman, PhD., Equine Program Director and Senior Advisor (AWI)

Animal Welfare Institute, Washington, DC

Dedicated to reducing animal suffering caused by people.

Dr. Joanna Grossman leads the equine program and is a lobbyist for the Animal Welfare Institute, one of the nation’s oldest animal protection organizations.  As the equine program director, Joanna oversees AWI’s campaigns, litigation, and legislative advocacy pertaining to horses – both wild and domestic. She was previously AWI’s federal policy advisor, advocating for a wide range of animal protection issues on Capitol Hill.  Her writings and work have appeared in numerous national media outlets, and her chapter on political advocacy was published in the Routledge Handbook of Animal Ethics.  Joanna holds an A.B. from Princeton University and studied as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Oxford before earning her PhD from Harvard University.  While completing her doctorate, she worked on legislation impacting animal welfare at the Humane Society of the United States, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and for Congressman Jim Moran, former chair of the Animal Protection Caucus.  Joanna serves on the advisory boards for Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Predator Defense, and Sinergia Animal. www.awionline.org

Katherine Gregory, CEO  Colorado Horse Rescue, Longmont, Colorado

Katherine is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience driving growth and innovation in organizations across industries. Her background in technology, consumer goods, and animal welfare has led to groundbreaking solutions, such as HorseAlert, a life-saving tool for equine evacuations. With an MBA form Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Kathering brings a strategic mindset and a passion for results for horses, their humans, and their communities. 

www.chr.org

Sarah Hofkamp, (Former) Head Trainer

Colorado Horse Rescue, Longmont, Colorado

Dedicated to creating safe solutions for horses in need

While at the Colorado Horse Rescue, my life has been dedicated to expanding my knowledge and understanding of how horses think and communicate not only with each other but their human counterparts. I feel it is my personal responsibility to give these amazing creatures the best quality of life a person can offer by not only helping them in every way I can but also teaching those around me. Over the years I have been blessed by countless individuals, human and horse alike, as they have shared their wisdom and experiences with me. In 2015 I successfully acquired my Certification as an equine training instructor and have since built a strong network of students and mentors in the equine industry.

When I served as  the Equine Training Manager for the Colorado Horse Rescue my goals were to give second chances to the horse in need. To give these individuals the training, skills and opportunities to transition into their next homes. While also providing high-quality educational opportunities to the public and our supporting communities. I strive to create a more stable equine community and offer support in as many ways as I can.

Dan Burak, Board of Directors Member

Colorado Horse Rescue, Longmont, Colorado

Dan is Vice President of Marketing at Ascend Analytics, a clean energy analytics and modeling software firm in Boulder, CO. Dan has spent over 20 years in leadership positions at
advertising agencies as well as technology companies telling stories, setting brand strategy, and launching new products.

Dan’s passion for animal welfare led him to Colorado Horse Rescue, where he has served as a board member, vice president, and president. He lives in Colorado with his wife, two kids, a dog, and a few horses.  www.chr.org

Bruce Connally, DVM

Dr. Connally is excited to return to private practice after 7 years as an assistant professor at Colorado State University college of Veterinary Medicine. His experience at CSU served to refine his skills and give him an opportunity to study the best diagnostic and treatment protocols available today. Dr. Connally also spent three years at Michigan State University Veterinary School where he completed a Masters Degree in Large Animal Clinical Sciences. This advanced training added to his 30 years of clinical experience gives Dr. Connally the expertise necessary to care for the higher level equine athlete. Because he is also a competitor with his own horses, he understands the competitive environment.

On a more personal level, Dr. Connally just enjoys the equine athlete. It doesn’t matter whether the horse is working cattle or performing in the dressage arena. It is not every day that a person gets so fortunate to have his vocation and avocation the same.

www.wyomingequine.com

Cezanne Decristoforo 

Professional Horse Trainer and Educator

I found Parelli in the early ’90s. I became and instructor in 2000 and focused on my horsemanship. I always take every opportunity I can to ride lots of horses. I rode with Ronnie Willis in Montana, race horses at Windstar Farms, and spent a year as Atwood Ranches Head Trainer. I have studied with classical dressage master, Walter Zettl,  and had the good fortune to ride with Ray Hunt.  I have worked with the Parelli organization in their barn and on tour. I start with colts, develop and work with problem horses, and teach students.

www.cezannedecristoforo.com

Brett Sanko

Adopter of horse named Amira

Linda Fielder, (Former) Medical Manager for the Humane Society of the United State

Linda Fielder, Current

Animal Cruelty Investigations Manager

As the Animal Cruelty Investigations Manager for the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Criminal Justice Program, Linda Fielder provides prosecutors, law enforcement, veterinarians, animal control officers, and animal rescues with essential operational and forensic support on criminal animal cruelty cases. Linda leads extensive training of these entities on evidence collection, scene processing, veterinary forensics, and sheltering of protective custody animal victims.

