Birthday: January 1st, 2001
I’ve spent my life taking care of young ones, teaching them how to ride. Prior to coming to RAD, my human saved me from a pretty bad situation, spending a year rehabbing my body. I may be a little slower than I used to be, but I still love to share my gift of patience and kindness with my riders. My reining background taught me to be very in tune with my rider and I’m always listening so I can give them the gift of confidence in the saddle. I feel my job is to safely teach anyone wanting to learn about the heart of a horse how much we have to offer.
I never teach my pupils, I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they learn. ~ Albert Einstein
I’m sponsored by San Diego Woman’s Club.
Birthday: February 23rd, 2015
I retired from the track with every plan of becoming an excellent competition horse, however, I have some health issues that will prevent me from becoming highly competitive. Lucky for me, I’m flexible about my future career, I like to go with the flow, stay steady and calm and enjoy snuggles, (unless someone brushes me too hard, I can be a bit dramatic about that), so I’m trying out therapy horse life. I LOVE people, they are my favorite, especially kids. I love going slow to keep them safe (I wonder why I never won any races?), and happily ignore mixed signals since signals usually mean more work, boo. While I’m not a fan of my equine barn mates, I’m more than fulfilled taking care of the people in my life. Just don’t use a curry comb on me please! I prefer to be toweled off, I’m sensitive!
When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower ~ Alexander Den Heijer
I’m sponsored by Lynn Elliott.
Birthday: August 16th, 2004
I’ve been told you can feel the love I express towards everyone just by standing around me. It’s true that I’m happiest when I’m surrounded by people. Whether you are riding, grooming, styling my mane or learning horse parts, I’m the horse for you. I am as wide as I am tall so I can take care of the smallest riders or adults, being the size I am, gives me the chance to work with everyone, which is how I like it. If you need some horse love, I’m always ready to snuggle.
I am different, not less ~ Temple Grandin
I’m sponsored by San Diego Woman’s Club.
Birthday: March 14th, 2012
I’m a horse that thrives in my job. For 9 years I was a phenomenal race horse, running 83 times, I’ve been told that qualifies me as a “war horse.” My job as a therapy horse has been the second career I needed when it was time to slow down. I love helping riders gain confidence in the saddle and on the ground, although I’m the largest horse at RAD, I excel at putting people at ease around me. I’m completely fulfilled in my second career and I look forward to many years teaching riders the value that horses like me can have.
A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles ~ Christopher Reeve
I’m sponsored by The Trotter Family!
Birthday: July 4th, 1994
I’ve lived a fantastic, adventurous life with my family but as I’m getting older it’s time to slow down. I’ve done backpacking in Montana, I love going to the beach, I can do trail challenges, gymkhanas…insert thing you would do with a horse, I can do it! My kind, gentle nature really comes out when I’m around young riders, I love to take care of them and help them learn and grow. I love taking naps while getting groomed and snuggling with anyone willing to snuggle.
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. ~Helen Keller
I am sponsored by Cay and Heidi Bohnsack!
Birthday: March 14th, 2005
I came from Mexico and was the pride and joy of my owner as the BEST polo horse! Although, we did a LOT of stuff besides polo. I can jump, do gymkhanas and I love to play games on the ground. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her. I’m enjoying my new, slower paced therapy life, my favorite is teaching riders the value of perseverance and dedication. I take great care with my riders but I do sometimes have opinions of my own, as any great horse does, so my riders learn how to apply what they’re taught in a safe way. I’m excited to have a job and continue teaching what I have to offer.
It always seems impossible until it’s done. ~Nelson Mandela
I’m sponsored by Jerry Smith-Wank.
Birthday: October 31st, 2005
I’ve been at Rolling Hills as long as I can remember. I’ve had many different people work with me through my youth which has prepared me for my new job as a therapy horse. I’m a fun loving guy that gets bored easily. I love to be moving, playing with something or being entertained by the people in my life. I have a really big walk and trot which keeps my riders entertained and helps build core strength and balance quickly.
The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. ~Mark Twain
Sponsored in honor of Pat Hassakis <3
Birthday: April 12th, 2002
I’ve spent most of my life cutting cows and going out on the trail. I’m a vital part of the RAD equine family since I’m the perfect horse for riders moving towards independence. I listen to light cues from them and respond quickly but I’m still forgiving and understanding if they get confused when asking me to do something. I always keep my cool which allows me to be a great show horse for our independent riders. I’m excellent at games and western dressage too.
For one to fly, one only needs to take the reins. ~Melissa James
I’m sponsored by Shea Realty.
Birthday: April 24th, 2006
I came into this program with family already involved, I’m Rain’s cousin and I’ve been told she’s
kind of a big deal here. I had to step up for geldings everywhere and boy did I knock it out of the
park. Not only am I part of the show team, I outclass almost everyone at my empathy, patience
and awareness with anxious riders. I know how to respond to make them feel safe while still
allowing them the opportunity to grow in their skills. I LOVE my job, all of the attention I get
and especially the scratches!! They are my favorite, don’t get offended if I lean on you while I
get scratched, it feels so good!
It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are ~ E.E. Cummings
I’m sponsored by Jake A!
They would sure appreciate the love.