Who We Are

Our Rescue Saves Equines From Neglect, Abuse, and Slaughter

Our Mission:

We rescue at-risk horses, mules, donkeys and ponies through owner surrender, abandonment, kill pens and auction houses. We rescue, rehabilitate, and find forever homes for these equines while also involving them in Equine Assisted Education and a therapeutic riding program for individuals with physical, mental and emotional medical diagnosis. Our active community membership also provides instruction and training including rescue rides, riding camps and classes and trail riding challenges to build better partnerships between new and veteran riders. We also have a hay subsidy program for those horse owners struggling on a short-term basis.

Our Beginning

In July 2022, Mike and DJ Osborne, along with DJ’s mother Jean, founded Tecate Horse Rescue after rescuing Brandy, a two-year-old filly just 45 minutes from being shipped to a Mexican slaughterhouse. This life-changing moment inspired the transformation of their 99.8-acre Tecate property into a sanctuary for equines in need.

DJean’s Background

DJean (DJ) is the daughter of a Naval Veteran that moved to Spring Valley, CA when she was 2 years old. Growing up in various locations DJ had the privilege of owning several horses. As an adult she volunteered in low-income communities, for 20 years, then became a Real Estate Broker and did wildlife rehabilitation with the Opossum society. In 2014 she took over the running of the Imperial Beach Pet Hospital and in 2022 founded Tecate Horse Rescue with her husband Mike.

Mike’s Background:

Mike is a Disabled Naval Veteran that was born in Coronado, San Diego County. A graduate of The Citadel and Naval Postgraduate School, he has had a variety of jobs after the Navy. In 2004 Mike and his sister Kim, a veterinarian, bought Imperial Beach Pet Hospital where Mike and DJean met.

DJean and Mike:

DJean and Mike were married on 11/11/11 at Cabrio Monument at age 50. With 2 horses they decided it would be financially advantageous to buy acreage in San Diego County to live. They rescued 2 more horses in 2020 and moved all four to Tecate. In 2022 DJ’s mom, Jean, called one day saying “You got to save her!” It turns out Jean had accessed a posting about Bowie Horse Auction where if the mare was not saved, she would be sent to the Mexico for slaughter. They had 45 minutes to save what would become Brandy their “fifth” horse. So started the Tecate Horse Rescue, the beginning of saving 80 plus equines. Over time it became apparent that the rescues resources would be better used to stop horses from ever entering the slaughter-horse pipe line, as a result the last 12 horses they have rescued were from local owner surrenders.

​We are proud to announce 46 adoptions so far this year!!

What We’ve Achieved

  • 46Adoptions Completed This Year: Successfully rehomed horses, mules, donkeys, and ponies into loving homes.

  • Rescued from Kill Pens: Saved equines destined for slaughterhouses, providing them a safe haven and a second chance at life.

  • Veterans Workshops: Held in January and February involving over 60 individuals. The workshops connect veterans with horses for healing and equine therapy.

  • Engaged Volunteers: Attracted a growing team of passionate volunteers who contribute to daily care, events, and rescue efforts.

  • Community Fundraising Success: Participated in key campaigns like San Diego Gives 2024, raising vital support for ongoing operations.

  • Sanctuary Expansion: Maintained and operated a 98.9-acre property, offering a dedicated rehabilitation space for equines.

  • Educational Outreach: Provided workshops and events for the community, promoting awareness about equine welfare.

  • Emergency Rescues: Responded quickly to critical rescue cases, saving equines on the brink of slaughter or neglect.