Wonder Wood Ranch uses equine therapy to provide hope and healing to trauma-impacted youth in Monterey County, helping them to find purpose and become positive contributors to their community.
Join us in Bringing Hope on Hooves to South County
Wonder Wood Ranch (WWR) is proud to announce its expansion to Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue in South Monterey County. This bold move brings life-changing programming closer to the communities of Greenfield, Soledad, and King City—areas deeply affected by youth violence and limited access to supportive services. While keeping our mission to the rest of Monterey County strong, the expansion will provide local youth with hands-on training in animal care, ranch management, and emergency rescue operations—skills that open doors to meaningful careers and brighter futures. South County youth deserve hope, healing, and opportunity. By expanding to Valley View, we’re not just rescuing horses—we’re rescuing futures.
Wonder Wood Ranch is a transformative organization that harnesses the power of equine therapy to provide hope and healing to trauma-impacted youth all over Monterey County. WWR's inspiring journey began with a simple question from Sgt. Gray of the Salinas PD: "Is there somewhere for gang-impacted youth to ride horses?" This question sparked the vision to create a safe haven for vulnerable youth seeking solace and strength amidst adversity.
Today, WWR is expanding to bring its powerful TAILS program into more local schools all over the county. Leading in these programs are our youth -- formerly considered "throw-aways," these youth are now positive contributors to our community. These youth will now be learning horse rescue, emergency animal rescue, and going all over the county to help other trauma-impacted youth.
At WWR, youth ride toward a brighter tomorrow, fostering a generation of positive contributors to our community.
I recently had the privilege of touring Wonder Wood Ranch and witnessing firsthand the profound impact its services have on our youth. I was deeply moved by the care and dedication of Marlo Schalesky, her family, and the entire faculty at the ranch. Their commitment to fostering a safe and nurturing environment for these young individuals is truly commendable.
- John Laird, State Senator, 17th District
