Autumn Adventures and Winter's Arrival!
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Linda Lloyd and Denise Berghorn representing SHR at the Calistoga Tractor Parade. | |
Muddy buddies Spice and Sugar. | |
A participant of Connected Horse shares a tender moment with CeeBud. | |
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The final autumnal months of the year at Sunrise were a whirlwind of meaningful moments and joyful celebrations! Our fall session of the Connected Horse program brought 14 participants to our property, where they experienced the transformative power of equine-led therapy alongside our incredible horses.
Rosemary and Willow, two of our cherished mares, faced unexpected eye emergencies. We were truly humbled by the outpouring of support from our community, who stepped up to help cover their substantial medical bills. While we maintain an emergency reserve, winter is always a time of heightened need, and your generosity ensured we could continue meeting the demand.
In addition to Connected Horse, we welcomed groups from Crestwood Behavioral Health for equine therapy sessions, where our horses eagerly forged new connections and made a lasting impact.
We were also thrilled to participate in Napa Valley’s CanDo Give!Guide for the 9th year, and once again, our community’s generosity left us in awe. Wrapping up the year with festive cheer, we joined the Calistoga Tractor Parade, showcasing our wooden-horse mascot, Happy, who joined us for a second year on a beautifully upgraded hay trailer!
We were also thrilled to welcome eight new volunteers to the Sunrise family! Their passion for horses and dedication to our mission have already made a significant impact. From assisting with daily care for our herd to helping assisting with projects around the property, these incredible individuals have jumped right in with enthusiasm. We’re so grateful for their time, energy, and commitment as we continue to grow and make a difference together!
With hearts full of gratitude and hope, we step into the new year ready to embrace all it has in store.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey!
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California Conservation Corps
at our main property on Tubbs Ln.
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As the colder months set in, we proactively take steps to ensure our horses and paddocks are ready for winter. Maintaining safety and comfort for the herd is our priority, and we’ve implemented measures to handle the challenges that winter weather brings.
To start, we inspected and repair fencing to withstand strong winds and inclement conditions. Once debris has been cleared, and we add wood chips to low-lying areas prone to flooding, reducing mud and improving footing. In high-traffic zones, wood chips also improve drainage. Regular paddock cleaning minimizes manure buildup and prevents hazardous ice formation.
This year we were very lucky to have three groups from the California Conservation Corps help us with these labor-intensive tasks. While on property the crew raised and leveled inside of sheds with gravel, added custom wood chip islands and connecting paths so horses have dry spaces, and got to know several of our horses.
For our horses, we monitor their winter coats. Many grow thick coats naturally, while others require blankets to stay warm and dry. We ensure shelters are sturdy and protect against wind and rain.
Nutrition is key. We adjust feed to meet increased caloric needs for heat generation. We also ensure that water buckets are not frozen.
Finally, we schedule veterinary visits to update vaccinations and check dental health, ensuring our horses are ready for winter.
These preparations give us confidence our horses will stay safe and comfortable throughout the colder months.
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Terra Munger, Natural Horsemanship Trainer, with Chili and Daddy. | |
Horse owners facing challenges such as illness, aging, loss of income, or other hardships often find themselves in crisis when seasonal conditions add additional stress. Since early fall, Sunrise has been providing feed and veterinary care to two horses in need in a neighboring county. Please meet Chili and Daddy.
In January, when their hired caregivers unexpectedly departed, the horses were left without proper care. Despite their advanced age, a veterinarian confirmed they are in good health and noted their incredibly strong bond.
Now adjusting to their new home at our Tubbs Lane facility, these two are settling in well, and our team is diligently working to meet their unique needs.
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Volunteer Spotlight:
Linda Lloyd
How long have you been volunteering at SHR?
I have volunteered for Sunrise for 8 years, mostly feeding lunches, but also walking, grooming and grazing, some trailer loading, and doing ranch work around the Tubbs sanctuary.
Having volunteered in wildlife rehabilitation for 14 years and worked with native California species as a zookeeper for 5 years, I have always been interested in nonhuman fauna. Although I have had little riding experience other than a few lessons and vacation trail rides, I became more interested in horses after reading an article about equine vision and its relation to their behaviour. This led me to take a noncredit introductory course at SRJC on horses. After that course, I asked the instructor where I might be able to volunteer working with horses, and she led me to Sunrise.
Which horse inspires you the most and why?
All of our horses are inspirational, and each comes with his/her own history (which we don’t always know), medical issues, social skills (with other horses and humans), likes, dislikes and quirks. I learn from each one and am grateful for their patience in trying to communicate with me with each subtle movement of an ear, eye, or swish of the tail.
I owe a great deal to Mary Taylor, Paula Soekland, Terra Munger and our vets for the training and knowledge they graciously provide each time we work together.
What do you do for fun (besides volunteer at SHR)?
Work with horses!… and grow veggies in my garden, hike and camp when I get the opportunity. Life is good.
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Meet Our Team:
Denise Berghorn, Public Relations Coordinator
I feel Incredibly honored to work and volunteer at Sunrise Horse Rescue over the past several years. My experience with horses during a trip out of the country, set a clear path for me to try and make a difference for horses that needed a voice. Little did I know how much they would change my life. Everyday I spend time with the horses at the rescue or a satellite pasture, I am amazed at what they continue to teach me. To have the opportunity to share our Sunrise story, and to be able to introduce visitors to our horses while touring them around the property, is an absolute pleasure. Lucky me!
The new year brings much anticipated excitement as we work together to build our new barn. Together we will continue to raise awareness throughout the new year for the betterment of our equine friends, and humans, in and around our community. 🐴👏🐴
Thank you Sunrise Horse Rescue for making such a positive impact on so many lives.♥️
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Save the Date!
February 9th at 10:00 am
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We’re so inspired by Lilly de Sieyes and Benny Newman, two young horse enthusiasts who learned about Sunrise Horse Rescue through a local vet treating a horse’s eye at their barn. As part of their 8th-grade service project, Lilly and Benny are organizing a Fun Run to benefit Sunrise!
The run will take place on February 9th at 10:00 AM at Maxwell Farms Regional Park in Sonoma, and all proceeds will go toward supporting our horses. We’re incredibly grateful for their hard work and passion—mark your calendars and join us for a morning of fun, fitness, and support for horses in need!
If you are unable to attend but still want to contribute, you can visit their GoFundMe here.
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Connected Horse™
Spring Session Dates Announced
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In mid-December, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to humanely say goodbye to one of our beloved horses, Baxter. This was not a choice we made lightly, and we worked closely with our veterinarians to explore every possible avenue before coming to this decision.
At 31 years old, Baxter was a gentle giant who brought so much light and love to Sunrise Horse Rescue. Though he had only been with us since earlier this year, his impact was immeasurable. Bright, engaging, and kind, Baxter quickly became a favorite of our staff, volunteers, and visitors.
Baxter had a remarkable gift: the ability to make everyone feel at ease. For many who had never been around horses before, he was their first introduction to the magic of these incredible animals. He approached each person with warmth and curiosity, forging connections that left lasting impressions.
We are heartbroken to lose him, but we are deeply grateful for the time we had with Baxter. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the lessons he taught us all about trust, connection, and kindness.
Rest easy, Baxter. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
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If you would like to make
a donation in Baxter's memory, you can do so HERE.
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