Petra came to High Hopes in the winter of 1999 from a local farm here in Connecticut. Petra serves our participants by being one of our most stoic, reliable and tolerant horses. She has a sweet disposition when it comes to her work in class. Petra’s favorite activity is eating. She does not appreciate being taken away from her food under any circumstances! Petra is one of the most unique looking horses in the herd with a dark stripe that runs the length of her body from her ears to her tail! Her mane is “roached” to show off her two-toned coloring. Learn more about High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. here .

Fun Facts: Pumba, known for his blue eyes, being curious, & giving great pony rides, is 14.2 hands and was born on January 1, 2006. Pumba is the cutest blue eyed paint cross. He loves attention and going out on trails. Pumba is steady and safe for all levels of riders and takes part in all our programs, one of his favorite activities is working with students learning mounted archery and doing pony rides for little kids. Pumba always comes up to say hi to visitors in a very polite and friendly way. He loves being part of the herd but sometimes we have to limit his grass consumption for health reasons. Learn more about Misty Meadows Equine Learning Center here .

Rosie was found tied to a chain link fence on the streets of Philadelphia, and she was without food or water for quite some time. She was nothing but a bag of bones and seemed to have experienced a lot of abuse and pain. This little pony was meant for bigger things. Rosie was meant to teach children that good can come from bad and that anything is possible with a little love and faith. She currently serves in our Equine-Facilitated Learning classes and works with children who have experienced significant trauma and hardship in their lives. Rosie makes a connection with everyone she meets. She has helped young teens struggling with addiction learn how to find a new path to wellness. She has helped grieving mothers find hope. Despite her humble beginnings, without a show record, awards or accolades, Rosie is a star at the Gleneayre Equestrian Program. This little pony, who was afraid, timid, and lost, went on to learn new skills, trust humans, and heal souls. Best expressed by a program participant, "Before I came here, I didn't know anything about horses. Now I know I love them. I know that Rosie loves me. I haven't felt love like that in a long time." Learn more about Gleneayre Equestrian Program here .

Rescued in 2022, Remus came to Horse Haven when his family could no longer care for him and his two pasture mates due to a life change. Severely emaciated upon arrival, he required immediate veterinary care and nourishment. With love and rehabilitation, Remus transformed into a healthy, sweet-natured horse who adores attention. His gentle personality and fondness for kids make him the perfect representative of our mission. Whether meeting the public or attending events, Remus helps spread awareness about equine rescue and the importance of giving horses like him a second chance. Learn more about Horse Haven of Tennessee, Inc here .

Romero is an estimated 2018 formerly feral stallion, now a tame gelding. Romero came to us still feral, but willing and kind. He is coming along well in training. Romero knows basic groundwork, has gone over obstacles, and has worn a saddle pad. Romero is gaited and gorgeous, and loves attention! He has blossomed into an inquisitive, brave, and trusting horse, ready to find his adoptive home. We chose Romero because we feel he perfectly embodies our mission to help heal, and home the horses that need us most. Without us, Romero would have been left fighting to survive out on the treacherous reclaimed strip mines, with not enough to eat. We have been able to provide the safety, nutrition, and emotional stability he needed to become his best self. He is now ready for the final step is his journey with us- to be rehomed with a family who will love him as much as we do! Learn more about Kentucky Equine Adoption Center here .

Meet Rose, Our Equine Ambassador! At Nature's Edge Therapy Center, we are excited to introduce Rose, our remarkable Paint horse, as the face of our Equus Guardian fundraiser. LPS Classic Rare Rose (Rose) has been with Nature's Edge Therapy Center since she was a year old. She did leave us from 12 years to 18 years to be with a 4H young lady and then came back. Rose embodies everything we strive for in our therapy horses. At 19 years old, she brings years of experience, grace, and an exceptional temperament that makes her a perfect partner for our patients. Rose's size, temperament, and movement are ideal for hippotherapy, providing a safe and effective way for our patients to achieve their therapy goals. Her gentle nature and smooth, rhythmic movements help improve balance, strength, and coordination for individuals with various needs. Your support in the Equus Guardian fundraiser ensures that incredible horses like Rose continue to make a profound impact on the lives of those we serve. Join us in celebrating Rose and helping us provide top-notch equine-assisted therapy to our community. Learn more about Nature's Edge Therapy Center here .

