The Sanctuary Team
Dawn and Molly, our human and equine herd leaders.
Dawn Robyn Petrlik
Founder & Executive Director
Dawn Robyn, Founder & Executive Director, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her bold leadership of Rosemary Farm Sanctuary. Since conceiving of a special place “where horses get to be horses”, she has leveraged her passion and her unique combination of skills to shepherd the development of the organization into a successful GFAS-verified 501(c)3 non profit and growing national voice in equine rescue. Dawn has guided the Sanctuary for over 14 years, from the first few horses and fences, to the ~100 equines enjoying their mountain home on 240+ acres, the largest equine sanctuary in the northeastern United States. Her professional experience as a successful set and costume designer in New York City, combined with more than a decade of formal and hands-on education in equine husbandry and non-profit management, are a magic combination that serves as a strong basis for leading this endeavor. The daily application of a life with horses as seen, interpreted and shared through her artist’s eye, make this Sanctuary unique, allowing many to connect, and experience the journey, and fall in love.
Robert and Nemo
Robert Rosenbaum
Co-Founder & Volunteer Farm Manager
Robert is a long-time vegan and animal advocate, and has tirelessly dedicated hours every day to the sanctuary that has grown and taken hold on the old dairy farm originally purchased with different dreams in mind. Frequently in the background of stories and events, he works as a volunteer to help us build something lasting and beautiful, overseeing the farm, equipment and facilities. When not involved in multiple projects to benefit the horses, Robert is a writer, producer and director of works for film, television, and theatre, as well as a published author. His award-winning short films That Good Night (filmed at Rosemary Farm) and Sunday in the Park with doG have been screened internationally in dozens of film festivals. Robert’s most recent work, Basement, can be seen on AppleTV, Amazon Prime and more.
Dan and Kadir
Dan McCarthy
Natural Horsemanship Trainer
Dan started his study of horses as a teen, beginning with traditional Western influences, then learning a wide variety of approaches before evolving to his current methods, based on a more ‘natural’ approach. Continued education with Leslie Desmond, Richard Shrake, and others, as well as studying the work of contemporary masters helped him evolve his own version of Natural Horsemanship that is release-based, gentle, and enjoyable for all. Dan believes in making the right answer obvious, setting horse and rider up for success and working within the horse’s timeline and ability. Dan began working with Rosemary Farm in 2009 and is currently involved in assessing and training all of our equines, whether establishing basic handling fundamentals, starting under saddle, or developing a horse through groundwork and riding.
Beto Perez
Natural Hoof Trimmer
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Pete & Andy
Peter Mauer
Shift Leader
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Jeff Arnold
Farm Hand
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