Hugo the Shetland Pony and Horse SenseAbility's founder Polly visit schools and local social service organizations as a registered Pet Partners team. In addition to his special skills for therapy work, Hugo is house-trained (!) so he's able to visit children inside or outside. Interacting with Hugo helps children de-stress and regulate their behavior. In one case, a non-verbal youngster even said the word “horse” after meeting Hugo for the first time!

Trixie is a 22-year-old paint pony. She is the smallest in our herd and she happily carries our smaller, and more compromised fragile riders. She never misses a step and always makes her rider her number one priority. Do not let her 13-hand size fool you, she rules the pasture and all other horses on the farm!

Watson is our 'Gentle Giant'. With his intimidating size, he towers over his clients while at the same time empowering them with confidence and giving them a feeling of safety, patience and compassion.

Jacky (Jacky’s Misty Twist – Reg. AQHA), turning 33 years old in June, has been a huge part of our programs since 2010 when she arrived after working as a brood mare and ranch horse. Although retired now from riding lessons, Jacky continues to help folks with Alzheimer's, shown here, victims of trauma, veterans, special needs individuals or children on the autism spectrum in our unmounted programs. Jacky's wisdom, patience, kindness and generous heart has touched literally hundreds of people over the past decade.

Sok Sok (Soks) is a Multiple Stakes Winning, 17 year old Thoroughbred gelding who won nearly $500k during a very successful and lengthy racing career. Despite achieving great racing success, Soks wound up in the wrong hands where he suffered years of neglect. In 2019, we rescued Soks at an Iowa livestock auction frequented by kill-buyers. He was lame, emaciated, and still a stallion. Following a lengthy period of rehabilitation, castration, socialization, and loads of TLC, Soks now has a well-deserved permanent home with us where he is very much loved and doted upon by all.

Freedom is our 7 year old, 18.2 hand, Clydesdale gelding who is the star of our program. Originally acquired to be part of our veterans program, Freedom brings peace and joy to all our participants.

Venus is a 2019 grade filly and a great ambassador because she shows the power of what we do. Horses that have been abused, abandoned and neglected and are surrendered to us get a new lease on a loving life through great health care, retraining and adoption. The heart-shaped blasé on Venus' face forever tells the story that she is loved, like all the horses that come through our doors. Venus was part of a large neglect case in the summer of 2021 and arrived at the Center pretty emaciated and stunted. Since arriving at the Center, she has put on some much-needed weight and is now looking much healthier. Venus is currently learning all the basics (leading, handling, backing, yielding to pressure, etc.) she also is being taught to drive. She will make someone a lovely partner someday soon! Learn more about Venus here.

Smokey is a great member of our team offering our clients an opportunity to learn from a patient, slow and kind horse. He is an 8 year old Mustang/Quarter Horse cross who teaches confidence in balance, leadership, empathy, and kindness to all who he spends time with - from our four year old clients to our 90 year old dementia clients.

Our one-eyed pony, Chubs, is a favorite. He is quite a character and likes to have a good time! His cheeky personality keeps our riders engaged. Chubs is steadfast and reliable which makes him a critical member of our therapeutic riding program.

In his previous career, therapy horse Bojangles participated in Civil War reenactments. His quiet, stoic demeanor stood him in good stead as artillery fire rang out around him on historic battlefields. Now, Bo assists military veterans with us as they move past the sound of battle in their own minds. For veterans dealing with the everyday challenges of PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, and other service-related conditions, Bo's calm presence provides a chance to heal.

"People Helping Horses Heal People" New resident, Danebury, a 2013 New York State Bred Thoroughbred, offers Dr. Julie Clas some love after meeting for the first time.

Harry has a heart of gold. This 17 year old Haflinger/Gypsy gelding's gentle and sweet nature makes him a pleasure to partner with volunteer Diane during therapeutic riding lessons. Harry's trustworthiness allows riders, like Carrie, who has a visual impairment, to experience joy and a sense of freedom beyond her imagination!

Minnie is an 18-year old Norwegian Fjord who has been with Mane Stream since 2011.

