Horses

Our horses are carefully chosen for their gentle personality and calm temperament. Most of them are “senior citizens” who are very happy leading a quiet life being ridden lightly several times a week to keep fit. All are on special diets which our volunteers carefully monitor so that they are in top condition for our riding program. Each horse has an unique personality and all are deeply appreciated and loved by riders, volunteers and parents.

Sparkie

Sparkie, is our clever gray 25 -year old, Shetland pony. At 11 hands high, he is a trickster who has learned how to escape his stall to find a patch of grass nearby. He is a popular pony for our youngest riders, and on non-program days, may be spotted pulling a cart. His previous owners entered him in parades, and horse shows.

Sparkie was donated in 2008 by Patricia Snyder.

Cinders

Cinders, aka; “Love Bug”, and “Mr. C”, is a 31 -year old Tennessee Walking Horse gelding, originally from Kentucky. He has gained the reputation as one of our friendliest horses. He needs a little extra coaxing to get him to trot, but once he gets going his smooth gate can’t be beat. He stands at 14.3 hands high, and has a blue roan color.

Cinders was acquired in 2004 with general funds.

Steele

Steele is a 26-year old gray gelding. He is double registered as Paint and Quarter Horse and is our largest horse at 15.2 hands high. Before coming to WRI, he received the title “Therapy Horse of the Year” at Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship program in Southern California.

Steele belongs to our instructor Roxanne Raksnys.

Cara Mia

Cara Mia is a 29 -year old Arabian bay mare. Her gentle disposition made it possible for many beginners to learn how to ride. She was a family horse for the Merk family, then later became part of the Victoria Dye Equestrian (VDE). Now retired from VDE, she continues to teach in our program, winning the hearts of everyone she meets.

Cara Mia is owned by Victoria Dye Equestrian.

Libby

Libby a “Pony of America” is 28 years old 13.1 hands high palomino mare. She had been shown in many pony club events. A smart and well trained pony, Libby served in the WRI riding program for 20 years. Now retired from our program, you can still visit Libby in our WRI barn.

Libby was acquired in 2002 with funds donated by the Altos Foundation.