SONDER RANCH, INC.

 

BINGO is a 14 year old Blue Roan Quarter horse. Bingo has leg, hip and shoulder injuries. He was used for roping, team penning, cutting and hunting.       Next to eating, his favorite activities are trailblazing and camping at the beach.  Bingo needs regular stretching exercises, body work and specialty shoeing to keep him limber and comfortable. Bingo is such a charming gentleman that he has become the Good Will Ambassador of Sonder Ranch. He has one other very important job:  we pair Bingo up with nervous newcomers and his laid back personality makes everyone relax.                                                                   

ICKIS is a 9 year old Red Dun Quarter horse. When he joined us, Ickis would bite first and ask questions later. He was anxious and lacked ground manners. He had trouble digesting his feed, and was terrified of loading into a horse trailer. Ickis has spent the last year side by side with our son, Jordan. Today Ickis is affectionate, he loads calmly into trailers, he doesn’t bite, and he is patient during grooming and shoeing. Changes in his feed (and a few doses of slippery elm) have helped his digestive issues subside. He has become excellent at ponying other horses that need exercise and socialization.

RUBIE is an 8 year old Chestnut half Quarter horse, half Appaloosa mare.  Rubie has nerve damage in her lumbar spine. Her rear legs would buckle under her when she walked. At times her back muscles would spasm so hard that she would literally end up in a sitting position. These episodes left her lame and in pain. After several months of stretching exercises, body work and T-Touch therapies, Rubie is now the fastest runner in her pasture! She is endlessly curious, and loves to exercise in the arena. She is currently participating in youth lessons taught by instructor Judy McHerron. Rubie knows several voice commands and is a quick learner. We think, however, that we learn the most when it comes to Rubie!

RUMOR is a 15 year old Appaloosa mare with beautiful rust and white markings.  With the assistance of vet Grant Miller, Rumor was taken from her previous owner by local Animal Control officers. She lived alone and neglected for years in a "junkyard" setting with no visible source of fresh food or water. Rumor had been mistreated for so long that physical contact was unbearable for her. Rumor has filled out with proper nutrition, but still suffers from tendon and hoof problems. She is fond of Misty and follows her everywhere. She has come to enjoy her T-Touch treatments. Earning Rumor’s trust is a slow process, but our spirited friend is worth all the time in the world.

SUGAR is a velvety Black 17 year old Quarter horse. She has severe arthritis in her right front leg. Sugar participates in low impact exercise lessons with riders of all ages. She receives body work and supplements to maintain her comfort level. Sugar enjoys the royal treatment: being brushed and shined and introduced to visitors! She knows a trick or two in the arena, and is wonderful with beginners.  

MILO is a 12 year old Palomino. Milo hadn't made friends with any of his pasture mates, and he needed a companion he could trust. His ground manners were lacking, but he was healthy, strong and surefooted. Milo’s manners improved quickly, but he remained unhappy.                    A very attentive and capable horseman met Milo in the fall of 2007, and they took to each other right away. Milo’s new friend adopted him. He's getting lots of attention and by all reports Milo is happy in his new home.

HANA is our most recent "short timer" here at the ranch. She temporarily joined us in March of 2009 after we were contacted by Sonoma County Animal Control, who removed Hana from her previous owner's property.

Hana is very underweight, and has a severe skin condition. She needs careful, progressive hoof care. She started here with fresh food and water and ointment for her skin sores. Our volunteers have given her medicated baths, which Hana clearly enjoys! She is probably in her mid twenties, but is bright eyed and alert with excellent ground manners. Hana is eating, drinking and nickering at the horses who pass by, so we get the feeling that Hana can't wait to recover!

Her care will continue with veternarian Grant Miller and the volunteers at Sonoma Change Program. Hana will be well cared for by a lucky "adoptive" parent. It's been a pleasure to meet this sweet mare. Good Luck Hana!!!

SPECIAL THANKS

to the following for their professional concern, dedication, expertise, and patience:

• Judy McHerron, Trainer
• Pat Morris & Assoc., Farriers
• Jamie Kerr, DVM                
• Paul McEvoy, DVM   
• Art Grunig, Trainer 
• Dick Perce, DVM                
• Jaynellen Kovacevich, Care Provider  
• John Suttle, Farrier     
•  Cindy Schleuss, Care Provider       
• Peter Hutchison, Farrier    
• Jack Burns, Trainer      
  Tony Basile, Equine Dentist
• Scenic Stables