Sara Roxanne SchneiderOjai, CASara Roxanne Schneider, age 30, died on Thursday, March 2, 2017. She was born on May 9, 1986 and grew up in Ojai, CA. She attended Monica Ros, San Antonio, Matilija and the Thacher schools where she gathered many friends and experiences along the way. Sara's first word after "mama" was "horse." She was born with a passion and began riding at age 3. She breathed all things horse. She pretended to be one. She drew them and wrote about them and read every book about them. She rode horses her whole life, beginning at many barns in Ojai and then continuing on wherever she went. Sara nurtured her love of horses and her photographic talents at Thacher, blending them to become a talented equine photographer. She had an unquestioned knack for capturing the intimacy and beauty of the horse and human relationship. A friend wrote: "It is impossible for me to recall my childhood in Ojai without glimpses of Sara, she ricochets through everything: her beauty, her smile, her naughtiness, her tenacity, her magic, her incredible sense of humour, her unbridled spirit and passion. She lit up my imagination with her fierce intelligence - she taught me about the power of opinions and drive and wit, she showed an endless capacity for adventure. She shared her love of horses with me, and her love of art. She burned brighter than anyone and she made me laugh."Sadly, Sara's last few years were riddled with the diseases of mental illness and addiction. Although three years does not make a life, in today's world where mental illness is a stigma and addiction is an epidemic it's important to be honest. For if we can't all reach out with compassion, where will we be?Sara is survived by her mother, Amy Schneider. Her father, Harold Schneider, preceded her in death in 1994. She is also survived by her grandmother, Thelma Agid, Leigh and Jon Schneider, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.A memorial will be held on Saturday, March 18th at the outdoor chapel at The Thacher School at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow. Please arrive early due to parking and logistics. Flat shoes recommended. In lieu of flowers a donation in the memory of Sara Roxanne Schneider can be made to the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy online at ovlc.org or by mail to P.O. Box 10921, Ojai, CA 93024. If writing a check please include the name Sara Schneider on the check.