About Us

For almost three decades, Sunnyside Farms has been breeding Fjords destined to help less privileged youth who are faced with special needs. Primarily, we strive to assist those suffering from educational hurdles, traumatic experiences and social challenges. We bring peace to those who struggle by breeding and sharing Fjord horses suitable for development, learning and growth. With the help of our horses, we foster physical and educational opportunities for early childhood learners while bestowing a sense of responsibility and empowerment to developing youth.

Our focus includes generating grey Fjord Horses because this recessive color is said to be paired with a gentle disposition. There once was an old Norwegian adage, “if you want a ‘reliably good’ horse, look for a grey.”  

In 2016, only 45 new foals were born and registered within the US Registry (NFHR).     By this, we are faced with an obvious dilemma.
One of our goals is to preserve, protect and promote the Norwegian Fjord ensuring its future through therapeutic use.  As our mission states:  We provide life-changing education and therapy in association with the Norwegian Fjord Horse.

Sunnyside’s founder, Wendy Bauwens, offers her farm, facilities and life’s work consisting of full time breeding, foaling, raising, training and using Fjord Horses for therapeutic purposes. Supporting Wendy is a talented and dedicated Board of Directors and we are mentored by a regional Advisory Board who share a wealth of working experience and expertise. On the farm, we are assisted by a farm manager, interns and tireless volunteers.

The soul of the program, however, is a team of amazing Norwegian Fjord Horses. In 2022, Sunnyside Farms had the fortunate opportunity to partner with Jenny Barnes of Footnote Farms in the ownership of the stunning elite red dun Fjord stallion Njord Halsnæs  from Germany.  We look forward to welcoming his foals into the world each year.  

We imported our junior star, Brigg, as a weanling from Anita Sæthre in Norway of 2016.  Team Brigg gave him the constant handling and training needed to make him a solid citizen while riding, driving and breeding.  Each year, Brigg continues to produce some of North America’s finest foals.  While his progeny hit the ground, Brigg continues to hit show rings across the country, making us more proud by the moment.  Both Njord and Brigg represent the foundation of our program in their temperament, balance, conformation, quality and breed type.  

In 2024, Sunnyside Farms had the unique fortune and wonderful opportunity to import yet another fantastic stallion from Aneta and Gjert Altmeier in Germany.  We’re truly looking forward to further diversify our genetic pool and are so excited to see Riano mature into his full potential.

By way of our three imported stallions and stunning mares, Sunnyside Farms continues to garner respect through its lovely foals born each year.  At Sunnyside, the horses ARE the program.  Our contribution to Fjord genetics, quality of conformation, movement, temperament and breed type is, without a doubt, one of the best.

Sunnyside Farms is a small Norwegian Fjord breeding program devoted to securing the future of this great horse and all those who benefit from their impact. In November of 2016, Sunnyside was granted a 501(c)3 status. We hope that our mission and this status will give donors the incentive to make sizable contributions to our cause. May the Fjord horses capture your heart, as they have ours! 

With your help, the horses can continue to provide the opportunities that the children in our community deserve. Throughout any given year, the horses of Sunnyside Farms contribute to the aesthetics and cultural enjoyment at various community events and activities. Whether it be conducting kids’ camps, participating in parades, celebrating historic events, making an appearance at special events, or giving wagon rides at a farmers market, Sunnyside Farms continually provides its neighbors and community members with a more rich and enjoyable life experience. Primarily, we strive to help those in need and bring peace to those who struggle by breeding horses suitable for therapeutic purposes.

The power of the Fjord horse can deeply move the soul of a human.