An American Cream Draft Horse
Comes to KB HORSES
Bren Metzger, KB HORSES’ dedicated owner and operator, opened the equestrian center in 2007, before any of the first homesites were sold. Since then, KB HORSES has celebrated the beauty of all equine breeds and taught the art of horsemanship. Guests may cultivate a lifelong love for these beautiful animals—even if they have never interacted with horses before.
Bren first began her journey with the critically endangered American Creams in 2018 after meeting a special gelding named Hugo. Although Hugo was unfit for work, his gentle soul ignited Bren’s passion for the breed.
KB HORSES’ Owner and Operator
While it took several years to find the right American Cream for the ranch, we are excited to introduce the mare BLC Joker’s Soleil, affectionately known as “Sunny.”
Sunny’s Journey to KB HORSES
American Cream Draft Horse
Sunny was born on a ranch in Cheney, Washington, on May 8, 2019. When she was first listed for sale, Bren attempted to place an offer—only to find out that Sunny had already been sold to a small ranch in Vermont. Determined, Bren kept looking for another American Cream Draft Horse.
After Sunny turned five, she was put up for sale again. Bren immediately recognized Sunny’s name and made an offer—which was accepted! The Vermont ranch chose Bren as Sunny’s new owner because KB HORSES would provide her with an education—giving Sunny the opportunity to learn how to carry a rider and teach her to pull a wagon.
Draft Horses: Gentle Giants
Draft horses are known for their work ethic, gentle nature, size, and strength. Historically, these majestic animals have significantly impacted transportation and agriculture.
Some of the most notable types of draft horse breeds include:
- Scotland’s Clydesdale, which is known for the feathering around each of its lower legs.
- Shires originated from England and are known for their strength and stature.
- The Belgian draft horse originated in Belgium and is considered the most direct descendant of the medieval “Great Horse.”
- The Friesian draft horse, from the Netherlands, is recognized for its agility.
- The versatile Percheron draft breed originated in western France.
Sunny, however, belongs to a rare and uniquely American breed.
An American Legacy
Sunny is an American Cream Draft Horse, the only draft horse breed developed in the United States. Originating in Iowa in the early 20th century, all American Creams trace their lineage back to Old Granny, a blend of Belgian and Percheron ancestry, inheriting both breeds’ strength and versatility.
American Cream Draft Horses are set apart from the rest of the equine world by their stunning cream coat, pink skin, and amber eyes. Typically, these horses are 15-16.3 hands high and weigh between 1,600 and 2,000 pounds. They are known for their willingness to work and their kind personalities.
Before big machinery made its impact on the agriculture industry, these horses helped build America by performing tasks ranging from plowing fields to competitive driving—a sport that tested both the driver and the horse while pulling a wagon through a series of obstacles.
Settling Into a New Home
Upon arriving, Sunny went straight into a two-week quarantine, a standard practice for any new horse coming to KB HORSES. The quarantine period allows horses the chance to adjust to their new environment without the added stress of interacting with the rest of the herd.
While the quarantine period gives staff and veterinarians a chance to watch for signs of disease or injury, Bren also uses this time to earn each animal’s trust. The process typically involves a lot of patience. Bren takes a book and chair into the middle of the horse corral and will quietly read until the horse chooses to come to her.
Through this experience, the staff learns a lot about each horse. Sunny was extremely sensitive when she first arrived but was quick to trust. Any information the staff learns about a horse’s personality will be crafted into an effective personalized training plan.
The Draft Horse in Modern Society
Even in a modern world dominated by machinery, draft horses hold significant relevance. Draft horses play a vital role in educational programs, teaching both children and adults about responsible horsemanship, animal care, and the history of farming.
The American Cream’s calm and friendly nature also makes them ideal companions for therapeutic riding programs, where they can provide comfort and support to individuals with special needs. These versatile creatures are also making a return to the field as many farms embrace the draft horses’ power to reduce fossil fuel reliance, increasing eco-friendly farming.
Sunny embodies KB HORSES’ love of all equine breeds and will participate in several activities around the ranch, including engaging and educating guests about this majestic breed. Watch for more updates on Sunny’s life at KB HORSES.
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