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 18 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 needs a sponsor - click here to learn how to sponsor her!

What a CUTIE! B.O.K. Ranch couldn’t be happier about once again owning a Fjord. Nellik is a 10 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.

Stanley is a 13 year old Welsh and Quarter Horse cross. He is a sweet guy who loves to be loved. Stanley is always first in line when it’s time to pass out carrots and cookies. Stanley was born in Petaluma and begun his training in a jumpers show barn. His next move was to Gilroy where he had a very best friend, a miniature donkey named Casey. He was eventually purchased by his current owner, Melissa. During his time with Melissa they would visit the Horse Park at Woodside for hunter pace and cross country events. Stanley has spent the last several years of his life as a pet and trail horse. He enjoys romping around out in the cross country field and taking long naps during the day. Stanley is a great addition to the BOK Ranch line up, his specialty is teaching young riders to post the trot. He is very patient and very willing to help his riders in any way he can.

Stanley needs a sponsor - click here to learn how to sponsor him!

Ribbons ‘n Bows, aka “Pinto”, is one of the newest members of the BOK team. Pinto is a 9 year old Oldenburg Mare (German Warmblood). She’s a big girl at 16’2 with pinto coloring. She was born in California, but came to us from Missouri, where she was living on a farm with her father, Rainbow, a famous German stallion, and her mom and siblings.  She excels at three day eventing and is currently competing at Training level, with plans to go Prelim next show season.  She is also working on her fourth level dressage moves.  Pinto is super sensitive to her riders and tries hard to take good care of them.  Pinto is always happiest eating . If she can’t be eating then she’s happy to take you out in cross country field or on a trail ride, especially if she can go fast. She adores being loved on by children.

Pinto is sponsored by Maurisa Sommersfield.

Montana is an 18 year old, half Quarter Horse, half Clydesdale gelding. He was born at the Running M Ranch in Montana. He has an “M” brand on his right shoulder from his birth place. Montana was originally bred to be a carriage horse, but his breeders decided he was to colorful and trained him to be a riding horse instead. He has had experiences in many different genres of riding, including: roping, dressage, hunting, jumping, driving, vaulting, and is Parelli trained. Montana loves hugs and kisses and his best friend is Chase.

Montana is sponsored by Boardwark Chevrolet, Nissan, Volkswagen, Lotus, Mazda & Bayport Plaza LLC.

Chase is a 15 year old, half Thoroughbred, half Clydesdale gelding. Chase is not an American native, he moved to the states from his birth place in Canada as a youngster, where he was known as the Gentle Giant. Chase is a big horse with a lot of heart who is always very eager to please his riders. Chase is Parelli trained, played in the Los Altos Hunt, and has worked through his 1st level dressage tests. Chase is always first in line when it’s time to pass out treats, his favorite food is carrots and his best friend is Montana.

Chase is sponsored by Boardwark Chevrolet, Nissan, Volkswagen, Lotus, Mazda & Bayport Plaza LLC.

Little Buck is a 14 year old Shetland Pony. He is currently the smallest horse in the BOK barn, at 11.2 hands. Although Buck is originally from the Mendocino area he moved to the La Honda area three years ago when he was purchased as a gift for his owners 8th birthday. With his owner, Karlie, he has done several parades and run barrels in 2 rodeos. His favorite season is summer because he gets to spend extra time with Karlie and he gets to have his favorite treat, watermelon!

Little Buck needs a sponsor - click here to learn how to sponsor him!

‘Over the Moon’ otherwise known as Megan and known as Sweet Megan to those who know and love her is a 23 year old New Zealand Warmblood. Megan moved from New Zealand to the United States as a young horse and has spent much of her life jumping. Megan is known for being very smart and having a very kind heart. She can always be counted on to know how her rider is feeling and she always does her best to take care of her passengers. Megan seems to also be able to tell time, she never lets her owner forget when it is lunch time. She also gives kisses to her human friends who she has bonded with.

Megan needs a sponsor - click here to learn how to sponsor her!

Twilight was born in a pasture in Oroville, Ca. on April 29, 2004. She is half Arab and half Appaloosa. She has had just one owner her entire life and has been trained for dressage, trail and pleasure. Twilight was named for her spots, because when she was born a little girl who came to see the new baby horse said she looked like the stars! She loves treats and grazing!! She is very friendly and sweet and will always do her best. She is loved very much. These days, when Twilight isn't munching on treats, she is helping riders learn to steer and stop and practice the posting trot. Twilight's sturdy frame makes her a very versatile horse, since she is short enough for children to feel comfortable on, yet still plenty strong enough to carry adults.

Twilight needs a sponsor - click here to learn how to sponsor her!

Introducing Atti and Harvey, the latest additions to the BOK Ranch family. These rescued miniature horses were named after two influential “right fighters” Atticus Finch and Harvey Milk. 

Not a lot is known about Atti and Harvey except that they came from an abandoned breeding farm in the North Bay, they were stallions up until this month, they are probably in their mid-twenties, they have had virtually no veterinary or farrier care, and they are both really lucky to be getting a second chance at life at the BOK Ranch.

It isn’t going to be all fun and games for them, since all the BOK Ranch horses have jobs; these two will be no exception. BOK is starting 2 new programs this winter. One is for seniors who live in assisted living and nursing care facilities and the other is a Mommy and Me class for tiny tots with additional needs. Atti and Harvey will be important parts of these two programs. For people who may be very small or for people who are limited in their mobility, a really large horse can be intimidating. For these groups of people these two Minis are going to be magical.

Harvey and Atti are sponsored by Loretta Walter and Jasmine Haas.

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.