SONDER RANCH, INC.

Sugar

We have had the good fortune of being around horses all of our lives. We turned to horses to help ease our struggle with grief after the loss of three family members in 2002. During this time, we recognized a great need for equine recovery in Sonoma County and the surrounding areas.

Sonder Ranch, Inc.  is dedicated to responsible horse ownership and public awareness. We founded our public charity in 2003, became incorporated in 2005 and received non-profit status in 2007.

Sonder Ranch offers mistreated horses a safe place to call home. Our efforts include recovery, assessment, relocation, rehabilitation, community involvement and companionship for people in need.

ICKIS~~~At the Heart of It All This past year has been one of new opportunities for our two most cherished volunteers: our children. Our daughter Amy has a new job, and is moving into her own home this spring. Our son Jordan has been attending private college and will be working on an 8000 acre ranch near Yellowstone for the summer. We will miss them so much, but we're so excited for them to start their own adventures! We look forward to working with all of our wonderful volunteers this year, and to all the good times to come.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

• Mikki Cavallo is a Resource Specialist/High School teacher. She formerly worked as a  paralegal specializing in personal and work injuries, and family law. Mrs. Cavallo was raised with horses on her grandfather’s farm.

• Cledith Hunter is a knowledge-able horseman with many years of experience in organizing riding events. He enjoys weekend trail excursions, and camping with fellow riders.

• Charles Witherell is a Navy veteran and former fire fighter. He manages a 260 acre ranch for his family. Mr. Witherell grew up with horses, and has working knowledge of horse and livestock maintenance.

BACKGROUND

Founders Henry and Shannon Lankford have called Sonoma County their home for the past twenty five years.

Henry is a heavy equipment mechanic and ranch caretaker, and was Foreman for ten years at a local fencing and livestock company.

Henry served his community for seven years as a volunteer Fire Fighter Engineer and for two years as a Tae Kwon Do instructor. Born and raised in Sonoma County, Henry was introduced to a life with horses when he was just five years old.

Shannon grew up in Nevada and Northern California. She is a staff supervisor with a working background in book-keeping, child care, human resources and legal assistance.  

Shannon began riding at six years of age with her mother, Mary. Mary handed down the timeless lessons in natural horsemanship she learned from her own father.

Today these methods in patience and understanding serve both horse and human at Sonder Ranch.

Bingo and Henry out for a stroll

Misty visits Ed & Dawn