Rosie is a reliable determined pony. She works hard at keeping the young riders at Southlands confident. Rosie is kind and sweet to all young riders. She helps give the riders a foundation they can use on other ponies. Rosie is a friend for our equine companion program. She never shares their secrets. Learn more about Southlands Foundation here .

Who is visiting my pasture? Sabu is our ambassador as he is our official greeter for our at-risk youth program, coming over to the gate when the bus from the detention center pulls in the driveway. Sabu helps our inner-city kids feel comfortable around horses, and always gives them the confidence they need to overcome their trauma. As a rescue, Sabu had to overcome starvation and abuse, with his background just as painful as their own. He directly identifies with the teens he works with, and he makes them feel safe, helps them to identify their emotional trauma, develop resilience, and with the help of the staff they find healthy coping strategies in a new and experiential way. Without our official greeter, I do not believe the youth would have such successful outcomes! Learn more about Brook Hill Farm here .

Sammy is a miniature horse who came from a kill pen to HERD Foundation in 2018. He was insecure and highly dysregulated. As a result of being in the herd and in our programs, he is now more left brain and is the protector of other horses; he has a special bond with Cinnamon, another miniature horse. He is also more confident and loves to help people connect. Sammy is essential in our programs and is even Known in the community. Learn more about HERD Foundation here .

Sapphire is a gorgeous 11-year-old Quarter Horse mare who came to Colorado Horse Rescue (CHR) from another partner rescue. Prior to that, she had been seized from her previous owner by Animal Protection due to neglect. Sapphire arrived to CHR with very little experience being handled. Despite her hesitation around people, she demonstrated curiosity and a willingness to learn. This lead to Sapphire becoming a participant in CHR's 2024 PEAK Training Challenge where she will spend 100 days in offsite training and subsequently compete for the Champion title. She has already made remarkable progress on the ground and is working on basic skills under saddle. Against all odds, Sapphire has proven to be just as smart and capable as she is beautiful. At CHR, we firmly believe that the only difference between a rescue horse and any other horse is a set of circumstances. Sapphire has been selected as CHR's Equine Ambassador because her story shows that even beautiful, athletic, capable horses unfortunately aren't immune from falling into unkind hands. By providing at-risk horses with the safety and resources they need, we are able to help horses like Sapphire reach their fullest potential. Sapphire has blossomed into an eager, dependable equine partner, and we can't wait for her to find her new home. Learn more about Colorado Horse Rescue here .

Sinari is a 24-year-old Welsh Cob mare with an extensive background in dressage training. For the past 6 years, she has excelled in her second career as an equine therapist at Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH), a therapeutic riding center in Lexington, KY. Sinari's versatility shines through, whether she is assisting an adult in perfecting their dressage skills or a child in enhancing their independence and energy regulation. A patient and forgiving teacher, Sinari is gentle with riders of all abilities. Off duty, Sinari enjoys the freedom of the fields, where she loves to let loose with her equine friends. Her spirited personality and professional expertise make her a cherished member of the CKRH team. Learn more about Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, Inc. (CKRH) here .

