Associates
In addition to the safe, quiet environment, SDERA provides an informal group of associates; experienced and well-regarded therapists, health practitioners, farriers, and saddle fitters that we can refer you to who can enhance your horse’s recovery program.
RACHEL WANGERIN
As a certified equine bodyworker specializing in peak performance and deep relaxation, Rachel offers a comprehensive suite of advanced modalities to help horses feel and perform their best. Her approach is holistic, focusing on the entire horse's well-being and structural integrity.
She holds certifications in sports massage, which aids in muscle recovery and flexibility; craniosacral therapy, for gentle balance of the nervous system and skull; and equine stretching, essential for maintaining range of motion. Her expertise also includes techniques derived from Rolfing for deep tissue manipulation and fascial release, acupressure to balance energy flow and relieve tension, and specialized methods for achieving optimal structural alignment.
Whether working with high-level equine athletes or beloved companion horses, her goal is to assess each animal individually, address the root cause of discomfort, and restore balance, comfort, and fluidity of movement. This integrated approach not only alleviates pain and tension but also empowers horses to unlock their full potential and enjoy a higher quality of life.” 1-760-419-4925
ALYSON BEHR
Alyson is a longtime horsewoman with over 60 years experience in the saddle. SDERA was born out of her desire to share her arena with knowledgeable owners, and horsemen who want to be hands-on. To give them a safe space to rehab and leg up their own horses under the guidance of their vet. SDERA offers them peace and quiet that’s difficult to find at boarding or training barns, and referrals to reputable, seasoned support to fill gaps in their program.
She began riding in Rhodesia, Africa when she was seven, continued upon her return to the U.S. at Ox Ridge, in Darien CT, and then as a teenager in Hutchinson, KS where she groomed, rode, and managed seven horses for a private barn.
After graduating KU with a B.F.A. in Design she pursued a career in graphic design in Los Angeles, CA. She won an ADLA Award for publication redesign and was a design director for the 1984 Olympics.
She learned to fly during her time in LA, earning her pilot certificate in four months and went on to hold numerous pilot certificates, including her Multi-engine Airline Transport Pilot and instructor ratings, founding a flight school at Santa Monica Airport. Her specialty was teaching/coaching aerobatics, emergency maneuver and spin training, and teaching flight instructor candidates how to teach. She served as an FAA Aviation Safety Councilor for the LAX FSDO. During her time as Editor of Plane & Pilot Magazine, she built and test flew a single seat aerobatic aircraft called a One Design, giving it the tail number N14007 as a tribute to James Bond.
TONYA JONES
Tonya Jones was born and has lived in San Diego North County for her entire life. She has been involved with horses since she was a young girl. Her careers in the horse world have been many from grooming, managing a H/J barn, working for Custom Saddlery to running the office of Dr Mark Silverman.
Tonya spent 10+ years with Custom Saddlery, and spent many years working side by side on the bench with Cary Wallace, the owner. She learned all her fitting skills from him and is forever grateful for the incredible skills that he passed on to her.
Tonya now is an independent saddle fitter, and available to help with your fitting needs. She can assist with assessing the fit of your dressage saddle and adjustments. She can also help with checking the fit of your foam panel jump saddle or your western saddle as well. 1-760-310-7666
TOBIAS RICHMOND-DARBEY
Tobias is a professional farrier with over a decade of experience working with performance, pleasure, and rehabilitation horses. His approach is grounded in careful assessment, conservative mechanics, and close communication with owners, veterinarians, and trainers when needed. Tobias focuses on stability, soundness, and long-term practicality rather than quick cosmetic fixes. He is known for steady judgment, clear communication, and doing what is right for the horse within the options available. 1-858-314-8285
It was during this time, she bought her first horse, Logan, an 8-month old Holsteiner colt and Landgraph grandson from Sally Cobb. She backed and started him herself after spending years on the ground teaching him to lead, load, clip, and just be a gentleman. They had an incredible bond and would lie down in his pasture, later his stall, and nap together.
She has experienced tragic loss, great success, and close calls, having rehabbed founder, laminitis, stress fractures, osteo-arthritis, a partially displaced pelvis, sciatic nerve damage, and soft tissue injuries like suspensory tears. Her “safety first” requirement in keeping with her teachings as a flight instructor, coupled with her "horse first" thinking derived from her many years experience and deep reverence for her horses, have served her well. She hopes to help other horsemen at SDERA.