Our Team

Before starting Paradise Valley United, Annette Osterlund was a professional equestrian trainer. During her career, the Swedish native trained horses and riders all over Europe and worked with Olympians in Germany, Switzerland, and Ireland. In addition to years of experience, Annette brings natural compassion to her work with horses, dogs, cats, and farm animals. Annette also brings the perspective of a vegan diet into all the work she does. This stemmed from Annette’s vegetarian lifestyle, which her mother, Ruth, instilled in her.

Annette’s mission is to help animals avoid suffering and unpleasant conditions and to foster a fun environment for all the people who interact with the animals. That first phone call to rescue a horse on its way to the slaughterhouse became her life's work of rescuing abandoned horses and dogs wherever she could. “It began with one like it always does,” Annette said. Now, she responds to calls, emails, and direct messages, calling attention to animals in need. Annette is passionate about giving animals a new life, and many rescues have become successful competitors. Horses love to work and give their heart when they know they have been saved and are loved. Two of her rescue horses participated in the Special Olympics held in Los Angeles in 2015. Her horses won gold, silver, and bronze medals, competing with riders from Ireland, England, and Australia.

“Each animal has a special story,” says Annette. Take Big Boy, a black German Warmblood who was picked up off a kill buyer trailer, who later won his first Grand Prix Jumping class at his first show!

Or Danny, a little white pony Annette rescued as a 3-year-old stallion, who has become the Paradise Valley Rescue mascot, a true ambassador for slaughter-bound horses. Then there’s Rose, a Dalmatian who was left at a shelter at 17 years of age. When Annette got the call, the first thing she thought of was, “If she could just have one day out in the sun.” Well, that sunny day turned into one full, healthy year of life.

Annette provides compassion, understanding, and a beautiful environment for these animals that deserve so much.  Annette is passionate about purchasing a ranch to establish a sanctuary for animals in need. She would also like to continue rescuing, so that more animals can live out the rest of their lives as they should, with wonderful days out in the sun.