The Santana Center

a 501 c3 nonprofit center for equine education and outreach

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Board of Advisors

Kathleen Castro: President

I have been involved with horses since I was just a kid. I soon realized that riding was not just about ribbons and clothes but about the profound relationship that can develop between horses and humans. When you can work with a horse and not lose one bit of their spirit and personality, then you have reached the rider/horse unity we seek, whether we are barrel racing, trail riding or just brushing them in our backyard. My hope is that the Santana Center can serve as a place where you can learn about how to achieve this type of relationship.

Hot Shot Santana's Legacy (2 year old)...Kathy's New Horse

Nicole Castro: Vice-president

Nicole lives in San Diego but works with the Santana Center in her spare time. She is currently working at Mary's Tack Shop and at several barns in the area. Mom got her involved with horses at an early age. Horse shows were the only thing that she would wake up early for! Jack was her first horse. He was an 18 year old quarter horse on a free lease. After they outgrew each other (6 years later), Nicole found Santana and fell in love with him.

Malia Schwartz: Treasurer

I've loved horses ever since I was a little girl. From pony rides at the local fair to learning to ride Western at a local stable in Arizona to riding for pleasure and training for competition in sports of dressage and jumping as an adult, it was the time spent with horses that fostered my boundless love for these graceful creatures.

For the last eight years, I've had the pleasure of owning, raising, and training my own horse - first Lynx, a 13-year-old Quarter Horse mare and more recently, Karma, a 19-year-old Thoroughbred gelding. My horses and I believe in the deep spiritual connection that comes from knowing each other so well, and we hope to bring that profound connection with horses to others through The Santana Center and in memory of the special horse for whom the Center is named.

Jessica Smith: Secretary

I was introduced to horses by my Aunt when I was 3 years old, and began lessons before my 4th Birthday. I competed in hunter/jumper and equitation classes through my early teens and then found other interests were pulling my attention away from my horse and riding. I went away to college, my horse was sold and my life took a new direction toward a career. Not long after graduation I met my future husband and he too had a love for horses since he was young. He encouraged me to get involved with horses again (not a lot of convincing was needed). Now we have 2 horses, one is mine and the other is a mini for our 3 year old daughter who already has that sparkle in her eye whenever you mention going to the barn. I think if you have that connection to horses you never lose it, it draws you back and when you return you feel a true happiness and peace. It really isn't all about the ribbons and the newest, most expensive tack and clothing and I hope through my involvement with this organization I can help other people realize that also.

Bruce Graham: Member at Large

As a teacher of dressage and an advocate for humane horsemanship, I am happy to share my knowledge as a member of The Santana Center. My background has been in teaching dressage and I am lately specializing more in dressage equitation using techniques of Brain Gym and meridian energy techniques especially EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). Kathy has been a long time student and when she lost Santana it was heartbreaking. But now I look forward to working with this center to honor his memory with continuous programs of horsemanship for the community of Rhode Island and horse lovers in general.