Apollo is a 26 year old Registered American Quarter Horse chestnut gelding who has devoted over half of his life in equine therapeutic services for veterans and handicapped individuals. Upon retirement from these services, Apollo ended up in the hands of someone who could not properly care for him and he developed COPD and was severely underweight. Freedom Hill Horse Rescue was called in to assist Animal Control on the seizure of 5 horses which Apollo was included. When he came to Freedom Hill Horse Rescue, he needed immediate medical care as he was struggling just to breathe. FHHR was able to get the necessary medicine and the weight gain for him and he is currently doing well. He still continues to serve as an Equine Ambassador to veterans, handicapped individuals as well as youth groups and families in our community to educate the public about horses and horse rescue/sanctuary organizations. After all the years of his service to people, we feel he is the perfect equine to become an Equine Ambassador. Learn more about Freedom Hill Horse Rescue, Inc. here .

Bear is one of the most popular and reliable horses in the Special Equestrians herd. Registered as Wagontrain MHH, this special Haflinger was inducted into Equus Foundation’s Horse Stars Hall of Fame in early 2024. For more than two decades, Bear has played a critical role in every program Special Equestrians offers. From beginner to advanced lessons to hippotherapy sessions and community outreach, he has touched the lives of thousands of individuals with cerebral palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, brain injury, PTSD and more, all with his ears pricked forward hoping for a treat. As our evaluation horse, Bear has seen nearly all the riders in our mounted therapeutic riding programs during his time at Special Equestrians. He is consistently dependable, doing his work with a sense of purpose and pride. Bear is extremely conscious of the rider he is carrying. For our most fragile riders, instructors and therapists trust him to walk slowly and quietly, especially from the mounting ramp. Bear also participates in our on- and off-site group programs and has worked with 25 community partners over the years, including area schools and nursing homes. Even as a senior, he remains active and engaged with all who cross his path. All told, this dependable workhorse has participated in over 10,000 lessons! Learn more about Special Equestrians here .

On 7/6/2015 we welcomed "Bud" into our sanctuary. Bud is a beautiful Draft/Cross that came from a very sad situation. One of the local barns had lost 21 of the 23 horses boarded there due to tainted grain. The bags came from the mill, but USDA testing found there was "ionophore-toxicity-monensin" in the horse feed. It is used as an antibiotic in cattle feed, but it is toxic/deadly for horses. At that time we got a call from the woman that owned Bud, and she asked us to take Bud because she couldn't afford to keep him after paying all of the Vet bills to try and save him. We spoke to our Vet who had been caring for the affected horses and he felt Bud had a chance. He was a bigger horse and he felt he may not have gotten as much of the tainted grain. However, Buds heart was weak from the toxins, and he would never be able to be ridden again. He had also developed a blind eye, however it did not hinder him in any way. When Bud first came he was not interested in anything, not people or feed. He had lost a lot of weight before he came to us but we knew that with a little time, we would be able to fix that. Here we are nine years later, he is 22 years old, and he runs the place. He loves little kids to older folks. He is truly a gentle giant. He likes to hang out where the people are, partly because he can scope out the snacks, but also because he loves all the attention he gets. He will gladly walk around with you, he has a kind, gentle spirit that wins the hearts of everyone. He is lovingly called "Hoover" because he tries to suck up all the treats he can. His health is good, he looks great, and most importantly he feels great. He is a wonderful ambassador because he is the perfect example of horses living in sanctuary that can't be ridden. Learn more about Florida Research Institute for Equine Nurturing, Development & Safety, Inc. aka F.R.I.E.N.D.S., Inc. here .

Bud is a 24-year-old Draft Cross and has been a cherished member of the HorseSense herd since 2009, making him our longest-serving equine partner. With his gentle demeanor, patience, love of attention, and signature goofy personality, Bud has earned a special place in the hearts of participants and volunteers alike. He serves as our primary horse for adaptive riding and veteran lessons, consistently offering a safe, steady presence to riders of all backgrounds and ability levels. Whether he’s helping a young rider gain confidence or independent riding skills, or supporting a veteran working through trauma, Bud as an equine partner intuitively meets each individual where they are—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Bud represents HorseSense as an organization: compassionate, dependable, and deeply connected to the people he serves. His unwavering commitment to healing through horse-human connection makes him the ideal Equine Ambassador for our program! Learn more about HorseSense here .

