Meet Our Horses
The horses below our part of our family. They are the magic that motivates our participants. They never judge and always accept those who may be a little different. Likewise, they are tolerant and forgiving and are all equipped with huge hearts. The non-judgmental love and friendship that our horses provide is many times a first time experience for a participant. There are many aspects of an equine-assisted program that are essential, but none more than quality, well-trained horses.
Upon approval into the program, horse selection will be made by Hooves of Joy based on the rider’s current needs. A rider’s assigned horse may change throughout the program as their needs change and/or improve. There is a weight limit, specific to each horse, based on each horse’s size and age.
TC
“Too Cool To Be Tardy” – 2004 16.1H AQHA Sorrel Gelding
TC is a well-trained and accomplished pleasure horse. We are truly blessed to have TC as the rock of our program. Although grooming is not his favorite thing, his patience with beginning riders is where he shines. TC’s smooth, slow gaits and kind disposition makes him one of our most requested horses.
Hubba
“Hubba Huntin” – 2009 16.1H AQHA Black Gelding
Hubba is a wonderfully well-trained pleasure horse that is sweet and truly a pleasure to ride. His striking deep dark coat makes him look like Black Beauty.
Dolli
“Sonny’s Timely Zippo” – 2003 15.3H AQHA Chestnut Mare
Dolli does not like to get her picture taken. She is a good example of “not judging a book by its cover” because she really is sweet, kind and gentle. She has had a successful show career in English and Western pleasure. Dolli is a favorite here. She responds to soft cues and tries very hard to do what her rider is asking of her. Her smooth, slow gaits, willing disposition and gentleness make Dolli a super program horse, and we are grateful to have her.
Oreo
“Sylvia Dark Eyes” – 1995 15.2H AQHA Grey Mare
Oreo is beautiful, and her training matches her good looks. She really does have the deepest, darkest eyes that speak directly to your heart. One ride on Oreo and you are in love. A rare gem who is easy to ride with smooth gaits to boot!
Cooper
“Hot Little Skip” – 2007 15H AQHA Chestnut Gelding
Cooper is 15 hands of sweetness. He steals the hearts of all who get to work with this sweet boy. Cooper has it all; smooth gaits, patience, and he’s a joker who is sure to make you giggle.
DW
2006 15.1H Sorrel Quarter Horse Mare
DW has experience with drill team and trail riding. She can cover a lot of ground with her long stride, even though she is not overly fast. Her gaits are smooth and comfortable. She tries very hard to do her best for her riders.
Shooter
2000 16.1H Brown Quarter Horse Gelding
Shooter came to Hooves of Joy in 2021. Prior to Hooves of Joy, Shooter was a trail horse and gained lots of experience traveling to participate in some big group rides. Shooter is a gentle giant with smooth gaits and a rocking chair canter. We are very blessed to have this beautiful horse in our program.
Apollo
1999 14H Red Dun Gelding
Apollo loves to be brushed and ridden. In the winter he looks like a fuzzy stuffed animal. Apollo rides English and Western. His gaits are smooth and easy on the rider’s body. He is patient and kind and an ideal horse for beginners
Ruby
2019 13.3H Bay Quarter Pony
Ruby loves to be groomed and pampered. Ruby is very patient with riders with special needs, standing quietly at the ramp for mounting. She loves to help them play games, allowing her riders to stop and steer her on a loose rein. She listens to the softest cues from her riders.
Penny
2010 13.2H Palomino Haflinger Mare
Penny came to Hooves of Joy in 2020. She is loved by all ages. Penny is the first horse our participants meet because of her versatile size and kind disposition, and the way she makes everyone feel comfortable and relaxed. Penny loves to be groomed and have her beautiful flaxen main and tail braided. Even if this is your first time getting on a horse, Penny makes the experience a dream come true. Not only is she sweet and kind, but her gaits are smooth. You feel Penny all but say out loud, don’t worry I will take care of you, you got this!
Okie
“RBR Okie Dokie Buns” – 2000 13.1H Bay Leopard POA Gelding
Okie rides both English and Western and has done very well in the show pen. He is very particular who gets to ride him. When he chooses you, it is a big compliment. Okie is an excellent teacher and will help you learn to communicate with horses. Okie and kids go together like peanut butter and jelly!
Peanut
1999 Red Roan Miniature Horse
Although he is the smallest horse at Hooves of Joy, at only 38″ tall, he quite honestly has the largest heart. His riders have to be no more than 40 lbs. His many wonderful talents include pulling a cart, walking, trotting and cantering on both leads (unusual for a pony his size), performing in hand trail and playing dress up. His beautiful flaxen mane and tail are great for brushing and learning to braid. We are very blessed to have this little bundle of cuteness in our program.