Welcome...

Sanctuary Farm is operated by Wendy Willson and Beth Bengala. This 56-acre riding facility is located 12 miles outside of Greenville, North Carolina. The riding center features a seventeen-stall barn, a round pen, a riding ring with jumps, and established riding trails nearby. Sanctuary Farm is also the home to the ECU Equestrian Team. Our basic philosophy is to promote responsibility, respect, and love toward the horses as we work to develop riding skills and confidence in both children and adults. Safety is considered critical; whether the rider is beginning or advanced.

Wendy Willson is the owner of Sanctuary Farm, as well as Celtic Creek Ponies which is a separate (though affiliated) breeding service.

With nearly 17 years experience, Beth Bengala is the primary trainer and ECU head Coach. Beth grew up in eastern North Carolina riding and showing in the local hunter circuit. After a hiatus from riding, which a lot of us do, she found her passion for horses again but through eventing and dressage. Beth has ridden under Jennifer Wooten and Ann Womack (MT). She has cliniced with Jim Wofford, Greg Best, Frederic Bouland (AZ) and Kellie M. Nelson (MN). Though she focuses on combined training and dressage with her 14 year-old TB mare, Savoir Faire, and her 3 year-old TB filly, Light of the Evenstar, Beth also coaches the ECU Equestrian Team that has a hunt seat emphasis.

With nearly 20 years experience riding and showing horses, Ellen Willson is the main contact for our sale horses. Ellen was a member of the Randolph-Macon Woman's College riding team for 4 years. In 1998 she taught riding to students at Camp High Rocks summer camp for boys, in Brevard, NC. During 1999, Ellen competed in the IHSA National Horse Show, and placed 3rd in the nation in her division, then returned to work at Camp High Rocks. In 1999, Ellen quickly expanded her role at the camp until she became the Director of Riding Programs and the Head Barn Manager in 2000 and 2001.

All of our riders at Sanctuary Farm, including coaches, are first and foremost students. We all focus on creating the best relationship with our horses on and off their backs.