August 4, 2005

Animal magnetism

Sonny Six Feathers

One thing that makes New Almaden special is the animals that live there. Sonny Six Feathers, a Pinto equine, has called Kitty Monahan’s mini-farm home for the past decade.

There Sonny Six Feathers’ accommodations are shared with other horses in Monahan’s paddock in the rural atmosphere with the Quicksilver Park adjacent to the property. The equines share alfalfa, oats and treats of sweet molasses grain. And plenty of attention from the doting Monahan keeps them all in good spirits.

But Sonny Six Feathers’ life before his new home was precarious. Abandoned at a stable by an owner who could no longer keep him, Monahan came to the rescue and adopted “the pinto I always wanted.” She had lost her horse “Little One” and was broken-hearted. When she “looked into his face,” she says of the horse left on Fortini Road, she quickly offered to pay back the late fees. Sonny Six Feathers agreeably hopped into the trailer and the two have been best buddies ever since.

Sonny Six Feathers is living he good life in New Almaden. Photo by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

”Sonny Six Feathers is the king of the corral,” said Monahan. “We have wonderful rides and take equestrian tours of the Quicksilver Park for people. He always wants to be up front and he loves the water in the creeks and troughs. He makes waves like a tsunami. He’ll play and kick up the water. He really is easygoing.”

Sonny Six Feathers is also a celebrity horse in New Almaden, making special appearances at Pioneer Day and Almaden Day. Last year he was part of the demonstration of having his shoes shod for the opening of the blacksmith shop. During the school year, Sonny and his horse friends are one of the stops on the New Almaden Mining Museum walking tour for the children. And recently, Monahan and her “favorite horse of all time” attended the dedication of Bear Ranch, where the good-natured pinto was a star attraction.

Though Sonny enjoys riding, he does get a bit nervous when a speech is a little too long for his liking. When this happens he’ll shuffle his legs like a “little kid in church” to let Monahan know he’s ready to go. And of course, he always wants to be in front of all the other horses.

“I always loved the pinto colors,” said Monahan. “It reminds me of the Lone Ranger and Tonto. They’re gorgeous and Sonny’s alert and beautiful.”

The pinto is probably most thought of as a Native American horse, but its ancestry travels back to ancient times. Their vivid white and dual color markings are displayed on prehistoric art in the Middle East. It is believed that European [Spanish] explorers brought them to the new world. The word “pinto” is derived from Spanish meaning partly or painted color. Soon great herds rode the plains of America and Native Americans rode them into battle because of their intelligence and courage.

Sonny Six Feather’s name is another matter. Before Monahan adopted him, he was called Sundance. She decided to change the pinto’s name to a favorite University of Washington football player, Sonny Sixkiller, altering the last part in reference to the breed’s Native American heritage.

“He’s my favorite horse of all time,” said Monahan. “We are best buds.”

And the way Sonny Six Feather looks at his guardian, he’s in agreement.

— By Jeanne Carbone Lewis