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More than 20 SonRise Equestrian Foundation mentors, volunteers and program participants gathered Jan. 12 to celebrate the 25th birthday of Old Joe, a beloved equine partner. Party goers danced to a song called “Trot Old Joe,” played games, wore hats and leis and shared an animal-friendly cake made of carrots and molasses. The guest of honor even donned a crown, ribbon and Mardi Gras beads.
“When we first got Joe three years ago he did not want any human contact, having been left alone and forgotten, after losing his owners in a plane crash,” said Alana Koski, executive director of SonRise. “One of our volunteers, Caleen Espinoza, affectionately known as ‘Joe’s Mama,’ persistently worked with Joe, determined to help him learn to trust people again. Old Joe is now one of the children’s favorite horses to work with.”
Old Joe, a quarterhorse, is one of seven horses in the SonRise herd. He works exclusively with Team Rehab, a working ranch program and one of four programs the organization offers free of charge to children facing physical, social or emotional challenges.
Other programs include: In the Saddle, a one-on-one riding program; Horse Play Days, days dedicated to horse-related games, crafts and activities; and Traveling Tails, a program that brings miniature horses to children at George Mark Children’s House, Taylor Family Foundation burn and cancer camps and senior centers.
For more information visit www.sonriseequestrianfoundation.org.
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Old Joe, a quarterhorse rehabilitated at SonRise now helps children facing social, emotional and physical challenges. Photo by Lauren Koski. -
More than 20 volunteers, mentors and program participants joined the party including (back row from left to right) Jessica Luebker, Alana Koski, Kathy Barlow, Laura Shrewsbury, Veronica Tallon, Melanie Buerke, Andrea Halliday, Meghan Suba, Sarah Rivers, and Scott Weatherby. Front row: Laurie Gibbs, Roxanne Fernandes, Jordan Silas, Danielle Coburn, Caleen Espinoza and Joyce Perry. Photo by Lauren Koski.
I have worked with the Sonrise Group through Landes Studios, my photography business and they do an incredible job with the children and the horses. If you are not familiar with it, check it out. They provide a wonderful service to the children and the enjoyment on their faces when they are working with the horses is wonderful to see. I have photographed Old Joe and he is a sweetheart, as are their other horses, they seem to sense the needs of the kids. A great group to donate to or get involved with.