Meet Our Therapy Horses pg 1

Meet Our Therapy Horses

Custer watches over
Sundance and makes sure
he doesn't get into any
trouble. It's a big
responsibility, and he takes it
very seriously! It takes a little
time to get to
know Custer and to let him
get to know you, but it is
worth it!"
Lisa McClure (05/05)

Custer displays a totally
professional attitude with the
children that ride him. He is
very patient and has been a
wonderful teacher to the kids.
He is the horse that we use
to teach the kids how to
clean hooves and groom
properly. He is so loved and
appreciated here. The kids
affectionately call him
"Grandpa" or "Pappa". Even
though he doesn't like to
admit it, he loves the
attention! He gets jealous
when the other horses are
ridden and he's not. He is
our herd leader and takes
his job very seriously!

Sundance started losing his vision when he was only 1
1/2 years old. He has adapted to his disability very well
and sometimes I wonder if he even realizes that he
can't see as well as he should. He quickly gets to know
his surroundings and gets around very much like a fully
sighted horse. When he gets "lost' he just calls to
Custer for help. They make a great team."
Lisa McClure (05/05)

Sundance has an amazing personality! He is extremely
curious about everything and is always the first one to
greet you at the gate. He eats up all the attention and
especially LOVES his tummy rubs. He is affectionately
called "Danny Boy". I must say, he is definitely the
apple of my eye! I love this boy!

Sundance began his training in 2005 with local trainer
Becky Ruhl. Becky has been spectacular in her work
with him. He's really picking things up well, despite his
disability. Danny is only ridden by a few confident
riders. But he is everyone's favorite pal.

He often works with participants who are afraid of
horses. His curiosity and personality make it easy for
folks to like him and feel comfortable with him.

Mocha is an 18 year old, flea bitten grey
Arabian gelding donated in October of 2005 by
Dale Chandonais. Mocha is what I call a
"Sweety Petey" as he is so very lovey and
gentle. He is a smaller horse, perfect for the
children.

Mocha does really well with the children (with
Casey pic on right). He is always one of the
first at the fence for treats and love. He is
proving to be an excellent horse for therapy.
He is very patient, kind, and willing to please.
We feel very blessed to have Mocha in our
herd. My son, Jamie (pics far left) has been
working with Mocha and has taken a special
interest in him. They are the best of buddies
and spend a great deal of time together.

Halios had a rough start in life. He was birthed in a
pasture and had little to no human contact for the first
year and a half of his life. Since he's been at Stable
Life he has come a long way. He comes right up to us
when we enter the pasture and is more and more
comfortable with people every day. As you can see,
he's become down right nosey!

My daughter, Corbi has taken a special interest in
Halios. She spends a great deal of time talking to him,
singing to him, reading to him, etc. to get him more
used to people. She also spends a lot of time
touching him, rubbing him, picking up his feet and
desensitizing him to contact.

He and Eddie have become best buddies!

Halios will be started under saddle this spring. We're
excited about being able to ride him as he has that
wonderful floaty trot that Arabs so commonly possess.
He will be an excellent addition to our riding program.

Summer is our only mare at Stable Life and she continues to
be pampered by all the girls who volunteer here. They love to
braid her mane and tail and decorate her with ribbons. She will
stand with endless patience while the girls bathe her and
brush her. Her past owners used her in 4-H shows and as a
barrel racer.

With all her past experience she is used to the hustle and
bustle of the show life and it shows in her personality and
temperament. She is extremely calm. Nothing phases this
girl! She is the horse that everyone wants to ride.

Summer has quickly wormed her way into everyone's hearts.
Especially her best friend Olivia (6 years), who has claimed her
as her own. Olivia now rides Summer on her own. It is pretty
cool to see this little girl motor around on such a large horse!
But Summer absolutely loves Olivia and will do anything for her!

Eddie has an extensive background as a lesson horse at
the Findlay Riding School. He was used as a dressage
and jumper. He is very stately and elegant and his
movement is to die for! He has incredible manners and
his years of training shows! Eddie is quickly finding his
place here at Stable Life. We are very excited to have
Eddie!

Update: Eddie is as awesome as we expected! He is
such a flashy mover and is so incredible to look at! When
you're riding him you definitely know you're on a horse with
a lot of experience, patience, and grace. His years of
training have made him bombproof. We'll start training
him for therapy as it warms up.

Eddie's pasture mate at his previous home was an
Arabian who is about six months older than Halios. It is
no wonder he and Halios have become best friends.
Eddie sure loves the baby's enthusiasm and exuberance
and he joins in the play all the time!

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