Happy Trails riders will start our program at all different ages. As with any young child, it’s fun
to watch them grow up while they are here. Such is the case with Sonny Olivares who is
autistic. He came to us in January 2017 at the age of four years old, three feet tall and in
preschool. Now in his sixth year at Happy Trails, Sonny is 11 years old, in the 5 th grade and
stands nearly five feet tall!

Parents Manuel and Ana were encouraged by a friend to bring Sonny to Happy Trails to see if
equine-assisted services would help improve his behavior and reduce his anxiety. Initially, he
worked with instructor and occupational therapist Klara Bergtholdt in solo Equine-Assisted
Therapy classes. Ana said the classes helped him concentrate when being taught such things as
shapes and colors. His behavior improved and he began to follow directions. He continues to
progress his personal and social skills through group Life Skills classes with Miss Klara.
Outside of Happy Trails, Sonny’s behavior is much calmer and he is less anxious. He enjoys
playing on electronic devices and watching favorite shows on the Disney channel.

Happy Trails has been a family affair for the entire Olivares family. Sonny’s parents and his
brother, Anthony, have joined us at our drive-in movies, Christmas parties, and the Spooky
Halloween drive-thru. “Sonny looks forward to his weekly class and any activity at Happy
Trails,” said Ana. “There are a lot of nice people here who care very much for our son.”