Who doesn't need a little bit of Sunshine in their life?! Meet Sunshine - our little miniature horse with a BIG personality! Sunshine's story is unique and her arrival at Popcorn Park was nothing short of a big surprise! 

In the summer of 2010, we received a call about a chestnut paint mini, named Emma, who had sadly been abandoned in the woods alongside another chestnut gelding, named Duncan. Emma and Duncan had no food, water, or shelter and both were suffering from obvious, long-term neglect. They had badly overgrown hooves, a severe degree of emaciation, and were riddled with a heavy parasite load. They were in desperate need of help. Our team quickly jumped into action, bringing Emma to Popcorn Park while a local horse rescue helped Duncan.

Our team got right to work providing a very skinny Emma with the critical care she desperately needed, including repeated, aggressive treatments for worms. Slowly, Emma began to put on weight and heal from her neglectful past. We made plans to introduce Emma to another horse at the Refuge, Mickey the Appaloosa, so they could provide each other companionship but soon realized we would need to alter those plans.

When our staff arrived on the morning of July 20, 2010, they were greeted with the tiniest, and most adorable surprise - a baby! Poor Emma was so skinny and malnourished, that no one suspected that she could have been pregnant. Emma's foal was named Sunshine - and she has proudly lived up to her name as a little ray of sunshine ever since.

Sunshine was the first, and so far, only horse born at Popcorn Park and her survival was nothing short of miraculous. Given Emma's severely malnourished state and the strong medications given to treat her heavy parasitic load, the odds were definitely stacked against the pair. However, through all those tough circumstances, Emma and Sunshine thrived! The pair grew healthy and whole together, and lived happily side by side until Emma sadly passed in 2016 of old age.  

Today, Sunshine is happy and thriving at the Refuge. She may be small in stature but she sure has a big, dynamic personality! She enjoyes greeting the many visitors to the Park and loves to be the center of attention.  Known for her bright and sunny disposition, she lives up to her name every day! Sunshine is full of Sass and never fails to make us smile. 

Her playful antics and sweet disposition make her a favorite amongst staff, especially with those who have watched her grow up over the years. She loves to be doted on, and especially enjoys a good brushing from our animal care staff or a crunchy carrot treat. She is a joy to have around and we are thankful every day to have our little Ray of Sunshine in our herd of equines at Popcorn Park!

You can be a bright spot in Sunshine's day by sponsoring her through our Wildlife Club! Your support helps us provide medical care, nutritious food, enrichment, and lots of love to Sunshine as she lives her life of sanctuary at Popcorn Park. 

We hope you will consider opening your heart to Sunshine  - we just know you will love her just as much as we do!