Laughing Pony Rescue Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Santa Fe

As with many equestrians, Celia Sciacca’s affection for horses can be traced back to her childhood. When she was just 10, she received her first horse, Hot Foot Honey, who she would ride bareback through the streets of New York. In a way, more than 300 horses now owe their health and happiness to this steed, because Hot Foot Honey sparked in Celia an abiding passion for the animals that lasts to this day. Working closely with the United Pegasus Foundation, Celia takes in sick, abused, and abandoned horses of any breed, and rehabilitates them through her organization, Laughing Pony Rescue.

As president, Celia oversees an all-volunteer staff that tends to as many as 20 horses at a time, giving them nutritious food and clean water, daily vitamins, and plenty of room to run, roll on their backs, and nap in the sun. Horses at Laughing Pony Rescue also find something that the herd animals can lack: the companionship of other horses and positive social interaction with people. For example, Laughing Pony Rescue offers therapeutic riding sessions for adults and children with disabilities. After training and veterinary care have given the horses back their strength, Laughing Pony Rescue puts the animals up for adoption and sees that they live out their lives at a loving home.