Happy Trails Riding Center West Linn, Oregon

Horses lend us the wings we lack

The most important member of our therapy team is the horse. Without these incredibly strong animals there would be no therapeutic riding. A horse has an inherent ability to know that the human on their back is in need of special care. They'll walk a little slower, stop when their rider is out of balance in the saddle and stand a little quieter for mounting when they carry these special riders. With that being said, we are pleased to introduce you to our special herd.

Remuda pictures courtesy of Audra Gilpatrick

http://www.freewebs.com/cowboyjerryshorses/photographyservices.htm

RAIN - Flashy and sassy, that's what they say about me. As a 13 year old registered quarter horse mare, I'm the youngest in this herd. I'm big enough and strong enough to carry our older and larger riders safely through their lessons. And in the summer when the sun hits my golden body, I shine from all of the brushing my riders give me.

DARLIN THE HORSE - Well, a girl doesn't like to tell her age but I am over 20 years old and a registered quarter horse mare whose job used to be as a pack animal out on the trails. But now the only thing I pack around are my special riders and I pack them with lots of love and tender loving care.

JIMMY - I'm the oldest of the remuda at 24 years old but still going strong. I'm a registered quarter horse who spent my entire life working cows, barrel racing and walking down the trails. But since I came to live at Happy Trails the only work I do is to help my special riders learn how to ride me. And I take that job very SERIOUSLY!

IN MEMORY

for more photos of our special friends who have moved onto greener pastures, please visit our photo gallery.

Bob spent his life roping cows and won tons of money for his previous owner. He even won a Dodge Ram Truck. In his off time he was used in a hunting string and may have even been raced. When Bob came to live at Happy Trails his other job, after lessons for our riders, was as Nicole's trail horse. One trip Bob walked thru a river with water up to the saddle and never blinked an eye, just kept walking. Bob was that way with his disabled riders, always calm, quiet and caring. Bob is missed today by everyone who had the pleasure of being around him.

SKY - was 30 years old when he left us but he lived an incredible full life to the end. As a trail horse, Sky never met a mountain to tall to climb, a river to deep to cross or a log to big to step over, always making sure to keep his rider safe. He brought that same work ethic with him to Happy Trails. Any child that was fortunate enough to ride Sky could be assured that they were in the best of hooves. He willingly accepted all the hugs, kisses and pats children and adults gave him. He especially loved his tail and mane braided. He is missed everyday by all who were fortunate enough to spend time with him.

BUBBLES -Was a sweet little pony who found her way to Happy Trails a few years ago as a rescue horse. She particularly loved the younger children who were sometimes scared and intimidated by her larger equine friends. She may have been vertically challenged but she always carried her special riders with extreme grace, dignity and special care. Out in the pasture with her horse friends, Bubbles didn't know that she was the smaller of them. She ran and played with her larger friends as though they were all the same size. We will all miss Bubbles and the big heart that had been packed into her petite body.