Karen, the founder and president, has always had a profound affinity for animals. She was raised on a 600-acre farm where her family managed livestock including cattle, hogs, and chickens. Throughout her upbringing, Karen cared for a dog, a horse, and a pet goat, developing a deep bond with each. Karen has always had pets, and stray animals frequently find her, even in remote locations such as the rainforest of Ecuador.

 

When Karen and her family moved to the property that would become Varlebena Farms, little did Karen realize a life-long dream was in her reach.  When she was six years old she wrote in her school journal, “When I grow up I want to be a goat farmer and rescue animals.”  Karen has accomplished both of her aspirations: successfully raising Nubian and pygmy goats and currently engaging in animal rescue efforts.

 

Varlebena Farms Foundation was established following a report from a neighbor to Karen about a farm where eight horses were receiving inadequate care. The horses were emaciated, with elongated and untrimmed hooves, and in general very poor physical condition.  It was suspected that some of the horses had been physically abused. Karen approached the owner and asked if he might consider selling or surrendering the horses to her.  He refused.  Karen fought for the rescue of the horses for 3 ½ years, finally persuading the owner to surrender them.  

 

While Karen was working to legally obtain the horses, she decided to establish Varlebena Farms, a public 501c3 foundation, as there were others who had heard that she might assist other horses and farm animals in need of help.  A friend of Karen’s suggested the name Varlebena Farms.  Varlebena is the Apache word for forever and it seemed a perfect fit for the name of a sanctuary.  Varlebena Farms, Where Animals Become Family Forever, became the motto for the sanctuary.  Varlebena Farms soon gave sanctuary to a few horses, donkeys, pot-bellied pigs and various fowl.  Finally in July 2022, Karen was able to convince the owner to surrender the neglected horses for which she had been advocating and moved them to greener pastures.  (Regrettably two of the horses, after being evaluated by the veterinarians, had to be euthanized prior to the move, due to the severity of their physical conditions.)

 

Since establishing Varlebena Farms on the initial 36 acres of land, the Foundation identified a need for additional pasture. In 2024, thanks to the generosity of a private donor, the Foundation was able to purchase an additional farm consisting of 65+ acres directly across the road. This property was sold to Varlebena Farms by Fieldstone Farms, a 501c3 Foundation that operated as a horse retirement charity for over 20 years.

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Varlebena Farms Foundation relies on the generosity of the public to fund the ongoing costs of the animals who have been rescued and now reside on the farm. Through these donations, particularly those that are recurring on a monthly basis, Varlebena is able to continue offering assistance and a secure, loving, and nurturing environment for equines and farm animals that have experienced prolonged abuse and neglect.