our horses
Our horses understand the importance of their jobs. Not all horses have the mindset for this difficult work. We select our horses using an extensive evaluation process to determine who has the necessary temperament and skills.
Our horse evaluation includes: paces of gaits as well as performance in areas such as quick unexpected dismounts, sensitivity to sound, motion and touch. In addition to the standard walk/trot horses, flat-shod Tennessee Walking Horses are also used because of their special gait. Like any other working horse, we give them needed diversions and R&R time to keep them happy and challenged.
Ellie May
BREED: Bay Paint Mare
JOB: Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy
LIKES: Tail scratches, treats and trail rides
DISLIKES: The girth
STRENGTHS: Ellie May is happy to stand forever patient for mounts and dismounts and also enjoys active trotting for added engagement of the rider. She is a fantastic teacher and the first choice for volunteer training. She will always notify the instructor if a rider isn’t centered correctly.
Mojo
BREED: Bay Quarter Horse Gelding
JOB: Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy
LIKES: Brushing, carrots and anything done at a slow walk
DISLIKES: Apples and being asked to move fast
STRENGTHS: Mojo is super sweet and calm which makes him the perfect horse to build a rider’s confidence. He will happily stand all day for brushing, is a perfect model to demonstrate wrapping and braiding and will let kids climb all over him. Looking for a nice, slow, steady trot? Then look no further than Mr. “Slow” MoJo!
Shiloh
BREED: Spotted Tennessee Walking Horse Mare
JOB: Adaptive Driving, Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy
LIKES: Driving, trail riding and neck scratches
DISLIKES: Biting bugs!
STRENGTHS: Shiloh is a sweetheart to work with, easygoing and able to learn new things quickly. As a “gated horse,” she has a smooth stride that is easier for some riders to sit to. She is also willing and able to step up the tempo a bit for those who like a bit of speed with a nice running walk.
Ladyhawk
BREED: Paint Quarter Horse Mare
JOB: Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy
LIKES: Her bestie Bonnie, spa days, carrots and walking around with her riders
DISLIKES: Apples and her ears being brushed
STRENGTHS: Ladyhawk will stand all day for loving and attention. She also has an amazing walk-to-canter transition for advanced riders. She is calm and cool under saddle and is perfect for smaller riders. She is honest and teaches each rider how to correctly use their seat and leg in transitions.
Max
BREED: Bay Quarter Horse Gelding
JOB: Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy
LIKES: Trail rides, snacks and western riding
DISLIKES: Ground pole work
STRENGTHS: : Max is larger than most of our horses and can support larger adult riders, especially ones who need a bit more confidence. He is amazing on trail rides, can go English or Western style and his trot is nice and slow which makes it very comfortable to sit or post to.