Smile Happy is a five-year-old gelding who raced from 2021 - 2024, was trained by Kenny McPeek, and was owned by Luck Seven Stables (Mackin). Smile Happy is by Runhappy and out of Pleasant Tap and was bred in Kentucky by Moreau Bloodstock & White Bloodstock LLC. He won races at Churchill Downs, Keeneland, and Oaklawn Park. He raced in the Kentucky Derby and the Bluegrass Stakes and won the 2023 Alysheba (G2) and the 2021 Kentucky Jockey Club (G2). Smile Happy won over $1,000,000 in his race career, but we've chosen him to be our ambassador because of his personality and ability to represent his breed and the thoroughbred racing industry as a whole. Racehorses, especially successful ones, are sometimes given the reputation of being difficult to handle and ride. But Smile Happy breaks all of those stereotypes. The racing industry has also come under fire in the last few years with the general public assuming trainers, owners, and fans do not put horse welfare first. Having a successful horse who was trained by a prominent trainer, and retired by successful owners, can bring positive attention to the racing industry. Retiring, gelding, and rehoming a successful horse like Smile Happy shows the industry is dedicated to rehoming and retraining horses for new lives. Smile Happy is an incredible ambassador for retraining thoroughbreds because he is kind, intelligent, safe, and incredibly settled into his new life as an off-the-track thoroughbred. He would be the type of horse that the general public, racing fans, and horse lovers would want to know and learn his story because it is a story of success with a happy ending to the story. Learn more about Secretariat Center here .

Sterling is a young thoroughbred gelding and is as sweet as can be, foal year 2022. He has a deformed hind leg, likely since birth, and therefore is unable to ever be ridden or perform physically taxing tasks. What he lacks in physical abilities he more than makes up for with his personality. He adores attention and is a cuddle-bug! He loves other horses and wants to be friends and play with everyone, but he definitely is still a baby and sometimes annoys his herd mates with his endless energy. Learn more about The Horse Protection League here .

Stevie, a 27-year-old Fjord gelding has been part of our therapeutic riding program since 2010 and is the cornerstone of our equine herd. He has given hundreds of children and adults their first ride, thanks to his calm, gentle nature and ability to sense how people are feeling. On numerous occasions he has stopped and refused to move just before his rider had a seizure and stood like a rock until the event was over. Stevie also will randomly hug people--sensing they need a little extra TLC, he will turn his big head and literally wrap his neck around them! Stevie is one of those horses that will rise up to the level of his rider: walking as if on eggshells for those who are fragile and being a little stubborn for those who think they know everything! Stevie is loved and adored by all who meet him and although he is semi-retired, he is still a student and volunteer favorite. This big lug is a model therapeutic riding horse and he deserves to be part of your team! Learn more about The Shane Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc here .

Gentle, kind, and hardworking, Sven, a Norwegian Fjord, has been at the heart of Horses with Hope and a favorite among participants and volunteers since his arrival in 2014. Admired not only for his personality and temperament but also for his distinctive dual-colored mane, Sven is instantly recognizable. Although he has retired from the riding program, he continues to thrive in unmounted programs, supporting veterans, youth, and adults in need. Throughout his career at Horses with Hope, Sven has touched countless lives and continues to make a difference each day. Learn more about Horses with Hope, Inc here .

Teeticket began her racing career on February 24, 2016. She had 22 racing starts, placing first twice, second once and third three times with a lifetime earnings of $22,512. Teeticket was retired from racing in 2018. She was acquired by a Kill Pen Buyer in 2019 from an Amish family when she could no longer serve her purpose of pulling a cart. Beyond the Roses Equine Rescue (BTRE) fundraised and purchased her to save her from going to Canada for slaughter. We were told at the time that she was blind in at least one eye. When arriving at our farm Teeticket was examined by our Veterinarian and it was thought that she had Uveitis in both eyes and was blind in both. We then took her to Michigan State University Large Animal Clinic to be examined. They verified she was completely blind. BTRE was told that the best avenue for Teeticket would be to remove her eyes so she would not be in pain. In June 2020, the funds were raised and her eyes were removed. Since BTRE had never had a blind horse before, modifications needed to be made to give her comfortable surroundings. A small turnout was created for her to be turned out into and her stall was modified for her. She adjusted very well to her new lifestyle. Teeticket was a very cooperative horse. Very friendly and an easy to work around. Last October BTRE rescued a mare named Hope This Helps (Hope). Hope and Teeticket have been housed next to each other and immediately became friends. They are now inseparable and Hope has become Teeticket’s new eyes. They were moved to a larger paddock attached to their stalls. Teeticket gets around the paddock as if she can see. She has been taught voice commands so it is easier for her to be handled. It was determined that with Teeticket’s blindness it would best for her to be a Sanctuary horse with BTRE and live out her life with us. She appears to be very happy with her new life as a Sanctuary horse with us. Learn more about Beyond The Roses Equine Rescue & Retirement here .

