By Britney Grover
Portraits by Keyona Keevan
Bob McErlean began working in barns and taking people out on trail rides when he was 12 years old. Since then, horses have always been a part of his life—and now, he’s a part of making sure life continues for many of them.
After a career exporting food products throughout the world, traveling extensively through Asia and Europe for over 30 years, Bob purchased a property in Groveland, Florida, for himself and his five horses. Now, however, that property is home to 75 horses: It’s become The Sanctuary at Lakota Farms, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity that takes in abandoned or abused horses—and doesn’t turn away other animals, either.
Many of the horses that come to The Sanctuary require expensive medical intervention, and 100% of donations go toward the care and upkeep of the animals. In an additional effort to fund the rescue, Bob is now working with Espoir Equestrian CEO Susan Benson. “Susan and I met through circles in the show world and are now collaborating on a clothing line for the sanctuary where all income from the sales of the equestrian attire will go directly to the rescue,” Bob said.
“I am excited to be working with The Sanctuary at Lakota Farms and am looking forward to launching the Lakota Collection by Espoir this spring!” Susan said. “‘Espoir’ means ‘hope’ in French, and our collaboration helps us fulfill our goal of helping horses. ‘Look Good, Ride Good, Do Good’ is the tagline for the project. We hope riders will join us in supporting this great charity while enjoying quality apparel.”
How did you get involved with rescuing horses?
After I bought my own ranch for my five personal horses, I was notified a neighbor had moved and basically abandoned all his horses on his property to fend for themselves. We cut the fence lines down and saved all his horses, who were in terrible shape; they were emaciated and had had no work done on their hooves for a long time.
How did you end up starting The Sanctuary at Lakota Farms?
I started the Sanctuary in 2020 after realizing the need of so many abused and abandoned horses just within the state of Florida.
Tell us about the farm and the animals you’ve rescued.
The Sanctuary at Lakota Farms is a 50-acre equine ranch. I totally fenced in the ranch so no animals could get loose and get off the property. I had one main barn when I bought the ranch, which was an 8-stall barn. I had to build seven more barns on the property, and also built about 20 fenced-in pastures. We currently have 75 horses on the ranch as well as mini cows and 15 goats, cats, dogs, chickens, donkeys and our beloved turkey.
How do horses end up at The Sanctuary?
Horses end up on the ranch from either law enforcement calls or from people who observe horses in bad shape. Once a horse comes to us, we’re very cautious on rehoming, to make sure they go to proper loving homes where they will live out their lives. Many of the horses will stay here for life, as they need constant medical attention and/or very strict dietary regulations, which incur a large expense that most people aren’t willing to take on.
What’s your favorite thing about what you do?
My favorite thing is seeing such defeated animals when they come in and then, after time and proper medical and health care, to see the shine and sparkle back in their eyes. It’s a gift to experience, a reward that you can’t fully explain in words.
What’s your biggest achievement in your regular life and in the horse world?
My greatest achievement in my life was saving the life of another human who was in a terrible accident. My greatest achievement in the horse world is saving lives as well. No reward is greater.
What’s the best thing about your life?
My sense of gratitude for everything that I’m able to do to help others.
What’s the best-kept secret about what you do?
I come out of my home at night, when no one else is at the ranch, and bond with each and every one of the animals, on their terms, and watch them just be horses. It’s a beautiful thing to experience.
For more information, visit www.sanctuaryatlakotafarms.org
