Hickory
I am a quarter horse and I am the leader of the group here at the stables. It’s not an easy job but someone has to do it! I like to eat grass and grain and LOVE alfalfa! I’m in excellent shape as you can tell by my figure. I love my horse family but I really love when people are around and when they ride me. It’s the best part of my day! I hope you will come out and see me. If you’d like you could brush my coat, pet me or ride me. I love when people are on my back and I can show them what a smart horse I am. I’ve had very good trainers in my life and I can tell what my rider wants by the way they touch me. (I also know a lot of spoken human words.) What I’m best at is knowing what you want by the slightest touch. Don’t worry if you’re nervous because many people are. I, and the rest of the horses here, are very gentle. We know people love us and we want people to know we love them too!
Gem
Although you can see I’m one of the largest horses here at the barn, don't let my size fool you! I can be stubborn and beg for attention at times, but I am the definition of a gentle giant. Just so everyone knows too, I'm probably the coolest breed of horse here! I am a Friesian Sport horse. I really enjoy getting fed treats and getting loved on as well. Every once in a while I do enjoy showing off my different gaits!
Spirit
I am very kind and gentle and that is why they chose me to join the family here at the Center. As a Tennessee Walker , I’m all black from head to hoof with beautiful almond shaped eyes! They take really good care of me here. I LOVE it when they brush my coat and could stand there ALL day. It relaxes me, then I find myself wanting to fall asleep! I also like it when people ride me. Since I am a TW I am not only tall but I have a 4 beat gait. You should come out and ride one of the other horses then me and see if you can tell the difference?! Maybe before we ride you can brush me? And then of course after we ride you could brush me? I overheard people talking about mud baths and how it helps the skin so I like to help out by giving myself a mud bath every so often, then I get a real bath and get brushed and brushed….Wow! My coat really shines then.
Fancy
I am an Arabian. I am a laid back gal. Not much bugs me, except flies, I hate those annoying things. I am a go-to for many new students, whatever that means. I am told I have a wonderful personality for the beginner, I just am being me. I love attention. I love to be brushed and petted. I am a horse that will do most things asked. Every once in a while, I feel I don’t need to kick that silly soccer ball, but the instructor tells me it makes the kids feel really good accomplishing something like that, so I usually give in and kick the silly thing. Come by and see me some time, I love apples.
Joker
Not too much excites me, except attention! My name should've been Olaf, because I just love warm hugs! I am a Tennessee Walking Horse and I love a good relaxing trail ride or a cool bath on a hot summer day. Just pet me and call me pretty to keep me happy! You can talk to me about anything and I promise not to tell, I'll be your best friend for life!
Rosie
Hi I’m Rosie! Some call me Rosie Posey! I am one of the smallest ponies here at the Hope Center. I know my face is cute but don’t get too caught up in my looks! I can be a good challenge for anyone who wants one. What I enjoy the most is getting good chest / neck scratches, and treats of course. I truly love to be around students and have become a favorite around here.
The General
As my name suggests, I’m stoic and in charge when needed. I used to be a very fancy show horse so I know how to go go go! I have been taught to count, give hugs and most of all I make my riders look good. I enjoy being in the barn. We have lots of students that tell me I am their favorite horse. I know I am the best, Shhh don’t tell the others. I don’t want them to get jealous.
Irish
I’m a Tennessee Walking Horse. Our breed motto is “Ride one today, own one tomorrow.” Although I’m not for sale. 🙂 My first job was to be a show horse but then I gave that up for the trails and to be in the woods. Now, I love being around my students and in the barn. I see so many different things and enjoy when people bring me carrots and apples. Come see me some time, I would love to give you the smoothest ride in the barn and don’t forget the treats.
Cinch
If you're looking for a good, reliable guy.... look no further! I am extremely patient and extra kind. I am a Registered Quarter Horse and I enjoy roping, sorting cattle, strutting my stuff at horse shows and playing around at fun shows and parades. I am a working horse, but I'll do whatever you ask. From a nice, slow walk to a good lope around the arena, I just want to take good care of my rider!
George
I'm a small but mighty pony here at The Hope Center. I love to ride with friends and get a good brush down now and then. If you look closely, I even have small white hearts in my hair on my neck....ya know, just because I'm so loveable. I like a little slower pace but if you want to trot a few laps, I guess I will!
Joe
I'm not your everyday, average Joe. I am easy to get a long with though! I love getting nose pets from little kids and even big kids too! I am calm and let you build your riding confidence. I will give you my heart if you feed me treats and brush me! I have to be very careful in the sun so we keep sunscreen on my pink skin to keep me safe during the summer. I cannot imagine life without the love of a human. I am always kind, even when others aren't nice to me. I have been picked on in my lifetime by other horses because I am too sweet; but I just keep on choosing to be kind because that's who I am. “Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.”
(RIP) Diablo
“BJL Good Impression” was my full name. Diablo is so much shorter and yet everyone seemed to just call me “D”. I got bossed around a lot by all of the “ladies” aka mares. They didn't give me much room to move. They can be very pushy when it’s feeding time! I actually belonged to Hope, she is such a lovely girl! She could have had any horse she wanted, and she picked me!! I think it was my beautiful markings and my piebald face, not to mention my many, talents. There are not a lot of horses that look like me. Legend is that a horse with my markings brings good luck to the rider! (If these “ladies” only knew what they had!) I was so spoiled by Hope and her family. They came to take care of me and loved me so much! Hope and I will always be best friends! I know she loved me just as much as I loved her!
