Our Horses
Our horses are chosen based on their mind, body and spirit.
It takes more than a pretty face and being sound and sensible to join our staff. It takes a special
horse to be willing to partner with their human, whether riding or on the ground, and lead the
journey of connection, relationship and trust. It’s a marvelous journey that creates hope and
healing. We are very blessed by and proud of our equine staff.
It takes more than a pretty face and being sound and sensible to join our staff. It takes a special
horse to be willing to partner with their human, whether riding or on the ground, and lead the
journey of connection, relationship and trust. It’s a marvelous journey that creates hope and
healing. We are very blessed by and proud of our equine staff.
Desired Traits for a Therapy Horse
SOUNDnESS
The reason why therapeutic riding is so effective is because of the natural, rhythmic, and repetitive 3-dimensional movement of the horse . Therapy horses must have sound, clean gaits at the walk, trot, and canter.
NICE TEMPERAMENT
Horses who are naturally kind, calm, and human-oriented are much more likely to give that "little extra something" when it comes to horse therapy. They must have the ability to tolerate attention by many people.
Well Trained
The horse is exposed to all aspects of the therapy and riding classes. They are taught to be led in a manner that encourages the horse to walk beside the leader's shoulder and speed up and slow down in response to the leader's body language and rhythm.
Low Flight Response
A program needs a horse that doesn't spook. The horse is trained to remain calm during loud noises such as music, toys, and enthusiastic riders. All exposure to various circumstances is practiced and tested until the horse accepts the environment with a calm, non-fearful demeanor.
Height of 14 to 16 Hands
The tallest horse is not always the one who can carry the largest rider. A shorter, stockier draft breed who can carry 200+ pounds often makes a better therapy horse than a tall thoroughbred who can't carry as much weight and is harder for riders to reach.
Health