F E A T U R E
Another Man’s Treasure
Villa Chardonnay: Horses With Wings
Article and Photo by ANTHONY ANDREWS The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse’s brightly. For his body was no longer able to do what it was ears. —Arabian Proverb asked. However, the winds of heaven brought Monika in as Heaven is a fitting place for such a creature. Its genesis an intervention. With her love and regard, Melajim’s discan only come from a place of such perfection and beauty. eased tendons become strong again, and this special horse, In my recent travels, I have come to believe that horses are once perceived as “useless,” became a successful show and truly a gift from heaven. An inheritance for us to partake jumping horse. An incredible transformation predicated and preserve. I have had the good fortune of meeting many upon the presence of one individual and their desire to heal, wonderful people within the industry. From those who love mend and discover a new purpose. A purpose expanding far the sport of Thoroughbred horse racing, to those who have beyond the horizon of indifference. Melajim is a wonderful taken a solumn vow to love, preexample of a horse whose purpose serve and protect the interests of and function was discovered from the sports greatest asset. The horse. the healing touch of one individual. Villa Chardonnay in beautiful It is the model of love and Temecula, California, is no excepregard that Monika and Louise tion. Founded by Monika Kerber have used as the heart and soul of and Louise Gardner, Villa Villa Chardonnay. It is simply a Chardonnay is nestled within the place where people and animals picturesque landscape of Temeccan be in complete harmony. A ula’s Wine Country. Hence its ever place where the horizons know no appropriate name. Upon my arrival limits. I found it to be a place of to Villa Chardonnay, I was welexquisite beauty. Not only in the comed by beautiful iron gates. The well manicured grounds, but in gates served as a prelude to what the devotion and love extended to proved to be a wonderful, sunlit each horse. I would encourage afternoon. An afternoon of wonderanyone with a love of the horse to ful company and companionship. visit this wonderful place and lend Both of the human, canine and themselves to their worthy cause. equine variety. As much as the Upon my arrival, Monika and horses themselves, were their amazLouise kindly greeted me upon my ing stories. From Melajim and entrance to the sanctuary. After Chardonnay Chardonnay (their first rescues), exchanging pleasantries about my to the beautiful Meyuchad. Their stories serve as appropri- journey, they took me to their main stable. Once inside, I ate examples of the special bond between human and was introduced to a beautiful collection of horses, each with horse. While there are those who are blind to a horse’s their own story. Each one showing their curiosity as to my nature, there are those—such as Monika and Louise—who presence. It never ceases to amaze me at the curiosity that see the horse beyond the monetary boundaries. A boundary each horse displays upon seeing you for the first time. The limited by one’s greed and personal gain. The boundaries of camera, of course, was the first order of curiosity, along with Villa Chardonnay are different. One can argue that their the obligatory search for carrots, mints or other preferred boundaries are in fact endless. They expand beyond the fare. The collection of horses was impressive. From a beaulimitations of monetary gain, and are imbued with a sense tiful gray arabian, to a venerable 36-year-old named “RC.” of humanity, dignity and companionship. It is a beautiful, RC never faced competition. For he wasn’t bred for Thorhealthy environment for anyone willing to enter into its oughbred competition. His purpose and life, however, is no gates. In summary, it is a place where human hands give less important. His personal horizon a bright sunrise. Today back and, in return, receive an abundance of equine love he is living out the rest of his days at Villa Chardonnay with and affection. his best pal “Robbie” stabled right next door. The affection Melajim is an example of the limited boundaries of per- that RC and Robbie shared during my visit was amazing. sonal gain. Melajim was a Thoroughbred who, despite They communicated with one another in a manner that was winning his last race as a three-year-old, simply became a both playful and affectionate. All the while posing for pholiability. Compared to other horses, he simply did not burn as tographs amidst the shadows presented within the stable.
30 CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED • JULY 2010
www.ctba.com