Therapy Horses
Without our horses, there would be no program. Therapy horses are the real therapists when working with special riders. We choose very special horses for Strides. The horses have to have empathy for the rider, not spook easily (or preferably, at all), be sound (without lameness) and healthy, and not be too young or too old. They need to be trained in both English and Western riding. Our horses are a variety of shapes and sizes. Some hit the ground hard, and some are smooth as glass. This is necessary because some riders need a smooth horse, a wide horse, a rough gaited horse, a narrow horse, or a combination of these.
Our horses receive very special care. They regularly have visits from a chiropractor, a Healing Touch/Reiki specialist, an equine dentist, and of course, the vet and farrier. Many of these wonderful specialists donate their services or give us reduced rates. We have special boots made for the horses that have problem feet. We do regular training with the horses and they get plenty of fresh air and turnout time, as well as time off along with us humans. Our riders and volunteers shower them with love and carrots and apples. We supplement their feed as needed, and we listen to our horses when they tell us what they need and want. Most of our horses are ridden without bits, just in a halter with the reins attached. We do not use whips or spurs.
If you are interested in donating your horse to our program, please click on Donating a Horse on the navigation bar to the left.
Chiquita
It all started with Chiquita. She was our first horse when Strides opened in 2000. Chiquita is a grey registered Quarter Horse mare. She is an outstanding teacher and therapist. Chiquita will take care of her rider when the rider starts out, and then, when she decides the rider is ready, she will refuse to do anything unless asked correctly. We refer to this change is attitude as "graduation". Chiquita knows when it is time to ask the rider to do more. Most riders begin their riding experience at Strides by watching Chiquita perform her "tricks" (shaking hands, bowing, kneeling, and giving kisses), and she is the first horse that many of our riders start with.
Bubba
Bubba is a rescued, formerly abused horse. He is a bay Arabian gelding. Although he is old, like all Arabians, he thinks he is still 5 years old. Bubba is more of a challenge to our riders because of this attitude. He is so well trained that you only need to think where you want to go and he will take you there. We have worked with abused teens, and Bubba has a special empathy for these people. He is a favorite of many of our riders, and some of our riders start calling "Bubba" before they even reach the mounting ramp.
Cupcake is a bay Quarter Horse Pony. She is not very fond of sidewalkers, so we mostly have more advanced riders on her. Many of our small riders canter and even jump, and she is a perfect match for them. She also has tremendous patience with nervous riders and does a great job in building up their self-confidence.
This beautiful horse is a Polish Arabian gelding. He is a rich chestnut color. Monopoly likes to jump, and is a good horse for our more advanced riders, although begining riders go on him as well. He has a background in both English and Western riding, so he's a great all-around horse.
Padu is a bay thoroughbred gelding. He played polo before he came to us, and had only two gaits when he arrived: fast and faster. He quickly learned to respond to his rider's cues and to do dressage. He has gone to many horse shows with us, and his riders always do well with him. He's a great all-around horse, despite being large, and has a great desire to take care of his riders.
There will be more photos and descriptions to come. Just hold your horses....