10/30/2026
Let’s give Sugar the spotlight for a minute!
Sugar is the sweetest little girl! Standing at just 30 inches tall, she’s our tiny powerhouse. Only our littlest and calmest riders get the privilege of climbing aboard this special girl.
Sugar came to us almost 3 years ago, and back then, she didn’t even want to look at a human. She hadn’t had the best past. We don’t know much about her history, other than that she was an Amish driving horse and had some scars that told us she hadn’t always had an easy life.
We eventually discovered that Sugar is partially blind in her left eye, but that doesn’t seem to slow her down too much!
Her journey toward trusting people started with something simple: a few kids coming to the barn to read to her. We enrolled her in our Horse Powered Reading program alongside a group of four little ones. Sugar always seemed to feel more comfortable around people her own size.
We spent lots of time walking her, brushing her, braiding her mane, and simply sitting with her. And, personally, I gave her LOTS of hugs. I’d always tell her, “You’re gonna love this one day!”
And guess what? She does!
Sugar has learned that people can be kind, gentle, and trustworthy. As long as you approach her quietly, slowly, and with patience, she is happy to be your friend.
As her confidence grew, we started taking her to events. The smiles this little girl brings to people’s faces are priceless. Seeing how happy Sugar, Rex, and their buddy Buckwheat make others is one of the best feelings in the world. She has handled every new adventure with such a wonderful attitude!
And don’t let her size fool you… Sugar LOVES to drive! She’s a little powerhouse, and you would not believe how strong she is!
Of course, we can’t forget her love of treats! Her absolute best feature might just be the way she smacks her lips after eating one. 😂 That’s where a few of her nicknames came from: Sugar Smacks and The Lip Smacker!
Recently, we found a tiny western saddle that fits her perfectly, and one of our lesson students even found a girth that works for her English saddle! Sugar has officially started having a few lessons with the kids, and she’s doing GREAT!
And then there’s her voice… Sugar LOVES to whinny! Usually, it’s when she’s walking past the big horses, almost like she’s saying, “LOOK AT ME! LOOK WHAT I’M DOING!” 😂
One of my absolute favorite Sugar moments was at the Topsfield Fair this year when she decided to have a little conversation with the Belgians. She certainly wasn’t going to let those big horses steal the show!
From a little horse who once didn’t even want to look at a person to a confident, loving girl who brings smiles wherever she goes…
Sugar, you are proof that patience, kindness, and trust can make all the difference.
We love you, Sugar! Never stop being your little, big-personality self.