Sugaree Ranch of Horsemanship
Barn Buzz
History behind the Name:
The Sugaree Indians were a small tribe that lived near the Waxhaw Indians in north and
South Carolina. The Tribe was likely named because of their use of sugar creek as a main
source of water. They were greatly reduced by the Yamasee war of 1715, and then later
merged in with the more well-known Catawba Indians.
A little history about Zoe Sandall?
Zoë Sandall began her equestrian experience in South Florida at the age of 8. Like most
young girls, she was completely enamored with horses and began taking English riding
lessons at a local barn. In 2007, she and her family relocated to Waxhaw, where her dream
of owning her own horse finally became a reality. Although her first horse was not what she
had envisioned, she soon found herself working with several local trainers and horsemen,
learning about the self-preservation instinct within a horse. Ultimately, Zoe found her life
partner, Kid, a Quarter horse that stole her heart. She and Kid have shown both English and
Western, Dressage, worked cows and studied Natural Horsemanship for several years. In
2011, she was fortunate to meet Dave Seay and enter his Apprentice Training Program for
two and a half years, learning to do ranch work, start colts, and help troubled horses.
A little history about Will Kupec?
Will Kupec began riding at Misty Meadows in Weddington, NC at the age of 8. While
participating in their lesson program, Will discovered a passion for working with children
and horses which led to his becoming a long-time volunteer for Misty Meadow's Mitey
Riders Therapeutic Riding Program. He later became the barn's caretaker which included
daily care of the horses and tack. In 2010, Will decided to pursue an opportunity out west
working on a horse ranch. Ultimately, Will returned to Waxhaw to work directly with Dave
Seay, an experienced and nationally well-known horseman. Impressed with Dave’s
knowledge of horses and the seamless way he worked with his horse, Will knew he’d found
his calling.
What makes Waxhaw an ideal location for your barn and training operation?
We feel that Waxhaw is an amazing community of horse people. So many inspired young
riders along, with those that have been involved in the equestrian world for years, so much
talent and variety of disciplines reside in Waxhaw. We feel we can bring a higher level of
horsemanship, and remind people why they love horses again. We hope to help people
communicate with their horses, be partners, find a way to enjoy their jobs (in any
discipline) and face fears in the saddle or on the ground. Sugaree will continue to grow
along with our community to include more top level clinicians, bringing the highest level of
horsemanship possible to our ranch. As we continue to grow and learn, we hope Waxhaw
will too!
If you could offer one piece of advice to a young rider, what would it be?
Learn everything you can! Nobody is ever done learning, so try anything that interests you,
have fun and keep your horses in mind.
What are some ideal traits you look for in your horses?
Obviously conformation is important when searching for a horse for a specific job. But the
thing I look for most is a horse with some heart. Here are some thoughts from Monte Baker
that express our opinion well.
“I talked to a friend just the other day who’s got lots of opinions and plenty to say. We
discussed what we both like to see in a horse his requirements and mine were different of
course? He likes a clean throatlatch and a long skinny neck, and prefers that their hocks are
set close to the deck. Short backs and hard feet and clean slopin’ shoulder, and a gaskin that
looks like it swallered a boulder. He likes a short face and a big ol’ soft eye, and says these
are the horses he’s likely to buy. And when he’d completed his lengthy discourse, on all of
the attributes of the quality horse, he asked my opinion, and where do I start?
And I said that I … just want horses with heart. I said I want heart above all the other. I
don’t care if he’s Smart Little Lena’s full brother. Or just how much money that his
grandmother won, or whether he’s roan, palomino or dun. But give me a horse with some
grit and some try, and some heart and some guts and that’s one that I’ll buy. And I’ve found
it’s the same with a woman or man … the good ones won’t quit you when the s**t hits the
fan …”
What makes Sugaree horses special?
Every horse is special, in their own way. We just recognize their unique differences and use
that in our advantage.
How do you start working with a young or unbroken horse?
There is plenty of work that can be done with young horses to help their development,
while still respecting their physical and mental immaturity. Patience is key when working
with young colts. Time spent with green horses is to build confidence and trust in humans.
Early ground work to create a soft feel between you and your colt, leaves less room for
stiffness and bracing in the future. Ponying on trails and through creeks, roping and riding
all gives them the opportunity for exploration, growth and confidence under saddle. We
keep the sessions positive and interesting to start a willing bond between horse and
human. Success is defined by the outcome of a confident, willing horse with a great
foundation for the future.