HORSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mighty

Mighty is an 8 year old Haflinger gelding. He was originally bred by an Amish family that initially trained him to pull their carriage. Mighty eventually ended up as a Woodside Junior Riders Summer Camp horse and then came to the B.O.K. Ranch. He was purchased for B.O.K. by Mike and Theresa Mansfield; Mike has been a dedicated lesson volunteer side walking for the program 4 hours a week. Mighty is a ‘BIG’ mover with a ‘BIG’ heart to go along with his extended stride. Mighty is also a talented and motivated jumper who loves to spend his afternoons schooling on the cross country course.

In the fall of 2008 Mighty had a rough time when he suddenly became sick with an unknown illness.  He underwent surgery and is now recovering.  Details can be found on the News Page.

To learn more about Halfingers, visit the AHR website.

Mighty is sponsored by Kulchin Drilling, Redmond, WA.

 

Idgie Threadgoode

Idgie Threadgoode, "Idgie", is by far one of the most trustworthy horses that has crossed B.O.K. Ranch’s path. Her resume in the therapeutic riding world is very impressive. Idgie is a 16 year old Quarter Horse Mare who has a unique blue eye. Although Idgie protests being put away in her paddock she couldn’t possibly enjoy going out for rides any more than she already does. If given the choice Miss Idgie would be walking around the horse park day and night. Idgie spent many years as a therapeutic riding horse for an East Bay riding center before becoming the carriage driving horse for the Fremont school for the blind. Since Idgie’s drivers had visual impairments she relied on the instructors voice commands to navigate her way. Idgie will be the center of the B.O.K. Ranch therapeutic driving program as well as a riding horse.

Idgie is sponsored by Kathleen Kalab.

 

Honey

Honey is a one of a kind. Owned by B.O.K.’s head instructor, Heather, this 10 year old mare is thought to be some type of a Quarter Horse and Paso Fino or Peruvian Paso mix. Although, Honey is small, qualifying as a pony, she has the heart and will of a horse 10 times her size. Honey would be considered a “rescue”. When Heather found her she was going to be put down because she was considered unfit to ride, basically uncontrollable. Not to mention that if you look closely at Miss Honey’s neck you can still find where she had been shot with a gun. To make a long story short, Heather purchased the horse for $300 and spent a short amount of time loving and caring for the little horse with the big heart, who turned out to be as quiet and safe as can be. Honey’s main job with B.O.K. is to carry the smallest riders during their lessons.

Honey is sponsored by Wells Fargo.

 

Nellik

What a CUTIE! B.O.K. Ranch couldn’t be happier about once again owning a Fjord. Nellik is an 8 year old Norwegian Fjord mare, who is proudly owned by B.O.K.’s founder, Ann Kulchin. Nellik’s mother was used as a therapeutic riding horse and her disposition was so good, her owners decided to breed her. The result…Nellik. In Norwegian, the name Nellik means Pink Carnation. Miss Nellik now has a brand new bright pink halter and lead rope to go along with her name and her bubbly personality. Nellik has a very broad base, sturdy frame, tremendous strength, and fluid movements, this makes her an ideal mount for many of B.O.K.’s children and adult riders alike. Nellik’s favorite past times are eating and hanging out with friends. She can easily fit into any herd situation, adapting easily to any new situation that is put in front of her.

To learn more about Fjords, visit the NFHR website.

Nellik is sponsored by Ann Kulchin.

 

Rosie

Rosie is truly a gentle giant. Weighing in at over a ton; this 13 year old Belgian mare weighs more than some small cars. Rosie came to the B.O.K. Ranch from Pescadero, where she was living in a big herd of draft horses near the ocean. Rosie’s calm demeanor and smooth gaits make her a great vaulting horse, driving horse, and adult riding horse.

Rosie is sponsored by Condon Johnson.

 

Jasper

Jasper is one of a kind! Jasper is a 14 year old, Appaloosa and Thoroughbred, gelding. This big guy has had thousands of hours of Natural Horsemanship training. He is extremely in tune with the needs of his riders and the expectations of his handlers. Jasper’s sweet demeanor is a favorite in the barn…he loves to cuddle. Jasper’s last owner rode him in a parade with no bridle, halter, reins, saddle, etc. Wow! Amazing. With just the point of a finger, Jasper will take his cue and go. He is truly a wonderful horse.

A video of Jasper.

Jasper is sponsored by The Department of Veteran's Affairs.

