|
"Paint" 
Well,
what can you say about a paint horse named Paint?! As you can
see from the photo at left, Paint is definitely the "class clown" of the
group! If there is anything around to get into, Paint will be
there...If there is a gate to be opened, Paint will be there...If
there is a picture that "needs" to be torn off a pole
(during lessons!) or a bucket to check out, or even a ball to chew
on, Paint is there!
Paint
is fairly tall, and he moves right out when he walks, so he keeps
our side-walkers hopping! Who needs an exercise program when
they have Paint! Although ornery, Paint is so loveable that
everyone knows it's all in good fun, and we would sure be lost without this sweetheart!
"Sally"
Big Sally is
our loveable Percheron cross
mare. Her large build, broad back and long, smooth stride make her
ideal for vaulting (gymnastics on horseback). She is very
tolerant of the bumping and thumping that sometimes happens on her
back. She always turns to see who is mounting next, and then
sometimes decides on her own who can mount at a walk and who needs
for her to stand still!
She
loves to be petted and hugged on, Sally is
truly a Gentle Giant!
 "Spike"
A miniature horse, Spike is the smallest of our
four-legged volunteer therapists, but don't tell him that!
Spike is 2 this year, and full of energy! Spike is in
training, learning to be a therapy horse. He will be used for
our smaller & younger riders to learn to lead and groom.
Spike may be one of the smallest
horses but he still picks on any horse that will let him.
 "Mac"
Mac is
our ranch horse-turned-therapist. A good-looking guy with a
bit of an attitude, he can be a bit of a handful with adults, but
with the kids he just melts! He will let "his little
girls" do things an adult would never be able to do...kissing
on the nose, giving big 'ol hugs...he's got things figured out!
Mac is
also multi-talented in that he can wear and perform under an English
saddle as well as a Western saddle, and looks quite good in both.
Mac
also loves his carrots and can smell one from a mile away! And
of course, he always thinks he's earned one at the end of each
lesson.
 "Foxy"
Foxy started with us
in 2004, and quickly became one of the group. She is a sweet
little mare who loves kids. She really seems to enjoy taking
the kids around the arena and playing the different games. She
has such a kind, gentle soul that she can really connect with the
riders.
 "Token"
Token
is owned by Instructor/Program Mgr. Sara Brown. An easy-going
horse with a show background, Token had filled in for the program
before but is a currently a permanent resident. With his willing attitude - and slight ornery streak
- he fits right in like an pro!
"Ginger"
Ginger
was donated to MOS in the Spring of 2005. She is in her mid-teens,
and has a lot of life left in her! She is a Welch pony cross, so her
size is really nice to work with when it comes to riders who may
need a little more “hands on” support from our volunteers. Ginger is
very sweet, but sometimes tends to have a stubborn streak, but what
horse doesn’t? Our riders and volunteers have all become very
attached to this little lady, we feel very privileged to work with
her.
"Sugar-Paint"
.jpg)
Sugar
started working in our program in the Spring of 2006. She had been
owned by a volunteer and when she came up for sale, we couldn’t let
her go. Sugar tends to get a little nervous at times, but as soon
as our riders get on her back, she calms right down. Our riders
really benefit from her gentleness and they love her “Paint” color
pattern.
"Skip"
Skip is
owned by board member and instructor, Jennifer Standley. In his
past life, Skip was a very accomplished show horse, with hours of
experience with kids. Most of the time, he tries to conserve as
much energy as he possibly can, but we wouldn’t want him any other
way. He is very laid back and easy going, which is just what most
of our riders need.
"Satch"
Satch
is a former team roping horse. Due to an injury, he can no longer
perform the hard work of roping, but he is still young enough and
sound enough to provide his services for our riders. He loves to be
scratched and rubbed, and of course loves the attention that
everyone gives him here. His “Western” horse buddies wouldn’t
believe it if they saw him in our Tuesday night class of “English”
horses! He even has trotted over a small jump for us!
Retired But Not Forgotten
The
following are our horses that have been retired from service.
"Dusty"
and "Granny"
Bio and
Pictures coming soon!
 "Sugar"
Sugar
is one horse who can be very patient with our smallest and neediest
riders, as well as challenging to the older and more advanced
riders. She comes from a show horse background and is very
good at teaching the riders the different gaits, and with her easy
gaits, they quickly gain confidence with her.
Sugar
has also developed into a carrot lover, and is always on the lookout
for a stray carrot to be munched!
In June
of 2006 Sugar had a pretty little bay filly. Both are healthy and
happy.
 "Annie"
Annie
comes to us with a rodeo background. She is on lease to us from a
family in Lakin. She is still very much a part of “their” herd,
however her age has caused her to slow down a bit. The family has
owned Annie since she was 3 years old, and she has taken very good
care of their children. Because she is such a great babysitter, she
fits right in to the criteria of what a great therapy horse should
be. She is very patient and tolerable when our students, who are
learning to be independent riders, are on her and sometimes get
their signals crossed. She just takes things in stride and moves on
to the next task.
"Nick"
– 2004 Horse of the Year 
Nick was adopted from the
humane society when he and several of his pasture mates were rescued
after their owner abandoned them, leaving them to starve.
He has
the best personality and loves to work with the kids. He is very
patient and tolerant, and is so “tuned in to” his rider that he has
been known to stop on his own if he feels that his rider is off
balance.
However, Nick also has an
ornery side! He has been known to cheat at the game “Red Light,
Green Light”. He will stop when he is supposed to, but then his
feet always seem to find a way to start moving as he slowly inches
forward! When he & his rider win, if you look closely at his face,
you will see his horsy grin!
* * * *
*
Some
Horses Go To Heaven
I
think some horses go to heaven, and I can prove it too.
The
Bible even talks about it, so for me it must be true.
Last
night I had a funny dream, I passed through the Pearly Gates
and
standin' on the other side was one of Jesus' precious saints.
He
said "I want to show you something," and he took me to a
place
where
the grass was green and luscious and a herd of horses grazed.
He
said, "These are the special ones, part of the grand design.
Some
helped the lame or crippled, some helped the deaf or blind.
They
don't talk but they communicate, from the One who rules above
of
gentle strength and patience, of unconditional love."
He
said, "I myself experienced what it's like to live each day
as
a prisoner of my body, to hear the things that people say.
"And
when it was the loneliest, I needed something I could touch,
these
horses always helped me, and now you know how much."
Then,
when he finished talkin', he turned to walk away.
Then
he stopped and turned around, with one more thing to say.
"All
His children will be perfect, when they reach the promised land.
For
now His gift of animals will be His helping hand."
by
Mike Lee, cowboy poet
|
