SONDER RANCH, INC.

Our thanks to the following:

Larsen's Feed, Sebastopol, CA

Western Feed, Santa Rosa, CA

Santa Rosa Saddlery, Santa Rosa, CA

Sonoma County Sheriff's Department 

Washington Mutual, Santa Rosa, CA

E.D. Builders, Cotati, CA

Larkfield Veterinary Clinic, Larkfield, CA

Scenic Stables, Santa Rosa, CA

Horse Savvy Ranch, Petaluma, CA

Sonoma County Animal Control

Double H Ranch, Santa Rosa, CA

Cromwell & Associates, Santa Rosa, CA

Scott Signs, Windsor, CA

Russian River Riders, Healdsburg, CA

Hoofbeat Park, Healdsburg, CA

Tett Family, Healdsburg, CA

Windsor Times Newspaper

With a helping hand from Frances and Rene, Henry met with the students and staff from New Horizon School & Learning Center. Our visitors spent a couple of hours in the sun meeting the horses.

They asked fantastic questions, including

“How much does a horse weigh?”

“How did the horses get here?”

“What happened to the former owner of each horse?” 

and “What do the horses eat?”

While Frances snapped some great pictures, Henry discussed how often horses need:

• to be fed

• to be groomed

• their hooves trimmed

• their teeth “floated”

• to be wormed and vaccinated (and why)

• and last but not least, they need regular exercise and socialization.
  

Henry explained how much feed and hoof care can cost, and how flies and mosquitoes can make horses sick.  He described colic and founder, and how to tell if a horse is experiencing symptoms. He also pointed out when you can treat a wounded horse yourself, and when you should really call a vet.

Everyone was allowed to meet and pet each horse. Whiskey and Sugar enjoyed the attention, and Henry’s blue roan gelding, Bingo, was a big favorite. Our visitors discovered how much Misty likes her belly rubbed!

BINGO meets the group

Visitors were introduced to a temporary addition to our herd, Hana. They learned that Hana had been taken from her owner by Animal Control. Hana needed hoof care and proper nutrition. She had cuts and a skin rash on her body that required daily care. The group discussed the statistics regarding equine abuse, and what to do if they suspect it is occurring.

HANA

SUGAR enjoys her visit

WHISKEY says 'hello'

The students and staff were a super impressive group of visitors! Everyone was so polite and interested. Visitors were respectful of the safety rules, and kindhearted towards the horses.

Sonder Ranch is grateful for the opportunity to share our program with our community, and to create public awareness about the benefits of spending time with horses.

We hope to enjoy visits with NHSLC students and staff in the future –

Rubie gets a massage while Rumor waits her turn

Spring Forward 2009

 

On March 7-10, 

Judy McHerron's

 EQwine Events Presented

Harry Whitney - From The Horse's Point of View 

"Harry Whitney prefers not to call himself a horse trainer. Instead, he’s simply someone who sees things from the horse's point of view - someone fluent in the language of horses.

A perceptive, kind, and clear instructor, Harry is able to help folks understand their horses - not only for their benefit, but for the benefit of their horses."

Thank you to everyone who so generously donated, and special thanks to Judy McHerron  for inviting us!

THANK YOU

For more information about Harry Whitney and his methods of training and riding, visit his website at  

www.harrywhitney.com

~~~

Judy McHerron has served on the Board of Directors of the Sonoma County Chapter of the California Dressage Society for fifteen years.  In 2007, Judy was manager of SCDS' 25th Anniversary “Dressage in the Wine Country” event. 

In 2001, SCDS presented her with The Ursula Lliarkos Award for working for the good of horses in Sonoma County.

Judy is a United States Pony Club Instructor, National Examiner and graduate.

She was instrumental in starting the Hoofbeats Pony Club in Healdsburg, acting as instructor and advisor for many years.  

Judy has served as Treasurer for the Russion River Riders Club since 1993.

In 2005 the Sonoma County Horse Council inducted Judy into their Equus Hall of Fame.

Judy has a Bachelor's degree in Equestrian Studies, and she is an adjunct faculty instructor at Santa Rosa Junior College's Shone Farm. 

Judy also teaches gentle, natural and supportive methods for the horse and rider at Chalk Hill Ranch in Healdsburg.

For quality Instruction, call Judy McHerron at 707-431-2920 or email her at eqwine@sonic.net.