Staff Report
Reports of a man was critically injured Tuesday, April 14, in a fall from a horse at Hollister Ranch, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
In a Facebook message to followers, Keith Saarloos of Saarloos and Sons in Los Olivos, confirmed the man was their patriarch Larry Saarloos.
“What my father needs now are prayers for his body, the medical staff taking care of him, and peaceful spirit. We wish we were in the room holding his hands, and strength in our helplessness,” Saarloos said.
Shortly after 11 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to the ranch on the Gaviota Coast, where a man in his 70’s had fallen from the horse and tumbled about 100 yards down a ravine, said fire Capt. Daniel Bertucelli.
His son said that after being stabilized at Cottage Hospital, Saarloos was then air lifted to UCLA where he was being treated for a neck injury. He later updated that his father cannot feel anything from the waist down, and is recovering after a five-hour surgery.
The Saarloos family came to the Santa Ynez Valley in the late 1990’s when they purchased The Roasted Bean coffee shop in Santa Ynez (now known as Pony Espresso). They settled in Los Olivos and started a vineyard, growing grapes for local vintners and then started their own label Saarloos and Sons, opening a tasting room at the end of Grand Avenue. The elder Saarloos is active in the horse community, being a member of several riding groups such as the Valley Penning Association and a member of the Rancheros Visitadores.
His son is asking that anyone who wants to send him a video messages to Get Well Soon can use this link.
“We all need to remind him of his value and purpose. It will only take you a minute to film and submit your video.
What he needs now is encouragement from you,” Keith Saarloos said.
The Star also sends well wishes to the Saarloos family and a safe recovery.
Check back for updates to this story.
