The foundation of a great Adaptive Riding Program is four-fold: fantastic instructors, incredible volunteers, outstanding participants, and of course the amazing equine partners with which we work so closely to provide quality Equine Assisted Activities.
Our Team of Horses (And a Mammoth Donkey):
Our Team of Horses (And a Mammoth Donkey):
Prince- Haflinger Gelding
Prince is a playful, mischievous draft pony who excels in teaching confidence and assertiveness. He is well loved for his teddy bear-like appearance and his mellow personality. Prince not only rides, he used to be a cart pony and enjoys teaching students ground driving.
Chester- Quarter Horse/Draft Gelding
Chester is a sweet, kind, and mellow gelding who is a favorite around the farm. He enjoys working with beginner riders up to advanced, and although he doesn't always show it, if asked, he has some pretty cool moves! His steady personality helps riders learn confidence and helps instil a sense of calm in everyone he meets.
Rupert The Sage- Thoroughbred Gelding
Rupert might be a spunky guy sometimes, but he always takes care of his rider! Rupert came from a neglect situation where the herd was being dispersed to local meat buyers. Instructor Rachel took him in and found that he really loves teaching kids to ride at the walk and trot. His sensitive demeanor helps him bond closely with his riders and give them instant biofeedback about their energy level.
Lass (FabulASS Farina)- American Mammoth Jackstock Donkey Jennet
Lass has been working in Adaptive Riding Programs for many years now, but got her start by being a trail donkey, pack donkey, show donkey, and parade donkey. She is mostly unflappable, sweeter than pie, and loves her long ears rubbed. In fact, she pretty much just wants ALL the attention. Lass is known for her loud voice, quiet and sweet disposition that is perfect for beginners, and her tendency to be a beaver...she LOVES to eat wood! Lass is one of the rarest breeds of donkey in the world, and even rarer, she works in the Adaptive field! She is just one of a few mammoths working in PATH programs worldwide.
Ladybug- Appendix Mare
Ladybug is a kind and sensitive Appendix mare. An Appendix is a cross between a Thoroughbred and a Quarter Horse. Ladybug is well known for being very sweet and standing very still for grooming (she loves belly rubs), walking carefully and slowly for beginner riders, and even giving "kisses" (licks) to her favorite participants once she's bonded with them. She is fantastic with timid or nervous riders, and has very smooth gaits.
Chip- Quarter Horse Gelding
Chip is an athletic and well-trained Quarter Horse Gelding. He is sweet and enjoys following participants around, even without a halter on. He enjoys both beginner and more advanced riders, and will be whatever energy his rider needs and asks for. Chip is a Western Pleasure bred horse and has smooth gaits and a mellow disposition.
Cooper- Quarter Horse Gelding
Cooper is a tall ex-jumper and lesson horse who joined the program and has excelled in teaching riders assertiveness, lightness in aids, and posting trot. He is a grey and is well known for rolling in the mud right before class in order to get a good grooming from his riders. Cooper might move carefully with novices, but is definitely willing to step it up for our advanced riders as well. In addition to being a lesson horse in a jumping program in his past, he also worked cattle and has been ridden extensively Western.
Pecos (One Pecos Bill)- Quarter Horse Gelding
Pecos joined the program as a step-up horse for our riders who need a more sensitive horse to provide more challenges and teach them more lateral work and work at the canter. He mostly works with our more advanced riders and helps them improve their finesse and communication, as well as confidence. Although he is calm and unflappable, he likes to "test" riders and provides a great opportunity to expand skills. Pecos is extremely sweet and enjoys grooming and connecting with his riders.
