Domino is one of our Tennessee Walkers that has been a part of Eagle Mount Great Falls since 2017. Domino gives our participants independence, legs to walk with, self-confidence to try new things with less fear and an unconditional love to all who work with him. He is a favorite among our participants with disabilities. We couldn't ask for a better adventure partner!

Beau arrived at ERAF in January of 2022. He is a BLM Mustang gelding, about five to seven years old and an owner surrender. He has been cared for but is not yet gentled and is still wearing his BLM tag. He is the second BLM Mustang currently in our care. He joins Maverick, the first BLM Mustang in our care. While Maverick is in training and ready for adoption, Beau's journey towards his next chapter is just beginning.

Admirals War Chest won the Maryland million three times. He's a 10-year-old thoroughbred, but when he was done racing, his owners didn't have any purpose for him anymore. We believe he can have another purpose and job in the future.

Our newest intake, "Archie" is a 9 yrs. old, Selle Francais gelding. He was a beautiful jumper, before he developed "kissing spine", and other health issues, during his jumping career, that now prevent him from ever being ridden again. It is difficult to place a young horse, with health issues, especially knowing that he can never be ridden again, and could live another 20 years. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. offers at risk horses like Archie, who are otherwise healthy, a forever life in sanctuary.

On October 15, 2021, Freedom Hill Horse Rescue (FHHR) took ownership of an 18 year old Paint named Badger with severe EPM. After three treatments with Diclazuril, Badger's rear legs are much more steady. He will be exercised and hopefully, when ready, be adopted by a loving family as a pasture mate. Badger is an example of our mission to "improve the lives of horses by providing a safe haven for healing and rehabilitation".

Mongoose Gold, nicknamed GG, was retired to Friends of Ferdinand (FFI) after her successful racing and breeding career. GG is part of FFI's inaugural Broodmare Bunch program, which provides rehabilitation and retraining to broodmares, in addition to off-track thoroughbreds, to ensure they have a happily ever after.

Patrick is a 27-year old pony shown here with his rider Charlotte and Ms. Martha, a PATH Intl Advanced Instructor and GAIT's Executive Director

A registered Tiger Horse, Lily is a 11 year old rare breed of gaited appaloosa, whose original owner rehomed her herd after falling ill. Sadly, Lily's new owner did not care properly for her and eventually sold her to a dealer for pennies on the dollar. Lily quickly became ill, under weight and mentally defeated. Lily's original owner reached out to GAIT when she learned that Lily had fallen into harms way. Lily is now our ambassador, helping us educate the public about what can happen to even the best bred horses if they fall into the wrong hands.

True Loyalty won his last start at Arlington Park the summer of 2020. Unfortunately, he strained a suspensory in the process. Rather than risk additional injury, his owner retired him to Galloping Out, where he was rehabbed and rested for nearly a year. He is currently sound and in training at Indian Hills Farm in Edwardsville, IL, while he awaits his new owner. Learn more about True Loyalty here.

Flour is an older, neglected pony that we rescued this Thanksgiving. When she arrived she seemed depressed and had no zest for life left. She had a severe internal infection and a painful eye that needed treatment. A little girl named Ella, who lives at the rescue with her parents, spent time brushing her and talking quietly to her and Flour seemed to love this. Now that Flour's infection has cleared and her eye is being treated, she is feeling much better and is enjoying giving pony rides and being spoiled. She is ready for adoption and all she needs now is a home and child to call her own!

Pierre came to Giant Steps from a family with a long history of supporting Giant Steps. His human "grandpa" volunteered with our program when Giant Steps was just 10 years old. His owner started volunteering at Giant Steps as soon as she was old enough, and her parents are loyal supporters. So when Pierre's jumping career was coming to an end, it was the natural choice for him to become a therapy horse, and luckily he is perfectly suited for the job. This Selle Francais is an unassuming Frenchman. He loves people and aims to please. Pierre is a true professional. Beautifully trained, he willingly complies with his rider's instructions, even when they are not quite clear. Just like his human family, Pierre teaches generosity.

Rosie was adopted by Gleneayre from a local rescue where she had been found tied to a chain-link fence and near starvation. She came at Gleneayre scared and shy but with love to give and that trust and hope are possible even in difficult situations. As an instrumental part of our Working Student Program, the students have had the opportunity to learn firsthand what is involved with rehabilitating a rescue horse and to experience the rewards.