 

Frazier

Frazier is a 14 year old Thoroughbred, Appaloosa Gelding (the same breeding, color and almost the same age as another horse in the barn, Jasper). Frazier is sort of a Jack of all trades as he has dabbled in a little bit of everything in his life including Western pleasure and trail, hunter/jumpers and now therapeutic riding.  Frazier has been a show horse and a personal pet horse. His long legs and strong back allow him to easily carry adults as well as children.

Frazier is still in need of a sponsor!

 

Ranger

Ranger, what a love bug….This super gentle horse is a 16 year old, Strawberry Roan, Quarter Horse Gelding. He has spent the majority of his life as a Western trail horse. He has also done some mounted patrol and mounted shooting work. His quiet demeanor makes him a perfect candidate for this type of service work. Ranger tries his best to give 100% of his attention to his riders at all times. He listens and waits for cues before taking a step. Ranger is often times the first horse riders will canter on. He has a very slow Western lope that is very easy to sit.

Ranger is still in need of a sponsor!

 

Joe

Joe is a 9 year old Tobiano Paint gelding. He is owned by BOK Ranch instructor, Joanna (aka Jo).  Joe was born in Nebraska and moved to California as a colt. During his early years Joe was known for being a bit on the wild side and was leased out to many different riders; one of them was Joanna. When Joanna first decided to purchase Joe, she knew she was going to have to invest a lot of time and energy into calming him down and teaching him to trust just one owner. With hard work and consistency, Joe is now a quiet gentleman who takes good care of his riders.  He is mostly ridden as a Western pleasure horse, but he can be ridden English too.  Joe loves barrel racing and carrots and in his spare time, he likes to graze.

Joe is still in need of a sponsor!

 

 

Where are they now?

Shale is an Arabian/Peruvian Paso cross who joined B.O.K. in the early 90's.  She came from Hidden Villa, and while her true birthday is unknown, by her teeth she was born around 1973. For many years Shale provided B.O.K. with service as an awesome therapy horse.  She was even named "Therapy Horse of the Year" for NARHA's Region 11. 

Because of her age Shale was put into semi-retirement in the fall of 2001, and fully retired in 2006 with Leslie Schoon.

 

Dan retired in 2007, and is currently living with Shale in Paso Robles. 

Dan is always available for the local children and the youth groups from Leslie’s church to come and groom, pet, and feed. Dan is as patient and understanding as always, allowing young children to climb all over him.

 

Sugar retired in late 2009 to the BOK Ranch retirement facility in Paso Robles, after eleven years in the program.

Born in 1988, Sugar was bred to be a cutting horse in Oregon. She has a brand "C2" from her first home on her left hind quarter. She has four white socks with unusual black ermine marks on each sock. She has a tiny white snip and a very kind face.

Sugar was ridden by a variety of students, with some that rode her independently. She was especially good at giving a stimulating forward walk as well as a slow western jog, which earned her several fans.

To learn more about Quarter Horses, visit the AQHA website.

 

 

 

In memoriam...

The end of an era.

The Norwegian Fjords Zeke and P.J. were the founding horses of the B.O.K. Ranch

"The Boys" arrived at B.O.K. from the same farm in Illinois in 1984.  Though often confused for brothers (all Fjords share the same markings, though their coloring can vary), they were actually not closely related.  P.J., born on February 8, 1980, was then known as "Ryvar".  Zeke, born on May 17, 1981, was "Vilar".

P.J., often considered the more stubborn of the two, was a good mount for "active" riders, as he had smooth gaits and ignored unintentional leg and hand movements.  Zeke, "the gentleman", was more sensitive, with animated gaits ideal for riders needing more stimulation.

Even as new horses joined the herd P.J. and Zeke remained the backbone of the program, slowing down only slightly as they got older.  It was only after over twenty years of loyal service with B.O.K. that they retired; P.J. traveled to Jamie's farm in Colorado in July of 2006, and Zeke retired a year later to sunny Paso Robles with Leslie, rejoining Shale.

After a year and a half of happy retirement, P.J. was sadly put down on December 1st, 2007, after he was unable to recover from a sudden, severe colic.  Zeke joined him on January 31, 2008, when he was put down following a brave battle with a rare cancer.

They are deeply missed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Program Location: 3674 Sand Hill Road, Woodside, CA 94062
Mailing Address: 1815 Cordilleras Road, Redwood City, CA 94062 • (650) 366-2265