Haven's flashy looks and sweet spirit has provided "Hope on Horseback" for over 5 years.

Blue Moon is a six-year old American Miniature Horse that proudly represents Mini Therapy Horses. Here, Blue Moon is visiting with a patient and his sibling at Shriners For Children Medical Center. Whether she is participating in physical therapy sessions with the kids or comforting patients bedside as they come out of anesthesia, Blue Moon always brings joy, comfort and hope to everyone she meets.

Though Charm came from a long line of proven racehorses, a runner she wasn't so her owners banked on her genes as a brood mare. Bred 18 times in 18 years, her owners planned to euthanize her -- instead -- an opening allowed Charm to live out her life at Mitchell Farm.

Bonita is a sweet, 6 month old filly that came to MVHR after being rescued from severe neglect. Virtually unhandled, but curious about the kind people she has met, and quickly gaining weight and recovering from parasites and malnutrition, MVHR is looking forward to helping Bonita find a life free from the uncertainty that were her first few months.

Ted, short for "Teddy Bear", which this sweet big boy thinks he is, was near starvation when we rescued him. With a special diet and loving care, Ted has regained approximately 700 lbs. and is now a healthy, happy love bug! At 18.2 hands, Ted is the biggest boy in our stables but thinks he's still a cuddly little foal. He would sit on your lap if you let him but we don't advise it!

Simba is a 14 year old Gypsy Vanner who has been with us since 2017. Since joining our team, Simba has been a great partner to work with. He loves his job and enjoys helping with equine-assisted therapy as well as Hippotherapy. Simba quickly became a favorite among all patients, staff, and volunteers with his long flowing mane and his big teddy bear attitude.

Q's first 3 years took him to Kentucky, Puerto Rico, and Florida despite a lackluster racing career. He's getting lots of love and training shown here with junior volunteer, Mallory, and is available for adoption here.

Our sweet Welsh pony, Midnight Blues, AKA Blue, came to us 20 years ago after a show career. Now in his early 30's, Blue is kind-hearted and super fun to groom and ride. He's taught hundreds of our horsemanship and therapeutic students. Fun fact: Blue has ticklish withers.

Named after the U.S.S. Cole, Cole first arrived at New Freedom Farm on Memorial Day of 2021 after being rescued from a cockfighting ring. Although fearful, Cole developed an immediate bond with Sergeant Clint Cash who had served in the Army for 4 years and was struggling since returning from war. Cole went from not being able to be touched to enjoying human interaction. Cole is now a permanent resident. The bond between Cole and Sergeant Cash helped them both heal from their traumatic past.

Sky's the Limit tugged at our heartstrings when he arrived at our rescue ranch in 2017 severely emaciated and in need of intensive, 24-hour medical care. Weighing only 700 pounds and nothing but skin and skeleton, he could barely lift his head because his body was shutting down physically and emotionally. For the first few weeks with us, he was fed around the clock every 2-4 hours and began to show improvement. He started nickering and lifting his head when volunteers fed him. We are proud to say that Sky found the strength to fight and defeat what would have been a tragic fate – thanks to volunteers pouring love into his heart and giving him a reason to live. There simply is no limit to his potential, and we look forward to helping him find his "happily ever after."

Kleng has been a trusted and valued member of the NorthWest Therapeutic Riding Center since 1995. Kleng's personality, his versatility, his delightful attitude and the number of riders he has carried on his back over the years earned him many awards, including 2009 PATH Intl. Equine of the Year, followed by his induction into the Horse Stars Hall of Fame in 2013. Kleng happily gives a leg up to NWTRC participants, helping people feel joyful, included and hopeful while learning horsemanship and riding skills. Kleng is our treasured coworker and friend.

Kidd is a five year old chestnut gelding who came to Omega Horse Rescue as a feral stallion from the kill pen. He learned how to be haltered and led and was eventually gelded. He is now easy to catch, halter and lead. He has been ground driven and worked over simple obstacles from the ground, and he has been ponied off another horse as well. All of these things help him gain trust experience and confidence in anticipation of his Next Chapter.