Golden Age Ranch is asking for your consideration and generosity in helping us fulfill the mission of our organization. We ask for your support by advocating to Magens Bay Authority to grant the ranch permission to use the access road to Lindqvist Beach.

Golden Age Ranch is a non-profit 501c3 that exists to provide a safe haven for the off-track thoroughbreds and the abandoned and abused horses of the Virgin Islands. We strive to promote equine stewardship, humane treatment and community involvement through the rehabilitation and retraining of the horses and ponies in our care for use in educational programming, outreach opportunities, and equine-assisted therapy. Our purpose is to empower and inspire the communities of the Virgin Islands to promote and practice the humane treatment and proper care of horses and ponies, through education and community involvement.

Golden Age Ranch uses paid programming such as youth horse camps, riding lessons, birthday parties, and trail rides to generate revenue. Beach trail rides are Golden Age Ranch’s main source of revenue and accounts for more than half of the revenue generated by the Organization. We use this money to offer programming for the community as well as properly care for the 23 beautiful horses currently under our care as of 11.9.21. Some examples of past programming we have been able to offer to the community include equine therapy for military veterans, school field trips, riding lessons, and educational classes on horsemanship. Our plan for 2022 is to offer even more free programming focused on teaching the community about horsemanship as it relates to the culture of the Virgin Islands as well as how horse owners care for their equines.  

In the past year, the ranch has undergone many changes. Jerry James, (the main caretaker of all the horses residing at Golden Age Ranch), passed away. As result the community jumped in and formed a team devoted to restoring each horse to a healthy condition and train them to be ready for their new careers. The organization also welcomed new members to the Board of Directors.  All are focused on bringing the organization up to its fullest potential.

Unfortunately, due to the closure of the racetrack on St. Thomas as well as economic hardship related to COVID-19, the ranch has been pushed beyond its limits. In the past 12 months the ranch has welcomed 10 new horses onto the property bringing the total to 23. As community support and equine care are our first priorities, we never want to be in a place where we cannot accept a horse in need. We are focused on ensuring we are always able to offer outreach services to the community as well as a home for any horse in need.

On September 14th, 2021, Magens Bay Authority approached Golden Age Ranch and revoked access to the  approximately 100-foot road needed to reach the beach in order to execute Golden Age Ranch’s Horseback Beach Trail Rides. It is important to note, Golden Age ranch does not turn right when reaching the water to use the beach currently used by MBA and instead turns left at the water to use the stretch of beach between Lindqvist and Sugar Bay Resort which is not currently used by beachgoers. It is also important to note, revocation was effective immediately and came without notice. As result, the ranch is now faced with an operation that is not sustainable with the current revenue generated.

Magens Bay Authority (MBA) issued grievances validating their decision to revoke beach access verbally. All grievances have been addressed. Although these grievances have been addressed, MBA chose to still revoke beach access. MBA has offered to reconsider their decision to revoke access once 6 months have passed. Unfortunately, Golden Age Ranch will not be able to sustain their current operation without beach access for 6 months and instead will be forced to no longer be able to care for the horses currently on property.

The Board of Directors of Golden Age Ranch asks you to please consider helping us in our quest to gain access to the beach once again. We are asking to be able to use the access road to the west of the Lindqvist parking lot to reach the beach. Your signature on this petition will show your support to resume Golden Age Ranch Beach Trail Rides at Lindqvist. 

For more information about the organization please visit GARhorsesanctuary.com