Carrot is a true ambassador for equine-assisted services. A 21 year old Haflinger, Carrot has worked in two different EAS programs--one in Vermont and most recently in Maine at Riding To The Top. He is a solid all around citizen--steady in the ring and on the trails with a people personality. He works in all aspects of our programs including ground/grooming lessons, mounted work and carriage driving. He has been at RTT less than a year, but has quickly become everyone's favorite and a true Equine Ambassador not only for RTT, but for the EAS industry. Learn more about Riding To The Top Therapeutic Riding Center here .

Chance is a 23 year old chestnut Belgian Warmblood gelding who was imported from Europe at age 6 to compete as an “A” show hunter, including with former U.S. Olympic show jumper Reed Kessler. He joined the Bridle Paths team in 2014 following his transatlantic journey and a long and varied show career. Chance is an essential part of our adaptive riding, equine-facilitated learning, and equine-assisted psychotherapy work. Every day, he helps participants to take meaningful steps toward growth, learning, and healing, and to build authentic connections, in partnership with horses. He teaches all of us – staff, volunteers, and participants alike – how to conduct ourselves with dignity, grace, humor, and gusto. During his nearly ten years at Bridle Paths, Chance has created deep and lasting bonds with many, many people. He has helped young children with attention challenges and sensory seeking behavior to build focus and empathy, and to move in purposeful and comfortable ways. He has taught riders the finer points of steering, posting, and lateral work. He has shown wounded veterans how to build a life of purpose in the face of obstacles and limitations. For teens with self-harming behaviors, he has normalized difficult feelings and helped teens to build clear communication and enhance authentic connection with family members. He has held space with trauma survivors who are working to regain confidence, clarity, and sense of self in a world that can be violent, demeaning, and overwhelming. Chance is able to adjust his movement and his engagement to meet each participant where he or she is, whether that participant is learning simply to be present and to trust, or is learning more advanced dressage skills. In the words of one participant: “Equine therapy is unlike anything else. It’s about bridging gaps and coming undone before you bridge those gaps, and it is deeply uncomfortable at times. It’s the furthest thing from transactional. I have formed an otherworldly connection with this horse called Chance. I think he’s saved my life." Learn more about Bridle Paths here .

Charlie Has Heart "aka" Charlie came to us a true rescue. His feet were in casts, his coat full of lice, and his teeth in major need of treatment. "Mr. Personality" though he couldn't speak English he did his very best to communicate and we all thought him to be a "Mr. Ed." Two plus years later we are still dealing with the abscess issues created by those casts. Charlie has taught all of us how to be better people. Our behavioral students immediately accepted the challenge of fixing Charlie's attitude and in that quest they began to heal themselves. A former race horse then trained for jumping, Charlie stole all of our hearts by his initial Jekyll Hyde personality. As we work through the laminitis he has found equine "staff" too in the form or our blind horse, Pretty Peppy Star. Learn more about Dream Catcher Stables, Inc here .

Charlie is a sweet, senior draft horse who spent his life working hard. When he arrived, he was in rough shape, but after months of careful adjustments to his diet, he's gained weight and is flourishing. Charlie truly embodies the definition of a gentle giant. His kind nature, love of attention, impeccable manners, and deep appreciation for the care he’s received make him a joy to be around. Learn more about Draft Gratitude here .

DK Miss America is a very special equine Standardbred ambassador at Sunshine Horses. She represents the mild mannerisms of this breed. Dawn was saved from slaughter many years ago, actually pulled off the truck. The woman that saved her was named Dawn, hence the name Sunshine Horses chose for this mare. She had been adopted but then returned through no fault of her own. Because of her kind, patient nature the organization uses her for horse/human bonding with visitors and volunteers. She loves the attention. Recently, Dawn was diagnosed with glaucoma and requires daily medication and an ultraviolet protection mask to prevent further damage. The enclosed photo shows her with her mask as she interacts with one of our younger volunteers. Learn more about Sunshine Horses Inc. here .

