Healing

There are many natural remedies that we have found to be helpful when working with our horses and in aiding their illnesses. This is not to say that we do not consult a veterinarian first. When considering natural remedies:

-Are they truly "natural" or do they include additives?
-Are there any side effects?
-Cost?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a favorite in our household and for our animals. Not only is the vinegar an aid in fly prevention, but it is also excellent for the digestive system. One of our horses benefited from ACV with his bladder issues.

http://gerson.org/gerpress/8-amazing-uses-for-apple-cider-vinegar/

Essential Oils: Herbs

Essential oils can be expensive but are very potent in small doses. Because they are completely natural, we have used a few on a number of our horses.

Lavender Oil: Often used for anxiety and nerves.
Peppermint Oil: Aids in digestion and respiratory issues.

These are just a few that we have tried on our animals as they have little or NO side effects. They are often overlooked because they are not regulated through the FDA. However, there are many personal  testimonies on how essential oils have both prevented and healed even the most complicated diagnosis.

http://www.essentialanimals.com/articles/how-use-essential-oils-horses

**We highly recommend discussing options with an experienced veterinarian. Many are very open to the benefits of natural medicine, along with modern medicine.

Goldilox Update #2

Goldie began limping a few weeks ago. We were unsure the cause but treated it as a soft tissue injury. The pain seemed to be in her shoulder. We gave her some Bute and separated her from the herd so she could rest. The limp continued into last week, despite our efforts.

Sometimes love and attention is the best medicine. Goldie is spoiled by our eager little girls. They brush her, feed her treats, and whisper in her ear. She lowers her head to their level, closes her eyes and soaks up the affection. Yesterday,  I took her out of her stall and the limp was gone.

I realize her injury could very well have been healed with rest and time but I like to think that perhaps it's been a while since she has been loved by little girls.

Goldilocks (Goldie) Update

Goldie is a registered Arabian/Quarter Horse mare who came to us last week. She was scheduled to be euthanized because her owner could no longer care for her. The phone call came in around noon and we had minutes to make a decision. Sun River Equine believes in second chances . . . so . . . we went to pick her up at the vet. Goldie had a clean vet check on Friday and is very gentle and loving. Yesterday we tested her in the round pen with a saddle. Even though she is 21 years old, she still has a lot of spirit and her show quality came out. She holds her head beautifully and she maintains a slow steady trot. We are thrilled with her progress after only a week!


http://www.sunriverequineranch.org/how_to_help/

"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is FREEDOM."

2 Corinthians 3:17

The life of a horse . . .

Imagine for a moment . . .  a little girl looking up at this enormous animal. The horse lowers her head to the child's small hands. She grows up with her horse, leading her, talking to her and trusting her with not only her secrets but her very safety. The horse follows, responds, and respects this child. Then something happens. The child grows up. The horse is sold to a breeder. Now her role changes. She must produce. When she is no longer able to produce, she is cast aside as a nuisance and sentenced to death by euthanasia.

This is a story of so many of these great animals. This is why we do what we do. We believe in giving a second chance, not only for children but also for horses.

Meet "Goldie"

We received a call about this 21 year old mare a couple of days ago. She was literally minutes away from being put down. Apparently, she was used as a 4H horse for very young children for years. She is sweet and gentle and deserves to have a retirement to enjoy the rest of her life. We realize hay is expensive. It has reached over $10 a bale in the winter months but what does it say about us as a society to kill an animal who is otherwise healthy, just because we don't have use for her anymore. Well, Sun River Equine Youth Ranch has use for her ( ;


www.sunriverequineranch.org

"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is FREEDOM."

2 Corinthians 3:17

Welcome Home Sun River!

Sun River Equine Youth Ranch has officially moved! Our program will operate at our new permanent address: 6156 Deer Flat Rd. This is about 3 miles west of the Black Cat property. 

As you can imagine, this move has been enormous. We had so much help from our family, friends and families. Thank you all so very much. We couldn't have done it without you!

 Along with our move, we have had to add material, fencing, etc. to our needs. There are many future projects planned along with the necessary set up for our animals. We cannot thank Terry and Susan Thayer enough for their TREMENDOUS donation of sand for BOTH our round pen and arena! 
Terry and Susan have become dear friends of Mike and I and of Sun River. They own and operate Dreamhaven Ranch in Eagle, a similar ministry to ours. Terry and Susan have attended seminars at Crystal Peaks and plan to open their facility in the spring. This will allow for us to reach so many more children and families in the Treasure Valley area. We will be working together to ensure that we are as efficient as possible in bringing this mentor program to as many counties as possible. They have been a rock for us through this move. We will support and encourage each other through this journey.

 The move has required so much of our time. We originally planned to host our second annual Fundraising Harvest Party in October of this year. After careful consideration, we have decided that we are going to postpone this event to the spring. We would like to focus on our little ones and getting our animals comfortable in their new homes. Having the party in the spring will allow us to settle in. We would like the party to be as organized and beautifully set up as possible. We are disappointed because we have really looked forward to seeing all of our families and supporters but know you all understand how difficult such a big move can be. 

Lauren Koller, our beautiful friend and co-founder, welcomed her little girl "Laynie" into the world this weekend. As many of you know, Lauren and I worked closely together to design and operate this youth program. Lauren has decided to step down from Sun River and focus on her family and new baby at this time. With sad hearts we support and respect her new calling. We love you Lauren and will miss you! Thank you for your service, love and understanding over these past few years! We can't wait to meet your baby girl!

Stay tuned for future events! We will revamp our website very soon which will allow for easier viewing of important dates. 

If you would like to partner with us and help in building this ministry, please visit our existing website @

http://www.sunriverequineranch.org/how_to_help/

We are thankful for each and every one of you. Thank you for hanging in there with us as we tackle all of these changes. 

Blessings,
Tanya

Our mission is to bring all children, regardless of circumstance, as well as horses who have been abandoned or abused, together to watch the Lord heal their lives.  

"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is FREEDOM."

2 Corinthians 3:17

The Move

 We have thoroughly enjoyed our 2 seasons here at Sun River Equine Ranch on Black Cat Rd. in Kuna. When Mike and I moved here, we never imagined we would be called to this ministry.

God has opened the door and led us to another property just a few miles from here, where we were able to purchase a permanent home for Sun River. Our needs for a place were specific and difficult to find. However, in the Lord's timing, everything fell into place beautifully. We were able to buy a place with land and in the same school district. The entire experience was a testament of how anything can be done with Christ.

The new house closed on July 26th just as we were finishing up this months sessions at the ranch. We quickly started pulling carpet, painting walls, etc. to get the place ready to move. 

Thank you all for your patience through this time of adjustment for us!
 

This season we have been blessed by our amazing volunteers and families! 

Thank you for your generosity and love for our staff and family!

We would like to send out a huge THANK YOU to Chuck and Beth Ambler who bought a bunch of Gator raffle tickets, won the auction and then turned around and donated back!

The next few months are going to be challenging but we are at peace taking it one day at a time. 

Thank you all for your support and love for us!

Ranch Welcome BBQ October 5th and time TBA!

Blessings, Tanya Ambler

www.sunriverequineranch.org

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
-2 Corinthians 3:17
 

 

On Labels

We are often asked if we just serve those with special needs. All children should be accepted and loved and that is what we strive to do here. In our opinion, all have special needs. Sun River Equine serves ALL children, regardless of circumstance. All children can benefit from the connection with animals. We encourage families to come, rest and enjoy. We do not single out those who have a "label." I have seen more joy and humanity from children with the most descriptive labels.

http://sunriverequineranch.org/

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is
freedom."
-2 Corinthians 3:17