Our Horses

Our four-legged therapists....

Without our horses, Exceptional Equestrians would not exist. The bond that occurs between horse and rider is what makes Equine Assisted Activities successful. EE is lucky enough to have a herd of 11 wonderful therapy horses, including 1 minature horse. These horses have been donated or purchased and were specially selected for their temperaments, sizes and gaits. Our riders' abilties and skill levels are widely varied, but EE has a horse that's just right for each and every rider. To meet our horses, please scroll down....

Big Mac

Big Mac is our largest and most recognizable horse! He is a 14 year-old registered Clydesdale who stands over 6 feet tall at the shoulder. He has been with EE since 2005. Despite his size, Mac is truly a gentle giant. He loves all of his jobs, especially vaulting, where he gets to race his riders! Mac was purchased, but his costs were generously covered by the Klak family and local area McDonalds stores.

Gabe

Gabe is one of the newer additions to Exceptional Equestrians, joining the program in September of 2011. He is an 8-year-old Haflinger who was donated by Elaine Homeyer. He has become a fantastic therapy horse. His fast gaits with lots of movement are a hit with our younger riders and his strong back allows him to carry a variety of clients. He's also REALLY cute!

Gypsy

Gypsy may not be the biggest or most colorful horse in the herd, but she certainly is wonderful at her job. Gypsy is a 19 year old Quarter horse cross who was generously donated to EE by Charlene Brandenburg in 2007. Gypsy is the most tolerant of horses, and cheerfully walks and trots around the arena, despite not always getting the best guidance from her riders! She is truly a fantastic therapy horse.

Heidi-Ho

Heidi is a fantastic little mare. She is a 23-year-old Conemmara, which is a large Irish Pony breed. Heidi was donated to Exceptional Equestrians in 2005 by Jamie Brady. Before she came to us, she was a jumper. We are so lucky to have Heidi. We are constantly amazed by her intelligence, and her willingness to do whatever is asked of her. Her smooth gaits are valuable to our riders with tight muscles. Heidi was the 2007 PATH Int'l Region 7 Horse of the Year.

King

King is a new addition to Exceptional Equestrians. The 9-year-old Fox Trotter joined EE in December of 2011, after being generously donated by Vic Beck. King is the first gaited horse to be part of EE in more than 7 years. Every client who has ridden him has LOVED him! His fast paces make him ideal for clients who like LOTS of input.

Isaiah

Isaiah is a 21 year-old Trakehner gelding that has been working at EE since 2009. He belongs to Administrative Manager Lindsay Mohr, and was not expected to be a therapy horse. However, his people-loving attitude made him a perfect match! His big gaits are a wonderful challenge for our advanced riders, and he loves working with little kids as well!

Liberty

Liberty is definitely one of the most attention-catching horses at the barn! He is an 11-year-old paint who was donated by program volunteer Sandy Bailey. He is one of our most popular mounts due to his fast gaits and beautiful paint coloring.

Phantom

Phantom is the smallest member of our herd, but that doesn't mean he can't carry his load! A 10-year-old miniature horse donated by Jan Dunham, Phantom has been with EE since 2005. Thought it often suprises our clients, Phantom is full-grown. He loves his job, which includes being groomed, going for walks and visiting nursing homes.

Oliver

Oliver is a very special addition to Exceptional Equestrians. He came to EE in December of 2011. He is a 4-year-old Gypsy Vanner, and he was awarded to the program by the American Gypsy Horse Breed Association's Gypsy Angel Foundation. Oliver was bred at Chocolate Horse Farms. He is excited to be part of the program, and to be learning new things.

Otis

Otis is hard to miss with his flowing mane of golden hair! He is a 17 year old Palomino paint horse who was generously donated to the program by Leslie Granger. Otis's early career was jumping, but due to hoof problems he had to retire. He is wonderful in his second career as a therapy horse. He is great with our independent riders.

Zaar

Zaar has been with Exceptional Equestrians since 2010, when he was donated by Chris Schroeder. He is a 19 year old Appaloosa gelding. Before he came to EE, Zaar was enjoyed the retired life. He has been a great addition to our program, as his strong back allows him to carry almost any rider.

Some photos of our horses, past and present.....

Retired Horses

Unfortunately, although we love all our program horses, they can't stay with us forever! Our goal at EE is that all of our horses have time to enjoy "being a horse" after they've worked so hard with us. With that in mind, we try to retire our horses when we feel they are no longer living their best life with us. We'll always remember our former program horses, including those who have moved onto new homes or back to their old homes: Doc, Jameson, Henri, Patriot, Joey, Marley, Jim, Sweetpea, Apache, Cowboy, Captain, Rex, Elliot and Star; and those who have moved onto the greenest pasture of all: Rebel, PacMan, Boss, Rambo, Glock, Jack and Bear.