2024 Platinum Performance
Horse Welfare Awards




Nickname:
Birth Year: 2004. Gender: Gelding . Breed: Other .
Affiliated with HETRA - Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy


Leroy’s big beautiful blue eyes have greeted all who enter the HETRA barn for the last 7 years. He came to us as a quiet and confident horse and was easily integrated into our programming. Today, Leroy is one of our busiest horses in the HETRA herd. His valuable and versatile skill set allows him to participate in nearly every part of HETRA programming. Leroy’s gentle nature makes him a great partner for our Therapy Services program, helping some of our most fragile riders build strength and stability. Because of his large, draft-sized frame, he is a stable, supportive partner for many of our adult-sized participants and those that may need extra support. He is trained to perform wheelchair lift mounts, standing firm and steady while participants are lifted from their wheelchair and onto the back of him. Leroy is also known for his reliable demeanor in our Adaptive Riding Program. Our Instructors trust Leroy to take care of their participants as they hand the reins over. Many participants have gained confidence in both themselves and their riding skills on Leroy’s back.

Horses, like Leroy, are often in their second or third career when they come to HETRA. Platinum Performance products can help our horses continue being active and engaged into their advanced age. The work we do would not be possible without the partnership of our wonderful, reliable, horses. Optimal nutrition and supplementation are key factors in keeping our horses happy and comfortable in their work at HETRA.

Julie Lagemann became a volunteer at HETRA in 2014 and has been especially impacted by the work of HETRA horses, and specifically Leroy’s presence. Here are her words:

“I have witnessed so many miracles since becoming a volunteer. Many people with traumatic brain injury and strokes have regained strength and balance while on the horse and progress to walking. I have seen young children who are afraid of the horse when they first start eventually ride and said their first words to the horse. I’ve seen teenagers and Veterans learn to have the confidence and horse skills so they can lead a horse through a trail course. I’ve seen agitated autistic children become calm and able to complete tasks while on the horse. Each experience has been a blessing, and I’m so proud to be a part of their journey.”

“When they [HETRA] found themselves in need of a draft-cross horse, I wanted to help. It took about six months to find an appropriate horse, but we eventually brought Leroy home to HETRA in May of 2015. He’s a beautiful blue-eyes Belgian/Haflinger cross, and he’s such a gentle and calm horse who is perfect for HETRA’s riders. Leroy has really grown into his job, and honest, I believe he loves it! He’s always relaxed and confident in the arena during sessions. My husband would tell you Leroy is ‘priceless’ because, along with HETRA, I have become a better and happier person. I am so proud of everything Leroy does for this organization along with all the other hard-working horses in the HETRA herd.”

Relationship of Nominator to Nominee
I came to know this horse as a staff member at HETRA. I joined the Development Team at HETRA three years ago, but have gotten to know him much better as I became a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor this past year.

However, the quote below comes from a valuable member of the HETRA volunteer team, Julie Lagemann. Since 2014, Julie has passed through every level of volunteer training available at HETRA and can be found in the barn at any hour of the day or night feeding horses, leading horses in sessions or conditioning horses in our exercise program. She spends a great deal of time getting to know our participants and our horses, like Leroy. -- Lucia Charvat


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