Atlas
Jockey Club name: Perfect Come Back Racing was the only thing I knew for most of my life, it was great, traveling, seeing the country, and I was good at it. I’m what they call a “War Horse”, having raced 62 times and placing in the top three of those 32. I earned close to $200k!! Racing isn’t a career I could do forever and now I’m a therapy horse! Which I’ve realized is a pretty good gig. I get to slow down, enjoy trails and teach my riders the skills it takes to advance. I love competitions so I’m on the show team as well and I can’t wait to fully learn all that’s involved in being a competition horse. Even though I’m a big guy with long legs, I have a super smooth trot to help riders build confidence. I also have a super big walk that is great for riders that appreciate that sensory input. One of my other favorite things is head hugs! I’m always happy to receive those. I love my new job and plan to be a therapy horse for life.
Canela
Even though I’m a big girl, I’m not the largest horse at RAD! Darn! My history is somewhat of a mystery. We know I was saved from a junkyard but other than that, I spent my years at a wonderful barn in Ramona with families that loved me dearly. I am a red mare so I do have some thoughts and opinions on things (like medicine, gross), but I love taking care of my riders. I make friends with everyone I meet, and I especially like hanging out with men, they are my favorite. Come give me a hug when you visit!
Castiel (Cass)
My racing career wasn’t super successful so when I retired, my second career was going to be a 3-day eventer! I went to weekly lessons, shows, and loved showing off in dressage but my owner hurt herself so that put a stop to that career. I tend to be on the lazy side and prefer packing people around slowly and carefully in the arena. Although I am tall, I love snuggling gently while getting told how good I am. My big movement and experience jumping will help RAD’s advanced riders take their skills to the next level!
Dr. Troutman
As a warhorse that raced in 81 races, I have a lot of experience I bring to the table. My original connections cared a great deal about me, tracking me down and purchasing me from my then owners in order to let me retire and go to CARMA for evaluations. They took me to a long show, I was a lesson horse there with people I loved, I did some jumping and they decided a great career would be adaptive riding! I like to get down to business, making sure I’m taking care of whoever is working with me. My calm demeanor helps my riders feel safe and confident even though I’m a tall guy! I love getting snacks and snuggles from the people around me!
Honey
I’ve spent years helping children learn how to ride, dare I say, I may be the best at bonding with my rider and giving kind snuggles. I take my job as a therapy horse seriously and love to help riders progress to riding off lead, I’m also a big fan of trail rides and King (we're good friends). I’m ready to teach anyone how to safely ride. I’ve never met a person I don’t like, and I’m so thrilled to be a calming, gentle friend to all of my riders.
King "Private Joke"
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.
Mars
I had great track connections that took care of me! Even though I was worth $350K as a 2-year-old, I only raced once and then had knee surgery thanks to bone chips. California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), took me in for rehab and began evaluating me to see what job I’d be good at! They thought I’d make an excellent adaptive riding horse, so here I am! Even though I’m huge, I’m a big love! Give me neck scratches and I’m all yours! Chances are if you visit, I’ll be at the edge of my fence waiting to come say Hi!
Pokey
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.
Remi
I only raced in 15 races, which is fine with me. Although I do enjoy playing around with my bestie, Atlas, I feel no need to race at top speed. I’m known around RAD for my impeccable work ethic. I’m willing to work with any and all riders, I love them all. I’m kind and gentle with everyone around me (except Atlas). If you want to see my sweetest face, tell me how great I am at my job. I love rides around the ranch and getting to hop over cross rails.
RJ (Robert's Joy)
I raced for 6 years, in 66 races, which I’m told qualifies me as a war horse. My connections at the track loved me so much they could ride double on me, and kept me around even when I was retired. I love saying hello to everyone at RAD, especially if they have cookies! I’m doing lead line lesson now, and love little kids! I’m great at tight turns and lots of changes of directions for riders that need that sort of thing. People are the best!
Sully
My awesome human saw my potential when she saved me from a kill pen in order to train me for adaptive riding. I wasn’t ready right away but she got me there! When I joined the herd at RAD, everyone was blown away by my ability to adjust to any type of lesson needed. I love working with little kids who are learning to steer, trot, or sit up on their own! I love giving snuggles!
Sven
Some of my history is a mystery, but one thing I remember is how loved I was at the track in my pony horse days! Young kids would come braid my hair on my day off and I got a LOT of cookies! Even though I can be shy, I love my job as a therapy horse. I get so much attention from lots of people! I have a smooth trot and I thoroughly enjoy getting ready for my lessons and heading out to the arena. I might prefer just standing getting pet by everyone in the middle of the ring sometimes but I do know my job is usually to keep things moving.