Thunder is a 21 year old Tennessee Draft gelding that's been at our sanctuary since early 2022. Not only is he super handsome, he's the epitome of a gentle giant. Thunder is loved by all who visit, big and small. He reminds experienced horsemen why they love horses, and helps beginners fall in love with horses. We are thrilled to have his big heart and kind spirit at our sanctuary and hope to have several great years to come as Thunder lives out his golden years with us. Learn more about February Star Sanctuary, Inc. here .

Tink is a 20-year old paint mare who joined the Mane Stream herd in 2010. She is loved by riders, staff and volunteers for her calm, steady and sweet personality. Tink is a wonderful horse for riders of all levels and really shines with new riders. She has an ability to bring out the best in her riders. Tolerant of riders who are just learning, Tink makes it easy for them to gain confidence in every lesson. She is a favorite mount in our Annual Horse Show because she loves the crowds and performs well even when her riders are a little nervous. Tink is the perfect Equine Ambassador for Mane Stream because she embodies all of the characteristics of a great adaptive riding horse. Beginning riders love her easy trot and she is predictable and steady during lessons. And, Tink makes the perfect canvas for summer campers and field trip participants. Using water-based paints, they turn her into colorful masterpieces. Tink enjoys attention and is well-loved by everyone she meets. Learn more about Mane Stream, Inc. here .

Touching My Toes gave her all on the track, running twenty-seven races and earning over $244,000. When her left foreleg collapsed in her final start, she was sent for breeding to carry the next generation. But after her months-old filly was taken from her and her body became too frail to sustain another pregnancy, she was cast aside. Unbridled found her severely neglected, starving, and forgotten on a frozen pasture. Through dedicated care, she regained her strength, her spirit, and the safety she had never known. Now, as Unbridled’s Equine Ambassador, she gives a voice to the countless horses who were never given the chance to be saved. Her journey is a testament to the power of compassion, reminding the world that these horses are not objects or commodities but emotional, intelligent, and sentient beings who deserve love, dignity, and lifelong care. Learn more about Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation here .

Most of our horses came as a retired horse from another job. Trader did not, he was used as a down payment for a truck, then the car dealership donated him to us. He was only four years old when we received him. Like most of us that get involved with therapeutic riding, he fell in love with it. For 20 years he has carried riders of all ages and sizes around the arena and on trails. He has never complained or failed his job of protecting his rider and helping achieve their goals. He is the go-to horse for us, never letting us down. Learn more about Horsepower, Inc. here .

Vincent, a 15.2 hand Trakehner-Quarter Red Roan Horse gelding was born in 2003. He has a delightful personality, loves to be the center of attention and never stops searching for treats. His great temperament and versatility make him an invaluable lesson horse. Vincent can go from a cross country course, to a dressage show and the next day go right into being a lesson horse for people with disabilities. He is truly a star. Learn more about NorthWest Therapeutic Riding Center here .

Walter, known as "The Sweet One" due to his amazing disposition, is a five year-old Standardbred who tore a tendon while racing, and had to be retired. His owner surrendered Walter to the MSSPA. His diagnosis meant Walter would be on stall rest for many months, and our staff has worked with Walter's vet, wrapping his legs, and thinking of creative ways to keep this young boy engaged while standing in his stall. He is GORGEOUS and friendly! and a barn favorite. Walter is making progress ahead of schedule, his vet has visited him several times since he's been here at the Society, and his healing is coming along beautifully. He will begin being hand led soon! The MSSPA is so grateful that Walter joined our herd, and that the Society gets the opportunity to help this boy back to full, good health. Learn more about Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals here .

