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After 10 years of boarding their own horses in competition barns, Laura & Anthony Ponter observed that those environments were not conducive to healthy relationships between horses and humans—both were highly stressed and not enjoying each other. In those barns, horses had ulcers, constant colics, weaving and cribbing and other nervous habits.   They also observed most stable operators were disinterested in the well being of the horses. Horse owners wanted something better than a lot of equine medical bills, but stable owners persisted in continuing the same dysfunctional operations.

Horses were not treated as individuals, but as a part of a factory attitude at feeding time. Also, most importantly, horses were not allowed to graze, not be in natural herds and have time 'to be horses'.  Instead, they were boxed into tight stalls, allowed only supervised movement on a lunge line and under saddle, thus developing problematic behaviors.  

At these barns, Humans were taught how to 'ride' by their trainers, but not how to care for their horses. Riders had little idea of what their horse's needed for good health and well being. So, Laura started SEC and began the Equine Learning Series, a monthly ongoing seminar series taught by experts and top local veterinarians, in support of the horse owner. Forwarding the education of our horse owners to become skilled and capable caregivers for their equine partners is one of our goals. This makes for better horse owners and raises the quality of life for their horses and improves their performance.  

Our ranch caters primarily to the horses and their needs.  Here the horse always comes first and foremost. And, it's all about the little attention to details:  horse body checks, hoof cleaning, individual feeding regimen, daily manure disposal for cleanliness, and important night checks for well being.  

After operating for over 16 years, SEC has garnered an unprecedented reputation for keen care for the horse. Five veterinarians recommend our facility to their clients for its outstanding vigilant care and health standards. The Sonoma County Permit Enforcement called us "the cleanest and neatest ranch operation in the county".  

We also believe that horses and humans should have fun! So, we organize Play Days, Swim Parties (that's right we have an equine swim team), Sensory Obstacle Course, Moonlight Treasure Hunts and Trail Rides to local parks. Horses, like humans, need playtime. It's a creative interaction that engenders a bond of trust with your horse. We keep things around the ranch low key and drama free. Horse time is your special time to relax and enjoy your horse.  

We have boarders that have been with us for 8 years.  And that says it all. 

So, that's pretty much who we are....

Laura and Anthony Ponter

 
© 2009 SONOMA EQUESTRIAN CENTER