Eliza is many things. Patient, kind, assertive, hard working, persistent, and resilient. Much like the many veterans, children and adults with disabilities, at risk youth, and incarcerated women that she works with at Endeavor. Whether you are a new rider cautious about a novel activity, an advanced rider working on trotting skills, or an adult working through your personal challenges on the ground with the horse and a therapist - she is trusted partner. Eliza is one of our more senior equine partners. Prior to coming to the Endeavor Farm, she was a three day event pony and a lesson pony. Always game for a new adventure, Eliza took to her new career at Endeavor with gusto. She also lives her best life with one eye. She has learned to adapt and does not let this challenge keep her from any of her favorite people or activities. She is a role model for the many participants, volunteers, and staff that she works with at the farm. Since her time at Endeavor, she has provided over 500 lessons and equine assisted therapy sessions. All with a loose relaxed lip, perked happy ears, and a swish of her tail to say let's go! Thank you, Eliza, for bringing your wisdom and caring soul to each person you meet. We love you! Learn more about Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc. here .

Morning Glory is the heart and soul of our therapeutic riding program. Her mellow temperament, tolerance for loud noises and erratic behavior, and unflappability make her the perfect horse for our children with special needs. Glory takes care of her young riders day after day, ensuring their safety and enjoyment. Learn more about Horse SenseAbility at Wildstar Farm here .

Jane came to us from a neglect case in South Jersey. Law enforcement reached out and asked for our help with the case. We worked closely with the State Vet and Detectives. Jane is an off the track thoroughbred who was placed improperly by an Aftercare Program when she was injured during training at 3 years old. Her 3rd failed placement was with a man named Rooster Featherston. He also operated a paint ball business from his farm. Rooster neglected over 100 animals on his farm and was charged with felonies as a result. The cows and horses were trapped in barn stalls with manure up to their knees. To this day Jane and her best friend Stevie who also escaped Rooster’s farm cannot step foot inside a barn because of their trauma. To accommodate them all of their medical care, feeding, farrier care and vetting are done in their pasture. This is harder on us but better for them. There is no place for horses like Jane to go besides a safe haven like our sanctuary. She’s young and beautiful but she’s not able to be ridden and therefore has no value. A horse’s body condition is measure on a scale of 1-9. A body score of one is days away from death and a nine is morbidly obese. When we rescued Jane she was a body score of 1. When a horse is this thin and fragile they must be put on a slow re-feeding program to prevent organ failure and death. Because Jane could not be stalled in the barn we had to build a temporary pen and shelter to rehabilitate her and Stevie. Our vet met us at the farm as we pulled in with Jane and immediately warned us that we would likely lose her. Re-feeding is so touch and go and hospitalization was not in her best interest as it’s such a stressful environment. For the first three days Jane was given a handful of hay every two hour and we slowly moved up from there. We follow the UC Davis re-feeding program which strongly advocates for alfalfa hay to replenish electrolytes and gives precise measurements for everything from salt to fat and protein. We gave Jane 6 medicated baths and two doses of ivermectin just to get her lice under control. We micro-dosed iron each day to treat her severe anemia. The moment she was strong enough to stand for sedation we floated her teeth and trimmed her long feet. Rehabilitating her entire body took a full year and to this day she gets foot sore without shoes. She’s also on her 3rd round of treatments for ulcers which costs us $1,500 each time. Janes meticulous rehab cost us over $10,000. She’s safe with us for life which also means our organization covers her daily care for the next 20 years. Her annual cost of basic care is $5,400. Now Jane lives in a herd with Stevie, Glowy, Bucky and her boyfriend Sully. She loves to be brushed and doted on. She’s also a water baby who loves to play and dunk her whole head in the water trough. She’s finally receiving the care she’s always deserved. Learn more about Bluemont Sanctuary here .

Justine, a tall, pretty but not fancy, Off-the-track Thoroughbred mare, deserves some joy and recognition. She has not had much to celebrate in her 20 years. Her registered name, "JCJustanothername", sums up her history. Her barn name, Justine, is much more elegant and fitting. Her racing career was cut short on the track by a flying stone to her eye that blinded it. This kind mare quietly adapted to her disability. She became a reliable lesson horse, safely carrying her riders on trails and in the arena. When her owner died, she was passed on. Someone cared enough for her to contact Begin Again Horse Rescue and we took her in. Justine would love to be someone's focus. This sweet, intermediate level mare is ready for adventures with a new partner. She just needs to be appreciated. Learn more about Begin Again Horse Rescue Inc here .

