Horse Trainer's Race for Life
Donation protected
After losing 40 years worth of equestrian equipment and decades of memories in the San Luis Rey Downs’ fire just a mere 7 months ago, our dear friend and nationally loved horse trainer, J. Buenaventura “Ventura” Vargas, has an even greater fight on his hands—a fight for his life. With an unexpected onset of shortness of breath and unable to train the horse he loves so much in recent months, Ventura was recently diagnosed with congestive heart failure. He requires immediate surgery, including heart valve and aorta replacement. Unfortunately, like so many others who work behind the scenes in the horse world, Ventura has no health insurance. With the support of his loving wife Colleen, son CPT Tony Vargas (US Army Helicopter Pilot) daughter Tawnie Vargas (sales representative with Oakwood Escrow and 6 year veteran Charger Girl), the rest of the wonderful Vargas family, and friends, we are confident that Ventura will return to his passion of training his beloved horses.

That said, the estimated out-of-pocket medical expenses and related costs will be extremely high. A humble, hardworking man who would never ask for a handout needs a hand-up from our great horse community to get him through this most difficult time when he is unable to support himself. Please help us ease our friend’s financial burden so he can focus on recovery. Ventura has always been the one helping others…now we finally have the chance to return the favor!
We all thank you for taking the time to read Venture’s story and if you feel compelled to give, please know how much your generosity is truly appreciated. If you are unable to give, but can share Venture’s campaign, that would be very much welcomed. And, if you cannot give or share, but can keep Ventura and his family in your thoughts and prayers, we are sincerely grateful.
Please consider sharing a story on how Ventura has been a great friend, mentor, or trainer to you on the donation page or social media. We would love to share these stories with Ventura to show him why his community feels lucky to lend him a helping hand.
*This account is being administered by family friend/attorney and 100% of any donations will go directly to Ventura.
That said, the estimated out-of-pocket medical expenses and related costs will be extremely high. A humble, hardworking man who would never ask for a handout needs a hand-up from our great horse community to get him through this most difficult time when he is unable to support himself. Please help us ease our friend’s financial burden so he can focus on recovery. Ventura has always been the one helping others…now we finally have the chance to return the favor!
We all thank you for taking the time to read Venture’s story and if you feel compelled to give, please know how much your generosity is truly appreciated. If you are unable to give, but can share Venture’s campaign, that would be very much welcomed. And, if you cannot give or share, but can keep Ventura and his family in your thoughts and prayers, we are sincerely grateful.
Please consider sharing a story on how Ventura has been a great friend, mentor, or trainer to you on the donation page or social media. We would love to share these stories with Ventura to show him why his community feels lucky to lend him a helping hand.
*This account is being administered by family friend/attorney and 100% of any donations will go directly to Ventura.
Organizer and beneficiary
Amanda McKechnie
Organizer
Temecula, CA
Tawnie Vargas
Beneficiary