Linda has over 25 years of experience in animal protection. Prior to joining the Animal Legal Defense Fund, as Director of Shelter Medicine and Humane Investigations at the Oregon Humane Society, Linda supervised a fully operational 12,000 square foot veterinary teaching hospital and lead a law enforcement division with statewide jurisdiction that addressed thousands of reports of animal cruelty every year. In these roles, Linda was able to gain unique insight about the intersection of veterinary forensics and animal cruelty investigations, particularly with respect to large-scale cases, cases involving unique species of animals, and investigations into non-accidental injury to animals. She conceptualized and oversaw the Emergency Animal Sheltering certification program, one of the first in the country, at the Oregon Humane Society. A program that directly served, not only the Humane Investigations Department but facilitated a national response to natural disasters and animal cruelty cases. Serving as Incident Commander on numerous crime scenes, Linda is accustomed to interfacing with every stakeholder necessary for a successful investigation.  Linda’s breadth of knowledge encompasses every aspect and phase of an animal cruelty investigation and prosecution, making her a unique asset in the field.

Linda was one of the first Certified Animal Welfare Administrators in the state of Oregon, is a Certified Property and Evidence Specialist, and has completed the FBI-LEEDA Executive Command Leadership Institutes.

Outside of work, Linda enjoys making pottery and exploring the local coastlines and tidepools with Sunny, a former street dog from Mexico. She also owns a houseplant shop in the front of her home on the Pacific Coast Highway in Oregon.

Dusty Calcagno, Executive Director

Arabian Horse Rescue and Education

Our rescue and rehabilitation program focuses on the whole horse.  We address the nutritional, physical, and emotional well being of our horses.  Each horse that we rescue receives individualized treatment, care, and training, so that its full potential can be realized.  Our goal is to prepare our horses to be solid riding partners and if physically they are unable to be ridden, we prepare them for life as companion horses.

Our primary focus is intercepting horses at her local auction.  Arabian horses that sell at auction are at extreme risk of being purchased for slaughter.  We further intercept horses through our Owner Surrender Program.  When space and resources permit, we accept horses from owners who have run out of time to re-home their horses safely. www.arabianhorserescueedu.org

Jeanett Franzen, AHRE Volunteer

Worked With Horse named Doc

Brian Brockway, 

AHRE Volunteer

Linda Waagen

Foster Home Manager for Horse Named Kahlila

Oregon

 Nancy Carpenter, Equestrian Facility Owner

Boarding Facility focusing on Natural Horsemanship

Canby Oregon

Barb Crabbe, DVM Portland Oregon

Dr. Crabbe spent 30 years as a private practitioner and the owner of Pacific Crest Sporthorse, a 3-doctor general equine practice in Oregon, where she had a special interest in performance horse medicine. In early 2023, Dr. Crabbe transitioned her practice to her two long-term associates to pursue her passion for ethics in veterinary medicine. She completed a Masters degree in Bioethics at the Neiswanger Institute of Bioethics at the Stritch School of Medicine of Loyola University, Chicago, and is enrolled in the doctoral program at Loyola.  She currently serves on the AVMA’s Counsel on Veterinary Services and the AAEP’s Ethics and Professional Conduct committee.

Dr. Crabbe is an avid dressage rider and USDF silver medalist and has won multiple USDF regional championships as well as Horse of the Year titles. In addition, she is a graduate with distinction from the USDF-L judges program. She lives on a farm outside of Portland, Oregon with her husband Bob, a veterinary internal medicine specialist.  They have two girls who are almost fully launched, and currently focus their attention on 4 dogs, a cat, and 4 horses.

David Asmar, DVM

Dr. Asmar was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, interested more in swimming and Scuba diving, although always fond of horses and farm life. Through high school and college, He worked as a stall cleaner at a large Paso Fino veterinary hospital on the island. That quickly progressed to a full-time position as an overnight technician, and a profound interest in veterinary medicine as a profession. He completed a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Animal Science at the University of Puerto Rico in 1999. Dr. Asmar moved to Manhattan, Kansas with his wife Viviana, where he earned a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University in 2004. He proceeded to complete a yearlong internship, specializing in Equine surgery and medicine at Idaho Equine Hospital in Nampa, ID. They relocated to Oregon in June, 2005 where Dr. Asmar established himself as an associate veterinarian with Eagle Fern Equine Hospital. By the end of 2009, he purchased the practice and has focused on providing the best-quality compassionate care to his patients and clients. Personal interests include equine orthopedic and soft tissue surgery, performance evaluation and lameness, artificial insemination, stallion collection, advanced medicine and dentistry. He lives in Sandy with his wife Viviana, two kids, Andrea and Adrián, and two labs, Millie and Mavis.

https://www.eaglefernequine.com

Danielle Price, DVM

Dr. Danielle Price grew up in Southeastern Idaho riding jumpers, skiing, hiking and camping.

She studied Biology at Colorado State University and earned her DVM from Washington State University. Throughout college and veterinary school, Dr. Price contributed to equine research in reproduction and pain management, and volunteered on multiple veterinary teams that provided essential care to underserved communities in Nicaragua. Following graduation, Dr. Price completed a rotating equine internship at Littleton Equine Medical Center near Denver, Colorado. She has particular interests in dentistry, sports medicine, emergency and anesthesia.

Outside of work Dr. Price still enjoys riding and numerous outdoor activities that she now gets to share with her husband (Adam) and their dog (Jupiter). https://www.columbiaequine.com/site/home   https://www.columbiaequine.com/site/home

Sean Plumlee, Farrier AFA Ceritfied Journeyman Farrier, 

Bend Oregon