July 10, 1988-November 23, 1997
ApHC 478765 ApSHA F328
Sunny was a bit of a suprise. I had planned a breeding between his father, 4 S Fancy Pants, and my appaloosa brood mare, Dutch's Five, only to find her, less than receptive. A trip out of town, with someone else careing for the horses, and mother nature took things into her own hands. Fancy got out of his stall and into his turnout pen, Dutch came from the pasture and into his turnout pen. The rest....is history.
Sunny at 1 month old.
Sunny was born a bright chestnut. This lasted until he was about 6 months old. He continued to change colors as he aged. You can see him below at 2 years old.
As a yearling I almost made a gelding of him. He was in an awkward stage, and just not what I was hoping for. But knowing his sire and dam, I held off. I'm glad I did. At 2 years old he qualified for worlds at halter.
Sunny practicing his piaffe.
Sunny caught executing a flying change of lead.
Sunny showed the natural talent his father had early on. However, he didn't have the disclipline necessary to become the dressage horse his father was. Sunny enjoyed being active, and excelled in jumping and trail riding. He did have his fathers excellent temperment, and was used as a school horse as well as a breeding stallion.
Sunny at his first dressage show.
I think he spent more time taking in his surroundings than anything else. He placed in each class none the less. He was always very obedient, even if he sneaked a peak at the girls from time to time. I was standing in a group of horses at a combined test, and someone made a comment about his quiet nature. I commented that this was exceptional considering he was 4 yr old stallion. The young woman had to take a look before she would believe me.
Although Sunny lacked the patience to become a top dressage horse, the natural talent was there.
This picture was taken a year before Sunny died in the barn fire. His very correct conformation allowed him the freedom of movement that gave him a smooth stride, and loads of scope over fences. He never backed off from a fence. Even in his first schooling cross country. He would see a fence, ask for directions, and follow through without hesitation. Unfortunately the pictures I have of him going over fences didn't scan well, and so aren't available on this site.
Sunny had an unbeatable spirit, like that of his father. He had a zest for life and loved to be active. He was a dream to handle as a breeding stallion. At 5' 2" I won't get in a fight with a stallion. Sunny knew his job, he knew when it was time. He was always a perfect gentleman.
He had a gentle, yet ornery spark to his eye.
His legacy is in his offspring. He contributed heart and stamina to his sons and daughters.