Introducing The Handi-Riders 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 provided a head view and where possible, a full body view of our horses.
Honey
Honey-
Our sweet Norwegian Fjord mare was generously donated to Handi-Riders
in January 2011 by the White family of Magalia, CA. Her background is
both in arena and trail work. Honey is a people loving, affectionate mare
who has quickly become a favorite amongst the riders, volunteers and instructors.
She is willing, kind, and honest - the perfect qualities of an EAA partner.
Because Honey is a quick learner and so willing, we have started her driving
in the Hippotherapy Pilot program run by Catherine Brazil, one of our
PATH Registered instructors and a licensed Occupational Therapist. Honey
enjoys all aspects of her work here and we look forward to her being with
us for a long time.
Magic
Magic-In
February of 2011, a local horseman decided this magnificent, black, lonely
quarter horse needed a job with children. So he bought Magic and brought
him to us. Magic's history is a mystery, but what we do know is he is
a gentleman with wonderful ground manners. Magic is 14.3 hh with a strong
sturdy back. He willingly carries our heavier, less able bodied riders
as well as more independent students. Magic loves his new job and pasture
mates. We are thankful to Buck Bernou for giving Magic a chance to share
his kindness and love of children.
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 generously donated by Becky Gill. 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 an extraordinarily gaited Fox Trotter who is as classy as her name might 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.
R-C
R-C came to us courtesy of Steve Roche, after years of being a lesson horse. This small but flashy Tobiano mare diversifies the colors of the herd and is known for her lively step both in the arena and on trail. R-C has a soft but alert eye and patient nature and willingly takes a variety of riders.