“McDreamy” Ten years before Mac arrived at Mitchell Farm, his owner bought him straight out of the kill pen at an auction. She was shown a photo of this handsome paint gelding and immediately thought he would make a great “Husband horse”. She was told that he had a small wound on his right front fetlock that was well on the way to healing. So, sight unseen, she had him shipped to the barn where she was boarding her other horse. Mac arrived late in the evening, and it was immediately apparent that he was gravely ill. He had full blown strangles complete with abscessing glands. The vet was called, and they worked all night to stabilize him. Once that crisis was under control, their attention turned to the “small wound” on his right front fetlock. The wound was anything but small and was infected. His poor new owner had several moments of “what should I do?” “is the boarding stable going to kick me out?” how am I going to afford the vet bills going forward?” “is he even rideable?” “what is my Husband going to say?” “should we euthanize him?”. One look in his eyes gave her the courage to persevere. Mac recovered from his battle with strangles. The Boarding facility did not kick her out. She nursed him through 90 days of medical isolation and tended to his wound. He was never rideable. His right front fetlock bears the impressive scar of a horrific injury. The radiographs show the same with added arthritis. His owners, yes, her Husband was “all in”, moved to a small farm and brought home both horses. Mac spent the next 9 years as a much-loved companion. Our hats off to his owners who not only saved this beautiful creature, but also prepared for his safe future at the point where they were not able to physically care for him any longer. Mac is about 23-25 and will have many more happy years retired to the care of loving staff and volunteers at Mitchell Farm. Learn more about Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, Inc. here .

Milo is a 15 yr. old Medicine Hat paint gelding who joined LoveWay in October of 2021. Milo is a true gentleman who understands his assignment when working with children who have disabilities. Milo takes amazing care of his students. If he feels a rider become unbalanced, he will stop to allow them to recenter themselves before continuing on. He is easy for even our most beginner volunteer horse leaders or students to work with on the ground. He is brave and unbothered by things that would startle most horses. In his quiet presence, even the highest energy students instinctively become calmer. During unmounted classes, Milo often starts with a volunteer horse leader walking him around with the student on the other end of the lead rope. Milo is very responsive to the horse leader’s cues and walks quickly to match their confident stride. When it is time to switch places and put the student in the direct leadership position, Milo’s whole demeanor changes. He slows his footsteps down to a crawl to match his student’s slower, less confident stride. He is great for more advanced students to work with because he is responsive to cues and builds their confidence. Overall, he is an amazing lesson horse who is willing and kind to all he meets. Learn more about LoveWay, Inc. here .

Meet Mitch! Mitch is a tried and true therapy horse at CATR, and he enjoys helping both students and volunteers improve their equestrian skills! Mitch has been in the program here at CATR for 20 years. He has certainly touched many people's hearts over his many years here and has contributed so much to get our program where it is today. Mitch is also the PATH Region 3 Horse of the Year! Learn more about Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding, Inc. here .

Moon is a miniature horse that was born in 2010. He is a dark bay with a star that is shaped like a quarter moon, thus his name! We rescued Moon four years ago from a rescue organization. Over time and with training he has settled into his job at the therapeutic center. His work include equine-assisted psychotherapy with trauma victims, hippotherapy, specifically speech and language, and with youth development and seniors with equine-assisted learning where he teaches grooming, including picking his hoofs, haltering and leading. He has his own little shed and paddock area that is centrally located, so he serves as a visitor greeter too! Because we don't ride him he takes staff, visitors and volunteers for long walks on our sensory trail for exercise. As you notice from his photo (with the raspberry beret) he also helps with fundraising at our annual gala through his paintings - acrylic on canvas, where the paintings are auctioned off. Moon is one special equine and we all love him to the moon and back! We are beyond proud to nominate our mini moon as our Equine Ambassador for 2024! Learn more about Shepard Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. here .

Petra came to High Hopes in the winter of 1999 from a local farm here in Connecticut. Petra serves our participants by being one of our most stoic, reliable and tolerant horses. She has a sweet disposition when it comes to her work in class. Petra’s favorite activity is eating. She does not appreciate being taken away from her food under any circumstances! Petra is one of the most unique looking horses in the herd with a dark stripe that runs the length of her body from her ears to her tail! Her mane is “roached” to show off her two-toned coloring. Learn more about High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. here .

