A Sanctuary Inspiring Kindness and Compassion towards Animals, Our Planet, and Each Other
A Sanctuary Inspiring Kindness and Compassion towards Animals, Our Planet, and Each Other

Road Trip for Marley

Ellie, Jay & Marley

Jay and I were contacted by a lovely couple in Colorado Springs who asked us to take in their horse. Marley had a back injury that rendered him unrideable, and he needed the sort of rehabilitation that we offer here…

Grief

Ellie with Magic the HorseAs Jay and I are now moving through our own grief, I’m noticing the many different stages of sorrow. When Magic first passed away, the grief was so heavy in my body…

Fathers at The Gentle Barn

Father’s Day is coming, and it is time to let our dads know how much we appreciate their hard work, strength, and love. When I think of a dad, I think of someone who is the provider, the protector, and the hero. Huge hands holding…

New Love at The Gentle Barn

Thor & Hiroka

New Love at The Gentle Barn

By Ellie Laks
Founder, The Gentle Barn

Animals fall in love just as deeply as we do, and we have many…

Ceasar

Caesar the Horse, Caesar with Jay Weiner

Caesar came to us in the summer of 2003. He was not being cared for very well, and it was Jay’s birthday coming up. Rescuing Caesar in Jay’s honor was a perfect…

Receiving

Many empaths, caregivers, and healers are so great at giving but have a hard time receiving. Many of us feel uncomfortable when even given a compliment. Many of us who have had struggles or challenges in our childhood even believe that we are undeserving of love. Receiving definitely did not come naturally to me and over the years, desperately…

Love is forever!

As an animal communicator, I have talked to so many animals who can tell me exactly what their people say and do after they are out of their bodies. It has led me to be absolutely…

Celebrating Animal Dads This Father's Day

Thumper

Fathers are strong, protective, and loyal. Fathers provide for their families and nurture their babies. They solve problems, keep us safe, and make sure we have all that we need. Horse fathers protect their…

Gifts

Lance The Horse, Andrew The Horse & Victory The Calf

This week we said farewell to three of our family members: Our horses Andrew and Sir…

Latest Posts


Upcoming Events

  • Spaghetti & Bingo

    August 1st 2025 - The Gentle Barn California

    Start the evening by helping us tuck in our cows and horses with some special bedtime treats, then head over for a night of bingo, prizes, and a delicious spaghetti meal! Join us for an evening full of laughter, good food, and friendly competition. Bring your appetite, your game face, and your favorite people. It’s a fun, feel-good night for the whole family!

  • Open Sunday in California

    The Gentle Barn California is located just outside of Los Angeles. It is open to the public once a week for guests to hug the cows, give the pigs tummy rubs, cuddle the turkeys, feed the horses, hold the chickens, and learn their stories of resilience. During the rest of the week The Gentle Barn is available for private tours, VIP all day tours, school field trips, birthday parties, groups of at risk, inner city, and special needs kids, and special events.

  • Open Sunday in Tennessee

    The Gentle Barn Tennessee is located just outside of Nashville. It is open to the public once a week for guests to hug the cows, give the pigs tummy rubs, cuddle the turkeys, feed the horses, hold the chickens, and learn their stories of resilience. During the rest of the week The Gentle Barn is available for private tours, VIP all day tours, school field trips, birthday parties, groups of at risk, inner city, and special needs kids, and special events.