About H.E.R.O. Grounds
Hoofed and Emergency Response Operations — a nonprofit equine center built for the moments that matter most.
Why We Exist
San Diego County is home to tens of thousands of horses and large animals — and some of the most wildfire-prone terrain in the nation. When evacuation orders come, families with large animals face an impossible challenge: moving thousand-pound animals quickly and safely. H.E.R.O. Grounds was founded to solve that problem. We provide the trained people, the equipment, and the safe staging grounds that make large animal evacuation possible.
Our Story
Born from the lessons of devastating Southern California wildfire seasons, H.E.R.O. Grounds grew out of a grassroots network of horse owners, first responders, and volunteers who refused to leave animals behind. Today we operate from the Dianne Jacob Lakeside Equestrian Park in Lakeside, California — a dedicated facility where evacuation teams stage, displaced animals shelter, and the next generation of large animal responders trains.
Our Team
Our team blends decades of equine experience with emergency response expertise — trainers, trailer operators, veterinary partners, and a corps of dedicated volunteers. Every member is committed to one simple idea: no animal left behind.
Dianne Jacob Lakeside Equestrian Park
Located at 11055 Moreno Ave. in Lakeside, the Dianne Jacob Lakeside Equestrian Park features corrals, barn facilities, staging areas for trailers and equipment, and training grounds — everything needed to respond when the call comes.
11055 Moreno Ave., Lakeside, CA 92040