High school student Tyler bonding with 2-year old miniature horse Cricket, one of 21 special horses partnering with special needs students

Paige is one of Halleck Creek Ranch's newest equine members and has proven to excel as a kind and gentle therapy horse providing Equine-Assisted Services and Therapeutic Riding to people with disabilities. Paige is shown here wearing a adaptive tack - a bit-less bridle.

How can such a tiny little horse hold so much personality? Meet Kachina who came to HTFAS through the Amish Horse Retirement Initiative in 2008. Unable to stand because of dwarfism, this miniature horse received state of the art medical care to help her gain use of her legs. Now retired from nursing home visits, she has become a sanctuary favorite with humans and other animals alike and is quite the star with tour visitors!

When we first met Viva in 2012, we knew this horse was special. After 96 races and a bankroll of over $340,000, Viva has participated in many programs, providing space for healing for those who need it, including a probationer- based program in partnership with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, our Veteran's project, our Stable Kids foster child project and our Stable Responders for first responders and health care providers. At 27, Viva continues to make his story known with all our program participants, our volunteers, and even his former racehorse owner.

JoJo is a Norwegian Fjord who has been a team member at Healing Strides for over 15 years. JoJo is a favorite horse for many of our riders because she has a patient disposition. So many of our client want so badly to learn to ride a horse, like the little boy in the photo, but their anxieties and fears are a challenge to overcome. When they find the courage to ride a horse, they become empowered, and an unbreakable bond is formed. Simply put, JoJo is that horse - trustworthy and consistent.

Nugget is surprising. He’s young-- only 8 and yet he is one of the most versatile equines in our herd. His day may start with a 10 year old and end with our oldest participant -- Alice who is 96. He works in every program on property and serves a wide range of needs. There is no participant Nugget cannot reach. Nugget makes everyone smile -- especially Alice!

Stitch and Jack, one of our participants in the veteran’s program, bonded right away. Stitch taught Jack the importance of play, stepping outside of his comfort zone and what it means to belong to a herd. Jack's wife wrote after his passing in December 2021, "Jack was the builder of all trades, the lover of all animals, especially Stitch and the Herd Foundation."

Smokey is a retired Omaha Mounted Patrol horse who traded in his fast-paced life for gentler reins with our participants, such as Sydney. Partnering with Smokey has helped Sydney to become stronger both mentally and physically. Riding him always brightens her day.

Lil' Richard is particularly special for us as his namesake was a volunteer at our rescue who passed away. When Lil' Richard was born at the Rescue last year, he needed immediate veterinary care and had to fight for his life. Thanks to donors, today he is healthy, happy, and plenty sassy. His resiliency and strength are an inspiration to volunteers and visitors to the rescue.

Thomas, our 14 year-old Norwegian Fjord, is shown here with combat veteran Ian, who rides and drives him. Thomas has been a valuable member of our herd for 11 years and is well loved for his big personality!

Kind, generous and true, Petra is one of 21 horses who bring joy and ease to many at High Hopes. Petra, donated as a 4 year old, has been with us for over 20 years. Unique in her longevity, consistency, reliability and disposition, she is a gift to all those she meets.

Zebedee, a 17 year old Gypsy Vanner, a breed known for strength, intelligence, and a friendly and engaging temperament, is full of the spirit of love. When someone wounded comes to us and determined not to engage with us, we take them to Zeb and within minutes, they connect to him and are smiling. Zebedee is full of fun with a high play drive. Sometimes the goal is to avoid being pulled to stand on the pedestal with him or to go straight without going sideways over the flower boxes. Zebedee is such a blessing to all of us.

Chosen Moon came to us after suffering from a right front condylar fracture on track. He is currently recovering from surgery during which two screws were placed in his bone. He is the perfect example of our mission of ensuring horses get the second chance they so deserve. With Moon's forgiveness and laid-back personality, we are excited to see what future we can help provide for him!

Meet Milagro, who was born at Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue on April 23, 2021. His mother was rounded up with eight other horses on a West Virginia mountaintop. Unlike his mother, who was feral and unhandled during her years before coming to us, Milagro is experiencing gentle encouragement and training from day one. He will make some lucky adopter an outstanding equine partner in the near future.

Felony first came to us as part of a cruelty case at just one month old. He and his Dam were both emaciated, had been attacked by dogs, and Felony was on death's door. Felony thrives among the children at our center and loves to follow them around. A few years ago, Felony got an eye infection that resulted in his having to have his eye removed to make him comfortable. Even with his disability, he is ridden by some young learners and will always be a part of the Horse Feathers family.