The unique and personal history of People of the Horse

Jessica Mills

Located in the scenic hills of Bonsall, California is People of the Horse, an equine community and stable that goes beyond the traditional lens of animal care. The ranch is owned and operated by mother and daughter duo Lynn Hogan, the owner, and Michele Calandrino, the Stable Manager. Home to a variety of people, horses, peacocks, goats, trees, wildlife and a unique sense of community, the 21-acre site works to ensure that everyone, especially the horses, are both happy and healthy.

Hogan, who went to school to study art, fell in love with Arabian horses and had a dream to own an Arabian horse ranch. Only a month after paying off their home they had in Palos Verdes, Hogan and her family moved to Bonsall in 1994, purchasing the property, which at the time, only contained two corrals. Through her dream, Hogan transformed the site and made it into the equine facility it is today.

At its height, the ranch was home to over 100 horses, including Khemosabi, a bay Arabian stallion often referenced as the “superhorse of the 20th century.” Khemosabi was well known throughout the horse show ring — winning multiple national championships in both halter and western pleasure performance competitions. He was one of the only horses to win an Arabian National Championships in both halter and performance in the same year.

Furthermore, Khemosabi was only one of four stallions to win the U.S. Championships in both halter and performance. These winnings earned him the highest level of achievement award by the Arabian Horse Association: The Legion of Masters.

Throughout his lifetime, Khemosabi sired over 1200 foals, hundreds of which went onto be show and national champions. Along with Khemosabi, the ranch was home to other wellknown Arabians Alada Baskin, Baskhemo and Sir Victor, an Arabian stallion who sired over 1500 foals in his lifetime.

From 2011 to 2023 the ranch transitioned to a boarding facility and was operated by Lynne Hayes. Hayes continued to maintain the high standards of care and service Hogan had instilled in the facility. Many horse owners from the region entrusted their beloved animals to Hayes’ care.

In 2015, Hogan leased a segment of People of the Horse property to Sheryl Brown and Jeff

Wohler, where Sheryl operates an equine-assisted learning business entitled Healing Horse. Brown’s Healing Horse Circle allows attendees to experience the healing and meditative practice of horses in nature. Over 1,000 people have participated in these meditative sessions, which help reduce blood pressure, release endorphins and inspire tranquility. In alignment with People of the Horse, Brown’s Healing Horse Circle also views horses as partners in healing, growth and transformation.

Brown explained why horses are being used for this type of work.

“Horses are extremely sensitive. As a prey animal they survive by being extremely attuned to their environment and being able to identify anything that’s different that they need to be aware of and careful of. They have survived millions of years on Earth because they have refined these skills and abilities. And because of that, they are able to pick up on our body language, our emotions, and even our micro facial expressions. By carefully observing the horse around people, a trained eye can detect a horse’s response and use that information to help people.”

She goes on to say that “Even in this line of work, we’re concerned with the overall welfare of the horse. I make sure they get enough time off to stay fresh. I don’t want the horses to get bored, I want them to stay curious and interested in the work.

This approach is consistent throughout People of the Horse’s mission, as well. Most recently, after a bout of cancer, Hogan reclaimed her ranch from Hayes and resumed operations under the name, People of the Horse, which honors the remarkable relationship between the American Indian horses and the Shoshone Bannock Tribes to which they belonged. Calandrino, who has now taken over and emerged as the ranch’s leader, explained that the importance of the relationship between people and horse, as well as the bond with her mother, has fueled her passion to maintain the facility’s legacy, both for herself and her family.

“My mom is a very special woman,” Calandrino said. “She had a dream about horses, and it has come to be my dream. She’s 86 years old and I want to be able to fill her shoes because if it wasn’t for my mom this wouldn’t be here. My favorite part of what I do is seeing a healthy horse and their owner and their connection. That’s just the best. I love people and the connection they have with their horses. If I can be a part of that happening for someone, that’s very rewarding.”

At People of the Horse, they believe that horses are more than just animals — they’re teachers, healers and companions. By providing the best care and attention possible for their horses, People of the Horse prioritizes their commitment to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for their horses and community.