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.
Bandit
BREED: Tennessee Walking Horse Gelding
JOB: Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy
LIKES: Taking it slow, being with his bestie Rock
DISLIKES: Having sunscreen put on his nose
STRENGTHS: Bandit is a teddy bear in a horse’s body. He is gentle and calm, preferring to take it slow if possible. For this reason, Bandit is a great horse to start on for first-time or nervous riders. He is very forgiving, and tolerant of the “props” that we sometimes use during our lessons.
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.
Rock
BREED: Tennessee Walking Horse Gelding
JOB: Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy
LIKES: Treats, getting groomed, love and attention
DISLIKES: Flies
STRENGTHS: Rock is a big boy who loves being brushed and pampered. He stands like well…a rock in the cross ties for grooming. He is kind and does his best to please.
Big Red
BREED: Quarter Horse Draft Cross Gelding
JOB: Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy
LIKES: Massages and bodywork!
DISLIKES: Apples
STRENGTHS: “Red” is a sweet and gentle soul who came to us with a few health issues that are being tended to and are resolving. We hope that he will soon be active in the program. We are finding he will shine as a mental health helper horse, as well as for the mounted program.