sunny shines bright amongst the herd!
The horses make everything we do at Mane Stream possible. Both instructors and riders love getting to know each new addition to the barn. Several months ago, Sunny, a chestnut quarter horse, arrived with a bright, warm personality and a soft eye. He is shorter stature (14.2 hands), making him a great mount for newer and slightly reserved riders. His balanced step allows for incredible independence for those on the precipice of something great…learning to trot! The goal for each of our riders if for them to progress in every way that they can, including any riding, physical, or social goals they might have for themselves. And my goals for my riders grow and change just as the riders do.
ANNA MARIE met Sunny in April and they have been an unstoppable pair from the very beginning. Sunny has helped Anna Marie increase her self-confidence as a rider, resulting in a beautiful connection between them (and don’t they look great in their matching helmets and fly bonnets?) We’ve been working towards independence at the trot and Sunny’s slow jog is the perfect speed for Anna Marie!
THAYER also formed a strong connection with Sunny in just a few short months! Thayer’s confidence has soared as well, thanks to Sunny making it easier to accomplish his riding goals. I’ve seen a carry-over of this confidence to Thayer’s social skills as well as he has been initiating conversations with another rider and his volunteers about Sunny. During lessons, Sunny’s calm, been-there-seen-that-attitude, allows for a lot of independence. Thayer is forced to learn by really having to do what is asked by the instructor. While Sunny knows the drill, he will make sure Thayer asks correctly. Independence - relying more on himself than on the volunteers or instructor - for Thayer means different things each week. Some lessons that means a lap around the ring at the sitting trot and other lessons that means working hard on our posting rhythm while we walk to help get the feeling and muscle memory. With a horse like Sunny, the opportunities are endless.
At Mane Stream, each horse gives so much and every rider takes their time to thank them after the lesson. We couldn’t do anything here without the horses’ willingness to be a part of it all. Thank you Someday Stables for donating this kind guy!
DONATING A HORSE: The horses and ponies that make it through our month-long trial are truly special and are few and far between. This means Mane Stream is almost always looking for additional horses to cover our increasing programs. If you or someone you know has a truly special horse that can walk, trot, and canter please contact our Equine Manager, Jen Dermody at jen@manestreamnj.org
Written by: Kayla Thau, PATH Intl. Certified Registered Instructor
