Introducing The Handi-Rider Horses
Horses used in Therapeutic Riding Programs are very special. Our horses at Handi-Riders are the true heroes of the program. They are the foundation of our "Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program." These special horses are the very reason we are able to offer a safe and educational program. Handi-Riders maintains a herd of 8 to 10 horses. Our horses are mature mounts who bring their worldly experience to the programs. They are calm and willing to accept the teaching aids needed for challenged riders.
Listed below are some of our current horses. Click on the picture to open a new browser window with a larger view. We have provide a head view and where possible, a full body view of our horses.
Patriot
Patriot has been with us since January 2009. He is a beautiful bay Mustang with narrow shoulders for those tight legged riders. Patriot has been a lesson horse for many years so is patient and tolerant of our new or nervous riders. His slow and steady trot and canter is also perfect for our more advanced riders ready to move on to the faster gaits. Patriot especially likes to take a break from the arena and take his riders for trail rides through our orchard and around the pond.
Penny
Penny is truly the color of a brilliant copper penny. This pretty 14 hh quarter horse mare was donated to Handi-riders by Tanis Larsen in 2005. Penny was a trail horse for many years but adapted to arena “work and play” easily. Penny has a kind and tolerant nature and a steady walk and trot. Her favorite pastime is having dedicated volunteers stretch out her tail.
Jenna
Jenna came to Handi-Riders in 2005 after weaning her first foal. She is a stunning buckskin half-draft /quarter horse and stands 15.2 hands high. She is a calm and patient gentle giant, and takes her bigger riders willingly. Jenna is well liked among the more advanced riders also and really loves her grooming time. Thanks to Becky Gill we have this wonderful, kind mare.
Pepe
Thanks to a generous donation from the Carter family, Handi-Riders was able to purchase this lovable sorrel pony. Pepe takes our newest nervous young riders and patiently waits for them to enjoy his springy walk. In his previous years Pepe took many a young rider to Gymkhana events. After coming to Handi-Riders, Pepe needed to learn the slower pace of therapy riding around poles and barrels. Pepe is well loved by both riders and volunteers.
Peanut
Peanut is a light buckskin mustang leased from Becky Gill. He comes to us seasonally for Hand-Riders sessions. Peanut is a cool, calm, collected gelding standing 14.2 hh high. He is always ready and willing to take on any rider, novice or independent. Being a surefooted mount, Peanut is an excellent trail horse and eager to show his student a safe ride.
Moonbeam
Moonbeam, aka Beamer, is Shake’s older but smaller sister. Extraordinarily gaited, she is as classy a ride as her name would suggest. Her fox trot is quick and true, offering a smooth ride for the more physically compromised students. At 13.2 hh, Beamer is the perfect ground-work horse for the timid riders. Handi-Riders thanks Danny Cuneo for sharing her gentle, loving mare.