Sonrisa Stables , run by Karen Topping , is a unique place . A place where wild mustags are tamed , stray dogs are rescued , and cowboy competitions are attended . All of this is done by children . Karen understands the incredible power of children to learn and be responsible for what many consider to be “ wild ” animals , and the kids really run the show . Under her careful supervision , the children in her program take on the projects they are interested in . This has included gentling and adopting out twenty-seven wild mustangs since 2010
Volunteers Make It Possible
By John Horner , President / CEO Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce
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M organ Hill is an immeasurably better place thanks
to the countless hours put in by many local people pursuing their vision for a better community through volunteer efforts . Right now , for example , over 160 people are giving of their time and money in the effort to bring life back to the long dormant Granada Theater in Downtown Morgan Hill . By the time you read this magazine , movies and live performances should once again grace that stage . Only blocks north of the theater another long standing group of volunteers keeps history alive at Villa Mir Monte , the home of the Morgan Hill Historical Society . The Hiram Morgan Hill family which built that house literally gave our city its name ( with a little help from the railroad ).
Essentially all of the large summer outdoor entertainment events in Morgan Hill exist because volunteers make them happen . The season kicks off with Mushroom Mardis Gras by the organization of that same name , moves on to the kick off of the Chamber of Commerce ’ s Friday Night Music Series and then into the week long Freedom Fest Extravaganza by Independence Day Celebrations . Finally in September the season wraps up with the Chamber ’ s Taste of Morgan Hill . Just these major events draw well over 100,000 participants over the four months of summer and it takes many hundreds of volunteers to put them on .
One of the things newcomers , or the newly interested , find is that it is easy to get involved with the events mentioned above and / or the literally dozens of others which go on throughout the year . Anyone who plays well with others and wants to be part of making fun happen will find organizations eager to welcome a fresh perspective .
Although we normally think of the Chamber of Commerce as focused on for-profit businesses , in actuality we play a large information and support role with the many volunteer , non-profit and charitable organizations in our region . If you think you might want to get involved in something , but don ’ t know where to start – ask us ! We can usually point people in the direction they are trying to go .
M O R G A N H I L L T O D A Y S U M M E R 2 0 1 4
Sonrisa Stables , run by Karen Topping , is a unique place . A place where wild mustags are tamed , stray dogs are rescued , and cowboy competitions are attended . All of this is done by children . Karen understands the incredible power of children to learn and be responsible for what many consider to be “ wild ” animals , and the kids really run the show . Under her careful supervision , the children in her program take on the projects they are interested in . This has included gentling and adopting out twenty-seven wild mustangs since 2010
But this isn ’ t all they do . The children at Sonrisa have participated in : barrel racing , horse camping , English shows , Western shows , trail rides , small children ’ s groups , puppy fostering , caring for a petting zoo full of smaller animals and more . The stables even have special mom ’ s group programs for those who decide they want a bit of horse-time fun .
So how did Karen get here , with this menagerie of amazing events ? She ’ s been in the equine industry for 18 years , doing everything from hunter / jumper , western pleasure , barn management , starting colts , and more . She was born in New York , and traveled all across the country , where she learned from many different trainers before settling in California in 1999 . This well-rounded background has given her the insight needed to offer such a diverse set of activities for those enrolled in her program . She pulled together all of her experiences and started her own business , Sonrisa Stables , in 2002 , excited to share her knowledge with people and horses of all ages , abilities , and disciplines .
If you ’ re interested in learning more about Sonrisa Stables , contact Karen Topping at ( 408 ) 644-JUMP , or visit sonrisastables . com .