OUR STORY - The Beginning of Sonny Horses 4 Kids
Unbreakable Bond Between a MAN and His HORSE
Sonny's Story
The Extraordinary Palomino Who Inspired Sonny Horses 4 Kids
People often ask me how Sonny Horses 4 Kids began.
The answer is simple.
It all began with one extraordinary Palomino named SONNY BOY.
I've always loved Palominos. There was just something about them that captured my heart. Then one day I saw this magnificent 17-hand Palomino, and I instantly knew he was the horse I had always dreamed of. Like most adults, my first thought was, "Oh my God... he's huge!"
Before I decided to buy Sonny, I took him on a test ride. He was a young 5½-year-old gelding. During that ride, two aggressive dogs suddenly charged us. The other rider was thrown. However, Sonny never panicked. He remained calm, confident, and protected me. At that moment, I didn't need to ride him any farther. I knew I had found my partner.
Three months later, while serving as a volunteer with the National Park and California State mounted unit. I was riding with two other men from my unit and we were investigating unusual noises after a major rainstorm. Without warning, the trail beneath us gave way, and Sonny and I slid nearly 40 feet down a steep embankment. My partners remarked that if it had been their horse, they would have panicked and slid all the way off the cliff—but not Sonny.
That day, I was miraculously able to get Sonny safely back up the hill.
Over the next 15 years, Sonny and I had the privilege of serving as unofficial ambassadors throughout Ventura County's National and California State Parks. Adults saw a beautiful, enormous horse. Children, however, saw something completely different. They didn't see his size. They simply saw a beautiful horse. They would walk right up to him, pet him, hug him, and become his friend.
Watching those moments taught me something powerful: horses have an incredible way of bringing people together and making children feel safe. Looking back now, I truly believe those years were preparing us for something far greater than either of us could have imagined.
The Day That Changed Our Lives Forever
In the spring of 2020, Russell suffered a medical emergency while riding in Sycamore Canyon, in the Santa Monica Mountains, on 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 three hours passed 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 and keeping him about 20° cooler, giving search and rescue teams time to find Russell and save his life. Sonny never left his side, even though most horses would instinctively wander off to graze or head back toward the ranch or trailer.
THAT IS TRULY AN UNBREAKABLE BOND
Russell and Sonny now ride with the
Ventura County Sheriff's Mounted Search and Rescue Team
and the
Ventura County Sheriff's 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 FORWARD and help others who may be in need.
A Child Changed Everything
The Plushy Story
A short time later, Sonny Boy and I were riding the trails of Sycamore Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains when we came across a little boy holding a tattered red stuffed animal.
As I had done so many times over the years, I asked him if he would like to come over, say hello to Sonny, and pet his nose.
Instead of walking toward us, the little boy ran into the weeds.
I asked his parents if he was okay. They explained that after COVID, school lockdowns, and having less interaction with other children, he had become afraid of almost everything.
As we continued down the trail, Sonny turned to me and said, "Dad, we should do something nice for kids."
I smiled and asked, "What do you think we should do?"
Sonny replied, "We should make stuffed animals that look like us."
I laughed and said, "Wow, what a great idea—a stuffed animal that looks just like me!"
Without missing a beat, Sonny looked at me and said, "Dad, nobody wants a stuffed animal that looks like you."
I had to laugh because he was probably right.
So we turned around, headed home, and set out to create these beautiful Sonny Boy plushies so children would always have a friend they could hug, love, and take home with them.
Looking back, that little boy inspired something much bigger than either of us could have imagined. What began with one frightened child and one extraordinary Palomino became the beginning of Sonny Horses 4 Kids.
Sonny Horses 4 Kids, the Gift of Giving
In 2022, Laura and I founded the public children's 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity Sonny Horses 4 Kids. We personally designed, manufactured, and purchased the first 1,000-plus Sonny Boy plushies with one simple belief:
"Let's put our money where our hearts are."
We 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 our community and beyond, our mission is to bring smiles and comfort to children—one child at a time.
When you stop and think about it, Laura and I often say,
"We're truly the lucky ones."
We also recognized the critical need to help children and our community feel safe and comfortable around the dedicated law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders who serve us every day. That vision became the foundation of the Sonny Horses 4 Kids programs we proudly operate today.
As of May 2026, we have distributed more than 8,000 Sonny Boy plushies, also known as Sonny Angel Horses, to children, seniors, and anyone in need of a smile.
None of this would be possible without your support.
Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us share love, comfort, and connection throughout our community.
The continued growth of sonny horses 4 kids
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 programs
Always a good time for a scratch
Sonny the Kid was born April 18 and is 10 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
Sh4k 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
$25 - $50 - $100 - $200 or more.
Thank you to all who donate and support
SONNY BOY IS DONATING EVERY DOLLAR His Friends and Community Give to All the 5 SONNY HORSES 4 KIDS Programs
SONNY HORSES 4 KIDS IS UNITED with all of Ventura County to create a safer environment for our children, seniors, and our first responders
Sonny Horses 4 Kids Community Resource Partners
Everyday we thank all the branches of our armed forces.
SONNY HORSES 4 KIDS Cares About Our Military Families
“It only takes a moment to make a difference. If you have the opportunity, please take a moment to thank someone in uniform for their service and sacrifice.”