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.
| DIXEY LEA - I'm a 12 year old flashy palomino and white paint horse. I'm the tallest horse at Happy Trails. I've been a show horse and was on the sheriff’s posse. I like to show our advanced riders how much I know.
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.
RICKY - well after 30 years of working cows and trail riding, I thought retirement a bit too slow so I found this summer job at Happy Trails Riding Center. You can find me being ridden by our students and no matter their riding level, I always give them the best ride possible. | 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.
SMOKEY - I'm 14 year old black quarter horse. My eyes will show you how sweet I am. I worked on a cattle ranch before coming to Happy Trails. I like my new job at Happy Trails. TEXAS - I've been there and done that. In 18 years I have been used trail ridden hundreds of miles, worked on a hunting guide's string and carried a Rodeo Princess. Now my job is to carry our riders with that same attention and care.
|
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.
JIMMY - Was the oldest of the remuda at 28 years old. He was a registered quarter horse who spent his entire life before coming to live at Happy Trails working cows, barrel racing and walking down the trails. Once he joined our remuda, his sole job was to carry our riders with the care and love that only a horse like Jimmy could give. He was a worker his entire 28 years and took his job at Happy Trails very seriously. Jimmy will be missed by EVERY rider and volunteer at Happy Trails.
|
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.
|
Recent Videos
