ABOUT SONNY HORSES 4 KIDS AND IT'S BEGINNING
Sonny and Russell were riding on the trails of Sycamore Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains when they came across a little boy holding a tattered red stuffed animal. Russell asked the little boy if he would like to say hello to Sonny and pet his nose as so many children had always done over the last 18 years. Instead of petting Sonny, the little boy ran into the weeds. Russell asked the parents if he was ok, and they explained, since Covid, the lockdown of schools and less interaction with children he is afraid of everything. When Sonny heard this he turned to Russell and said "dad we should do something nice for the kids." Russell then asked Sonny, "what do you think we should do?" Sonny said, "we should make stuffed animals. Russell then said to Sonny, wow what a great idea. A stuffed animal that looks just like us. Sonny then said dad, nobody wants a stuffed animal that looks like you.. So with that, we started to make these beautiful stuffed Sonny boy plushy's to give the children we meet. to make them feel good and safe". That is exactly what they did which was the beginning of the Sonny Horses 4 Kids Programs.
An Unbreakable Bond Between a MAN and His HORSE
In the Spring of 2020, Russell suffered a medical emergency while riding in the Sycamore Canyon area in the Backcountry of the Santa Monica Mountains with his faithful companion and friend Sonny. He was able to get one call out before the signal was gone. That call was to Russell's wife Laura. The last thing he said before the call cut out was "I Love You". Helicopter search and Rescue units were dispatched. Nearly 3 hours passed before they were able to see Sonny through the dense green tree cover. Sonny faithfully stood over Russell for about 3 hours on a 95 degree day, shading him thus keeping him 20 degrees cooler staying off death from heat exposure, while giving search and rescue teams time to find Russell and save his life. Not only did Sonny keep Russell alive, but Sonny wouldn't leave his side as most horses instinctively would go eat grass or head back to the ranch or trailer.
THAT IS TRULY AN UNBREAKABLE BOND
Russell and Sonny ride on the
Ventura County Sheriff's
Mounted Search and Rescue Team
and Ventura County Sheriff's Posse
They have ridden with
the National Park and State Park Services.
They're thankful everyday to have the
Opporunity to PAY IT FORWARD
and help others who may be in need.
SONNY HORSES 4 KIDS, The Gift of Giving
Laura and Russell Libby started the Chidren's Non-Profit Charity SONNY HORSES 4 KIDS PROGRAM in 2022. They designed, manufactured and purchased the first 1,000 plush SONNY BOY HORSES. They said, "Let's put our money where our hearts are". They believe if you can have a positive impact on a child's life, than that is a life well lived. Driven and motivated by making a difference within their community and beyond by bringing smiles to children one child at a time. When you take the time to think about it, we are truly the lucky ones. They also understood the overwhelming need to help educate children and the community about feeling safe and comfortable with and around our wonderful law enforcement, giving us the amazing successful SONNY HORSES 4 KIDS PROGRAMS we have today.
As of December 2024 SONNY HORSES 4 KIDS has given out over 6000 of our SONNY BOY PLUSHIE'S to children, seniors and frankly anybody who might need a smile. We have all of you to thank.
SONNY HORSES 4 KIDS continued progress
Everywhere we go children and adults alike love adopting their own Sonny Boy plushy
Our Impact
Over the years, SONNY HORSES 4 KIDS has connected thousands of children and adults with law enforcement and first responders across Ventura County. We welcome children of all backgrounds—including those with special needs, disabilities, or experiences of trafficking and abuse—ensuring no child is left behind. With Sonny Boy, our horses, and the plushies we give out, we create a unique magic that fosters understanding, trust, and connection.
Our Program
SONNY HORSES 4 KIDS hosts events and programs across Ventura County, fostering education, connection, and positive interactions between the community and our dedicated law enforcement and first responders.
DONATIONS STAY IN VENTURA COUNTY FOR OUR KIDS & COMMUNITY
PLEASE Support SONNY HORSES 4 KIDS! Your donation, no matter the amount, brings comfort, love, and smiles to all children and those individuals facing emotional or mental health challenges. Every contribution makes a difference!
SONNY BOY and All of us at
SONNY HORSES 4 KIDS
are Grateful and Humbled,
Thank You So Much
Sonny boy say's one child at a time no child left behind
2024 Ventura County St Patrick's Day Parade. Lead by our Ventura County Sheriff's Honor Guard and Explorers from Santa Paula PD, Ventura PD, Oxnard PD, Simi Valley PD, Ventura County Sheriff's and California Highway Patrol.
Our Community Resource Partners