Rosie was found tied to a chain link fence on the streets of Philadelphia, and she was without food or water for quite some time. She was nothing but a bag of bones and seemed to have experienced a lot of abuse and pain. This little pony was meant for bigger things. Rosie was meant to teach children that good can come from bad and that anything is possible with a little love and faith. She currently serves in our Equine-Facilitated Learning classes and works with children who have experienced significant trauma and hardship in their lives. Rosie makes a connection with everyone she meets. She has helped young teens struggling with addiction learn how to find a new path to wellness. She has helped grieving mothers find hope. Despite her humble beginnings, without a show record, awards or accolades, Rosie is a star at the Gleneayre Equestrian Program. This little pony, who was afraid, timid, and lost, went on to learn new skills, trust humans, and heal souls. Best expressed by a program participant, "Before I came here, I didn't know anything about horses. Now I know I love them. I know that Rosie loves me. I haven't felt love like that in a long time." Learn more about Gleneayre Equestrian Program here .

Rescued in 2022, Remus came to Horse Haven when his family could no longer care for him and his two pasture mates due to a life change. Severely emaciated upon arrival, he required immediate veterinary care and nourishment. With love and rehabilitation, Remus transformed into a healthy, sweet-natured horse who adores attention. His gentle personality and fondness for kids make him the perfect representative of our mission. Whether meeting the public or attending events, Remus helps spread awareness about equine rescue and the importance of giving horses like him a second chance. Learn more about Horse Haven of Tennessee, Inc here .

Meet Rose, Our Equine Ambassador! At Nature's Edge Therapy Center, we are excited to introduce Rose, our remarkable Paint horse, as the face of our Equus Guardian fundraiser. LPS Classic Rare Rose (Rose) has been with Nature's Edge Therapy Center since she was a year old. She did leave us from 12 years to 18 years to be with a 4H young lady and then came back. Rose embodies everything we strive for in our therapy horses. At 19 years old, she brings years of experience, grace, and an exceptional temperament that makes her a perfect partner for our patients. Rose's size, temperament, and movement are ideal for hippotherapy, providing a safe and effective way for our patients to achieve their therapy goals. Her gentle nature and smooth, rhythmic movements help improve balance, strength, and coordination for individuals with various needs. Your support in the Equus Guardian fundraiser ensures that incredible horses like Rose continue to make a profound impact on the lives of those we serve. Join us in celebrating Rose and helping us provide top-notch equine-assisted therapy to our community. Learn more about Nature's Edge Therapy Center here .

Who is visiting my pasture? Sabu is our ambassador as he is our official greeter for our at-risk youth program, coming over to the gate when the bus from the detention center pulls in the driveway. Sabu helps our inner-city kids feel comfortable around horses, and always gives them the confidence they need to overcome their trauma. As a rescue, Sabu had to overcome starvation and abuse, with his background just as painful as their own. He directly identifies with the teens he works with, and he makes them feel safe, helps them to identify their emotional trauma, develop resilience, and with the help of the staff they find healthy coping strategies in a new and experiential way. Without our official greeter, I do not believe the youth would have such successful outcomes! Learn more about Brook Hill Farm here .

Stevie, a 27-year-old Fjord gelding has been part of our therapeutic riding program since 2010 and is the cornerstone of our equine herd. He has given hundreds of children and adults their first ride, thanks to his calm, gentle nature and ability to sense how people are feeling. On numerous occasions he has stopped and refused to move just before his rider had a seizure and stood like a rock until the event was over. Stevie also will randomly hug people--sensing they need a little extra TLC, he will turn his big head and literally wrap his neck around them! Stevie is one of those horses that will rise up to the level of his rider: walking as if on eggshells for those who are fragile and being a little stubborn for those who think they know everything! Stevie is loved and adored by all who meet him and although he is semi-retired, he is still a student and volunteer favorite. This big lug is a model therapeutic riding horse and he deserves to be part of your team! Learn more about The Shane Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc here .

Walter, known as "The Sweet One" due to his amazing disposition, is a six year-old Standardbred who severed two tendons while racing, and had to be retired. His owner surrendered Walter to the MSSPA. His diagnosis meant Walter would be on stall rest for many months. MSSPA staff has worked with Walter's vet, wrapping his legs, and thinking of creative ways to keep this young boy engaged while standing in his stall. He is GORGEOUS and friendly! and a barn favorite. Walter made progress ahead of schedule, and his healing is coming along beautifully. After very short hand walks, and then longer walks around the farm, Walter was able to be out in a small paddock on his own, and over time, soon moved to a bigger paddock where now he has a paddock-mate named Hercules, a young Gypsy Vanner. The MSSPA is so grateful that Walter joined our herd, and that the Society gets the opportunity to help this boy back to full, good health. Learn more about Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals here .