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About sonny horses 4 kids and it's beginning
Sonny Boy & 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 & pet his nose, as many children had done over the last 19 years. Instead of petting Sonny, the little boy ran into the weeds. Russell asked the parents if he was okay, & they explained that since COVID, school lockdowns, & less interaction with other children, he was afraid of everything. When Sonny heard this, he turned to Russell & said, “Dad, we should do something nice for kids.” Russell then asked Sonny, “What do you think we should do?” Sonny Boy replied, “We should make stuffed animals that look like us.” Russell then said to Sonny, “Wow, what a great idea — a stuffed animal that looks just like me.” Sonny then said, “Dad, nobody wants a stuffed animal that looks like you.” So at that, they started home to make these beautiful Sonny Boy plushies
This was the beginning of the amazing SONNY HORSES 4 KIDS programs we know today!
Sonny Horses 4 Kids, the Gift of Giving
Laura and Russell Libby founded the children’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity Sonny Horses 4 Kids in 2022. They personally designed, manufactured, and purchased the first thousand-plus Sonny Boy horses with a simple belief: “Let’s put our money where our hearts are.”
They believe that if you can have a positive impact on a child’s life, that is a life well lived. Driven to make a difference in their community and beyond, their mission is to bring smiles and comfort to children — one child at a time. When you stop and think about it, they often say, we are truly the lucky ones.
Laura and Russell also recognized the critical need to help children and the community feel safe and comfortable around our dedicated law enforcement officers. That vision became the foundation of the successful Sonny Horses 4 Kids programs we proudly run today.
As of October 2025, Sonny Horses 4 Kids has distributed more than 8,000 Sonny Boy plushies, also known as Sonny Angel Horses, to children, seniors, and anyone in need of a smile.
This impact is only possible because of you. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us share love, comfort, and connection throughout our community.
Unbreakable Bond Between a MAN and His HORSE
In the spring of 2020, Russell suffered a medical emergency while riding in Sycamore Canyon, in the Santa Monica Mountains, alongside his faithful companion, Sonny. With cell service fading, Russell managed to make one final call — to his wife, Laura. The last words she heard before the signal cut out were,
“I love you”.
Helicopter search and rescue units were immediately dispatched. Nearly 3 hours past before they were able to see Sonny through the dense green tree cover. Sonny faithfully stood over Russell for about three hours on a 95° day, shading him thus keeping him 20° 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 go to eat grass or head back to the ranch or trailer.
THAT IS TRULY AN UNBREAKABLE BOND
Russell and Sonny now ride with the
Ventura County
Sheriffs Mounted Search and Rescue Team
and Ventura County Sheriffs Posse
They have also ridden with the National Park and State Park Services.
They're thankful every day to have the
Opportunity to PAY IT FOWARD and help others who may be in need.
Sonny horse for kids continued progress
Russell and Sonny the Kid training. Sonny the kid is now participating in events and having a wonderful time meeting all of you and sharing the Sonny Horses 4 Kids program
It takes a village
Always a good time for a scratch
Sonny the Kid was born April 18 and is nine years old. Sonny the Kid joined us August of 2024. He has been hard at work to take on his new role as an ambassador for the Sonny Horses 4 Kids programs alongside his brother from a different mother and father, Sonny Boy
Miss Laura and Sonny the kid
Sonny the Kid has an amazing sweet nature and will also join Sonny boy on the Ventura County Sheriffs Mounted Search and Rescue Team and the Ventura County Sheriffs Posse
Every special encounter means so much to a child
We Are Grateful for the Opportunity!
We create positive connections with underserved youth, children with special needs, at-risk families, and children who have experienced trauma. Through kindness and community engagement, children discover that behind every badge is genuinely kind individual who is looking out for them and their community
Future Heroes Start With a Smile
As you can see by the children's faces the connection that they receive by trying on the uniforms and equipment of their heroes, they become part of the team of the men and women who keep them safe every day
Behind Every Badge Is a Heart That Cares
Sonny Horses 4 Kids helps children build positive relationships with the Deputies, Officers, Firefighters, and First Responders who serve our community. These moments of kindness and connection help children feel safe, seen, and supported
Who We Are
Building Trust, One Moment at a Time
This powerful moment brings children, law enforcement, and Sonny Boy together to build trust and connection. Every smile, handshake, and shared experience helps unite us, One Child At a Time - No Child Left Behind
Building Trust, Love & Community - One Child at a Time
At Sonny Horses 4 Kids, moments like this build trust and connection between children and the heroes who protect them. With a new Sonny Boy plushy in hand, this young boy shares smiles and encouragement with a Ventura Police Officer — Strengthening Our Community
A 501(C)3 PUBLIC NON-PROFIT CHARITY EIN# 92-2983467
Your Support Helps Unite Children With Law Enforcement and First Responders, Honors Our Heroes, Comforts Seniors, Provides Explorer Scholarships, and Feeds Children and Families in Ventura County
DONATE TODAY to one of our PROGRAMS
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