
Pam Cronkhite
Owner & Instructor | CHA Certified
Pam founded Son Rise Ranch with a mission to reach at-risk youth through horsemanship. A former sheriff and state humane officer in California, she saw firsthand how horses could build confidence, responsibility, and purpose—especially in kids who needed it most. What started as a passion quickly grew as friends and community members asked to join her programs.
Pam continues to work closely with families, lawyers, and probation officers to offer a positive path forward through horsemanship. Her hands-on approach and deep care for her students have helped countless riders—young and old—discover connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging in the saddle.
Our Horses
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Cherokee
Also known as "Chero", Cherokee is a friendly horse with a "puppy dog" personality. He loves to eat, and hang out with his other horse friends. He was a wild mustang for the first 10 years of his life, but he is a beloved lesson horse now. His birthday is May 23. Cherokee's barn color is orange.
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Rose
Rose is a little mare with a big personality! She is known as Grandma because she can be a cranky old lady. She loves to be with her buddies, especially Cherokee. She is a fantastic teacher and enjoys doing liberty work with her leaser. Her favorite snack is peppermint, and her barn color is pink. Her birthday April 4.
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R.C.
R.C. is a stubborn, in your pocket horse whose nickname is "Child", because sometimes he acts like one! He puts everything into his mouth and loves to get in your face, lick your hands, and can be very opinionated. When he is having a good day, however, he can be a total gentleman. He is a fun, curious, if sometimes challenging horse. His barn color is yellow, and his gotcha date is June 29.
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Casanova
Casanova is R.C.'s best buddy. He is sometimes called "Cas", as that is a short version of his name. He is not a brave horse, but he is sweet and spirited. He enjoys drill team and in-hand, and is quite photogenic. His barn color is gold, and his gotcha date is June 29.
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Niko
Niko is a fun, energetic little horse. He is curious about everything! He really likes to run. Niko's birthday is June 7 and his barn color is dark red.
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Wrangler
Wrangler is a beloved member of the family. He loves to lick his favorite people and nap in his stall. He has a sleepy and loving personality, and likes to go slow. He is a smaller horse who is amazing and gentle with beginning riders. His barn color is blue, and his birthday is June 4.
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Cochise
Cochise (not Goat Cheese) is a friendly horse who is loyal and forgiving once he makes friends with you. He does not like to be fly sprayed and makes faces, but he does like the rustle of plastic bags, as he thinks they all contain food. Sometimes he plays "hard to get" in the pasture! He enjoys drill team, jumping, cantering, and having fun with his horse and human friends in showdeo and on trail rides. His birthday is July 15, and his barn color is light green.
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Jethro
Jethro is part Belgian, and currently the only draft horse at Son Rise. His nickname is "Bud" since he is everyone's friend. He is always hungry, and loves to run. He doesn't seem to know that he's a big guy. He is the horse used for vaulting, doing acrobatics on his broad back. Everyone is drawn to this handsome, gentle giant. His gotcha date is October 26