Board of Directors
Cathy Spratling
Cathy Spratling is the co-founder and Board President of Sonoma Equine Rescue, Rehab & Adoption (SERRA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming neglected, abandoned, and at-risk horses throughout Northern California. Born and raised in Maryland, Cathy moved to San Francisco in 1981 for what she thought would be a six-month adventure. More than four decades later, she still proudly calls the Bay Area home. She enjoyed a successful career as an executive assistant, culminating in her role as Executive Assistant to the President of Private Client Services at Wells Fargo. Upon retiring in 2001, she finally had the opportunity to pursue a lifelong dream.
Ever since she was a young girl, Cathy dreamed of owning a horse. Rather than simply purchasing one after retirement, she chose to first learn everything she could about horse care—from the ground up. She often jokes about how her dream of owning one ultimately became a life’s mission of helping hundreds. As she immersed herself in the equine world, Cathy discovered the heartbreaking reality facing many horses whose owners could no longer care for them because of financial hardship, illness, or changing life circumstances. Too often, these horses faced neglect, abandonment, or an uncertain future. Deeply moved by their plight, she knew she had to do something—even if it meant saving just one horse at a time.
In 2012, Cathy co-founded SERRA with the encouragement and unwavering support of her late husband, Gary. Inspired by the belief that every horse deserves compassion, dignity, and a second chance, she embraced a simple but powerful mission: “Saving One Horse at a Time.” Since then, SERRA has rescued, rehabilitated, and found loving new homes for more than 200 horses.
Teresa King
Teresa lives in Petaluma and has rescuing horses in her DNA. She started in England at the age of 8 when she found a neglected Welsh pony knee-deep in mud behind a pub. She told her mother that she needed to save the pony and that was the beginning. The most recent developments in the story are Teresa’s adoption of two SERRA horses – Rex and Daisy – to join her three rescued minis.
Sahar Bartlett
Sahar Bartlett is a life-long Bay Area equestrian. In years past she showed Western pleasure horses extensively. She is a founding member of Marin Stables and Trails, for which she held the position of secretary for several years. Currently, she enjoys the disciplines of trail riding, competitive drill team, Color Guard, and jumping lessons on her ex-reining horse, Sammy! Sahar is the vice president of the Sonoma County Horse Council and is an active member of the Petaluma Riding and Driving Club and Novato Horsemen’s Association.
She is a founding member of Marin Stables and Trails, for which she held the position of secretary for several years. Sahar is also a Board Member of Bay Area Barns and Trails. Her other non-horsey passion is her involvement with CASA of Sonoma Co., with which she serves as a court-appointed special advocate for youth in the county’s dependency and delinquency system.
Retired from her career as a federal court reporter, Sahar and her husband, Joel, share their Santa Rosa ranch with their six horses, two dogs, and two barn kitties. They spend the bulk of their time pleasure riding with friends and staying actively involved with the Sonoma County equestrian community.
Jill Wellington
Sahar Bartlett is a life-long Bay Area equestrian. In years past she showed Western pleasure horses extensively. She is a founding member of Marin Stables and Trails, for which she held the position of secretary for several years. Currently, she enjoys the disciplines of trail riding, competitive drill team, Color Guard, and jumping lessons on her ex-reining horse, Sammy! Sahar is the vice president of the Sonoma County Horse Council and is an active member of the Petaluma Riding and Driving Club and Novato Horsemen’s Association.
She is a founding member of Marin Stables and Trails, for which she held the position of secretary for several years. Sahar is also a Board Member of Bay Area Barns and Trails. Her other non-horsey passion is her involvement with CASA of Sonoma Co., with which she serves as a court-appointed special advocate for youth in the county’s dependency and delinquency system.
Retired from her career as a federal court reporter, Sahar and her husband, Joel, share their Santa Rosa ranch with their six horses, two dogs, and two barn kitties. They spend the bulk of their time pleasure riding with friends and staying actively involved with the Sonoma County equestrian community.
Advisory Board Members
Billy Schnuerle
Bill Schnuerle is known as a man who brings a smile to the face of every person he meets. He not only possesses remarkable talent as a horseman, trainer and teacher, he has a joy for life and is committed to the well-being of all horses.
With a very strong background in Natural Horsemanship, Bill teaches people to understand the way a horse thinks and what motivates the horse. This creates a positive relationship between the horse and human and results in a partnership that many only dream of.
Amy Savage
Amy Savage specializes in compassionate horse training and is a Level 1 Equine Hanna Somatic Educator. She brings 20 years of professional experience focusing on intentional horsemanship, biomechanics, and understanding nervous system regulation. Amy is an advocate for horses and educates others on how to help them thrive.
www.amiablesporthorse.com
Ondine Rangel
Ondine is on a mission to get humans and animals to bond through play.
Using body language and learning patterns, Ondine fosters motivation and cooperation between human and horse. Her work is rooted in gentle connection, emotional awareness, and a deep respect for the horse’s capacity for goodwill.
Ondine specializes in Liberty training empowering horses and humans to build trust, confidence, and clear communication in both directions.
Ondine offers Liberty lessons and clinics in the Bay Area.
Contact: www.Ondine.horse
Email to: OndineRangel@gmail.com
