Spirit was rescued from starvation at just two years old. None of the rest of his herd survived. While he has some behavioral issues resulting from his mistreatment, he has learned that humans can be trusted. Spirit's story helps children access their own losses. He is a caretaker of those who most need it. It is impossible to overestimate the joy horses bring to us!

Arc of Loudoun (South Atlantic)

Admiral

Bridle Paths (South Atlantic)

Admiral is the anchor of the Bridle Paths program, inspiring participants to build authentic connections, in partnership with horses, for more than ten years. Standing 17.3 hands high, this teenage Percheron-Thoroughbred cross gelding helps riders to reach new heights. Working with Admiral permits trauma survivors to cultivate trusting relationships and achieve post-traumatic growth. The recipient of the WIHS Honor & Service Award in 2017, Admiral excels in working with veterans, service members, and their families.

Deuce

Brook Hill Farm (South Atlantic)

My name is Deuce and I was a grand prix jumper until I injured my hock. They put me in a stall and I became an emotional wreck until I was rescued by Brook Hill. Today I teach at-risk youth perseverance, resilience and confidence. Like me, they are learning to work through their struggles in order to succeed!

Central Virginia Horse Rescue (South Atlantic)

Heathcliff

Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding, Inc. (South Atlantic)

Heathcliff with student, Ian, his dad and sidewalker, Thomas, and leader Tamy

Heathcliff is a 24-year old Warmblood Cross. Heathcliff was a successful eventing horse before he settled into his career as a trusted partner to therapeutic riding students at CATR. While Heathcliff has many talents, his most notable characteristic is how easily he forms strong connections with people. Several young men at CATR are part of his fan club! They love taking him for long trail rides in the Western tack.

Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding (South Atlantic)

Jett

Community Access, Incorporated (South Atlantic)

Jett, age 10, has helped hundreds of humans since 2013. Jett is a superstar in every way – he is always ready to serve others and help them feel better! Whether he is visiting a nursing home, remaining present with an adult, or playing dress-up, Jett is a primary team member in our equine-assisted wellness programs.

Beau

Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation (South Atlantic)

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.

Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center (South Atlantic)

Admiral War Chest

February Star Sanctuary, Inc. (South Atlantic)

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.

Archie

Florida Research Institute for Equine Nurturing, Development & Safety, Inc. aka F.R.I.E.N.D.S., Inc. (South Atlantic)

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.

Badger

Freedom Hill Horse Rescue, Inc. (South Atlantic)

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".

Lily

Gaited Advocate Intervention Team, Inc. (GAIT) (South Atlantic)

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.

Hands and Hearts for Horses (South Atlantic)

JoJo

Healing Strides of VA (South Atlantic)

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.

Stitch

HERD Foundation (South Atlantic)

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."

Zebedee

Hoofbeats Therapeutic Riding Center (South Atlantic)

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.

Milagro

Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue, Inc. (South Atlantic)

Milagro and Jamie

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.

Trixie

Horsepower, Inc. (South Atlantic)

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!

Freedom

Inspire Equine Therapy Program (South Atlantic)

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.

Bojangles

Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Foundation, Inc. (South Atlantic)

Bojangles partnering with Jimmy, a PATH Intl. Equine Services for Heroes program participant, and his wife Pat

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.

Maryland Therapeutic Riding, Inc. (South Atlantic)

Cole

New Freedom Farm, Inc. (South Atlantic)

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.

Stuart

Prancing Horse, Inc. (South Atlantic)

Stuart with Nick

Photo @Diane McKay

Stuart is a 14-year-old Haflinger gelding who lost his right eye to cancer. It doesn't stop him from teaching individuals with a variety of diagnoses to ride and learn horsemanship skills in our therapeutic riding program. He demonstrates to everyone that it is okay to be different, how to overcome a challenge, and how to give back!

Red Feather Farm (South Atlantic)

Doc

RideAbility Therapeutic Riding Center (South Atlantic)

Our amazing therapy horse. Doc, a 31 year old Tennessee walking horse, has been serving children and adults with special needs and veterans for over 8 years. He is also a Special Olympic horse competing for both North and South Carolina Equestrian teams. Show here is our amazing rider, Irene, who is only able to ride with the use of our electric lift. Her incredible side walker is Ray, who started with our equine services for heroes program and now serves as our Veterans Service Coordinator, helping other veterans.

Shining Hope Farms (South Atlantic)

South Florida SPCA (South Atlantic)

Ameera

Southern Redhead Farms Rescue (South Atlantic)

Ameera is a 35 year old Arabian who was part of a herd of seven that we took in July of 2020. Our veterinarian and team were able to diagnose her organ failure in the beginning stages and we were able to rehabilitate her fully. Today, due to her sweet nature, she is part of a herd that works in our programs for people wanting to learn more about horses.

Thor

Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center (South Atlantic)

Photo @The Scout Guide, Hunt Country, VA

Thor is large in size and heart. As a Percheron X Welsh, he is the perfect combination of strength and kindness. He helps riders of all sizes and abilities "step into their dreams" by introducing them to the power of horses. Thor is a "horse of hope" in our herd of 20 therapy horses reminds us all to DREAM BIG and reach for our fullest potential!

Feel My Love (Ophelia)

Thoroughbred Placement Resources, Inc. (South Atlantic)

Feel My Love, or Ophelia as we call her, is an unraced three-year-old filly. She sustained a tendon injury while in training at Charlestown Racetrack and is now in rehabilitation at Leighton Farm, the home base of Thoroughbred Placement Resources.

Honey

Whispering Manes Therapeutic Riding Center (South Atlantic)

As one of the founding members of the herd, Honey, a 17-year old Quarter horse is involved with every program we offer. Her calm, quiet demeanor makes her uniquely suited for work in an equine-assisted services program. Honey knows her job is important and the riders she carries trust her to take care of them. I know everyone says their horse is the best, but Honey embodies everything a therapeutic riding horse should be. She surely is one in a million!

FIRST PREV ( Page 1 of 2 ) NEXT