This is a picture of Annie with her last foal, Lil' Lucy; she has had six. Annie (Ann M Caller) is a black registered quarter horse mare who was born in 1990. For those who enjoy pedigrees, her top line includes some nice cutting horse bloodlines. Her sire was a NCHA money-earner and had offspring who earned $86,545 in cutting horse earnings. Her third generation top line includes Three Bars and Doc Bar who are both in the AQHA Hall of Fame. Annie is a favorite of many of our younger riders. One reason she is a good therapy horse is the fact that she has "been there, done that". In her younger days, Annie was shown in Western Pleasure classes; she was also in parades. The following is an example of Annie being a great horse (at least in my humble opinion). During one lesson, Annie was on a lunge line with a young girl riding her who was attempting her first canter. The little girl lost her balance, and I quickly said, "Whoa." Annie immediately halted; she froze with her legs spread out in an awkward position for several minutes trying to ensure her rider was okay and still on her back. It was truly awesome to witness! She truly held herself in a position that could not have been comfortable for several minutes.......until I told her it was okay to move. Annie has a sweet nature, is very smart, and has lots of personality. She knows her cues very well, and she is a great horse for riding and for ground work. Most of all, everyone enjoys watching Annie "smile" after she gets a treat from the bucket!! Annie is owned by Tom and Cheryl Crider and leased for the program.

 

 

 

Baylee (Dudes Little Sugar) is a bay registered quarter horse mare who was born in 1995. She was previously owned by a little girl from the age of 4 until she became 8 1/2. This can be a mixed blessing......this means that Baylee is very gentle, but she is somewhat used to doing what she wants to do. Baylee does fairly well with her riders, but she does usually let her lazy nature show itself! She enjoys trail-riding and was ridden at saddle clubs quite a bit by her previous owner. Baylee has what we will discreetly call a "wide frame", and has a rough trot, although we have a volunteer who has been working diligently to get Baylee to consistently perform her "show trot". Baylee is a horse that you would describe as having more whoa than go. Baylee is owned by Tom and Cheryl Crider and leased for the program.

 

 

 

Frankie is dually registered as a Spotted Saddle Horse and a Tennessee Walking Horse. She is approximately 11 years old. She has got the most beautiful blue eyes!! Because she is quite fast, she does better with more independent riders. It is very, very, very difficult for horse leaders and sidewalkers to keep up with her!!!! Frankie has a fair amount of experience in horse shows. She is a favorite of several riders; many of our volunteers have asked her owner to remember them in her will!! She has been trail-ridden quite extensively, and she has competed in local saddle clubs. Frankie rarely spooks, and if she does, it is typically mild. I would not recommend riding her into a pond however.........just ask Ms. Carla! :>) Frankie is owned by Carla Nichols and leased for our program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PJ (Jazz-Mi-Tazz's Pearl Jam) is a beautiful dappled gray Missouri Fox Trotter mare.  One of PJ's regular riders who has autism appears to be much more engaged when she rides her.  PJ consistently does an excellent job with riders when on the lunge line.  She loves trail riding, and typically wants to be the leader.  Her pasture-mate is Baylee; she is PJ's bff (best friend forever).  PJ  is owned by TLC Riding Academy, Inc.  She is the first horse that we ever accepted as a donation.  She was donated to our program by Jane Leatherland of Humboldt.  Many thanks to Jane for her generous contribution to our program!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gabe is a Gypsy Vanner who was placed in our program in July 2011 by the American Gypsy Horse Angel Foundation.  In March of 2012, the AGHAF generously donated him to our program.  He was raised at LexLin Ranch of Rockwood, Tennessee.  He came here as a 2 year old so he is a work in progress.  The American Gypsy Horse breed is very laid back; they are excellent selections for therapy horses.  They have the draft horse mentality (calmness) in a smaller body.  We are VERY excited to have him in our program.  Many, many thanks to the American Gypsy Horse Angel Foundation and to LexLin Ranch for their generous spirits!!!!

 

 

 

 

Tank was donated to our program on Labor Day of 2011.  He is a grade gelding who was ridden in his prior life by children.  He is generally calm and lazy......attributes which are good for a therapy horse.  He is not tender sided which makes him more tolerant with some of our riders with tight legs.  He was donated to our program by Jenny Sims of Bradford, Tennessee.  Many, many thanks to Jenny and her family for this generous donation!  We will do our best to take good care of Tank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On September 3, 2009, we lost our dear equine friend, Beauty. Although no one knew for sure, we believe that he was in his 20's. Beauty had not been used by our program for over a year because of health issues.  Prior to his retirement, Beauty had been ridden and loved by many of our riders. He knew his cues well, and he had so much heart.  We were blessed to have known Beauty for as long as we did.  Beauty was laid to rest in a scenic locale at the home of his beloved owner. Many thanks to Courtney Ballentine and her family for sharing him with us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.I.P.  sweet Mite.  We lost Mite on November 9, 2011.  She was used quite a bit by students doing ground work with the horses, but also was the favorite ride for some of our riders.  She was Ms. Cheryl's ride of choice. She was always very curious. One day we found her on the second step going up the platform where parents sit. (That is one reason we have a gate there now.) Mite was owned by Cheryl Crider.  Mite, you are missed. Thank you, girl, for your sweet spirit.  You did your job, girl.