Why we love him: Sunny is incredibly sweet and friendly with our clients. He loves interacting with people of all ages and abilities and will always pop his head out of his stall to say hello. When you go to Sunny’s stall to halter him, he sticks his head into the halter and practically puts it on himself because he’s so excited to go to work!

What makes him a great therapy horse: Sunny’s long and naturally forward way of going appeals to the sensory systems and challenges postural core muscles to increase stability, body awareness, and balance. He also has a smooth, buttery walk, providing ample rotation – perfect for relaxing tight muscles and improving clients’ hip and pelvic mobility.

Years of Service: Sunny was donated to us in 2022 and accepted into our program in 2023. Sunny has been excelling in our therapy and military programs.

Previous Career(s): Before coming to The Shea Center in 2022, Sunny received mid-level dressage training in Murrieta, CA.

Fun Fact: Sunny is what we call a “hay dunker” and pre-soaks every bite of hay before eating it by dunking it in his water bucket! It is very amusing to watch him prepare his meal.

Stats:

• Age: Born 5/12/2015
• Breed: Oldenburg
• Color/markings: Chestnut, star, RF sock, RH pastern
• Height: 16 hands