Wild Sage was once a wild and free mustang. She was rounded up as a two year old by the Bureau of Land Management and is now five years old. As if being rounded up, taken from her home and family, and stripped of her freedom wasn’t devastating enough, she then got purchased by a kill buyer and brought to a kill pen in TX, waiting to ship on the next truck to Mexico for slaughter. One of our friends brought this horse to our attention in February 2024 and asked if we could help her. She was very thin and in desperate need of some TLC. She was only 606 pounds and a body condition score of a 3 out of 9 when she arrived at The Dorset Equine Rescue. We have carefully caught her up with all of her routine vet and farrier care, encouraged her to trust, and helped her put some weight on. She still needs to gain a bit more weight, including muscle, but we are so happy with her progress. Wild Sage is very sweet and loves her grooming sessions. We just started her training evaluation and we can’t wait to continue to watch her thrive. Wild Sage is our Equine Ambassador because she is a great example of what is possible with proper care and attention. We are committed to rescuing and caring for horses like Wild Sage, these majestic animals who have no voice to be heard, and providing the compassionate, loving care they deserve. Learn more about Dorset Equine Rescue here .

While all of our horses are superstars, we recently recognized "Yogi" (AKA Color Me Blue) as Loudoun Therapeutic Riding's Horse of the Year. He truly represents the best of the best. Yogi, a 23 year old quarter horse, has an impressive bio & is greatly enjoying “retirement” at LTR. Before he became a member of the our herd, Yogi had a long and illustrious career as a fox-hunter, event horse and pony club mount, and in 2016 he won the JR North American Field Hunter championships. And In case you were wondering about his cute little teddy bear ears (hence the name Yogi) he was foaled on the range in South Dakota in March and it is VERY cold out there...so you can just guess what happened! But more important than any of these accolades & achievements is his kind, gentle and generous spirit. He consistently does his best & readily connects with his humans. The words of a student, who shared this about his time spent with Yogi each week, really sum it up – When I am at the barn with Yogi, I FEEL CALM, RELAXED & PROTECTED. WHEN I LEAVE, I FEEL ACCOMPLISHED & I FEEL PROUD –– thank you, Yogi. Learn more about Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Foundation, Inc. here .

Meet Zillow, a 20-year-old pony from Days End Farm Horse Rescue (DEFHR), a non-profit equine welfare organization based in Woodbine, Maryland. Since its establishment in 1989, DEFHR has been dedicated to "ensuring quality care and treatment of horses through intervention, education, and outreach on a national scale." The equines that come to DEFHR are victims of abuse and neglect, seized by animal control agencies in the mid-Atlantic. These horses require specialized critical care, rehabilitation, and legal representation. Zillow arrived at DEFHR in late 2022 from Ohio as a severe neglect case. He had been locked in a barn for years, standing atop feet-high piles of his own waste. Of the 16 horses impounded, more than half did not survive the horrific neglect they suffered. Zillow was one of the lucky ones. In the initial months of his healing journey, Zillow had to relearn how to be a horse. Once his immediate health concerns were addressed, DEFHR trainer Leigha Schrader, began working with him. Zillow, fearful of humans and previously a stallion with little correct handling, needed to overcome many fears. The first few months of training involved the basics like picking up his feet, touching his hind legs without him kicking out in fear, being caught, and leaving the herd without extreme anxiety. Through this, Zillow slowly rebuilt his connection to humans. Around the same time, Leigha tragically lost her liberty training companion, DEFHR Equine Ambassador Vinni the Mini. One day, while round penning Zillow in preparation to start him under saddle, he suddenly and without being asked, came to Leigha and began offering the most beautiful liberty circles. This marked the beginning of their joint healing journey. Leigha’s heart started to heal from the loss of Vinni, and Zillow began to trust humans again. Zillow continues to grow in leaps and bounds. Every time he offers something new, Leigha is humbled by the incredible capacity these animals have to forgive and embrace their second chances. Today, Zillow has taken the baton from Vinni and continues his legacy of educating and showcasing the resilience of rescue horses and their ability to thrive beyond cruelty and neglect. While Zillow remains a permanent resident at DEFHR to teach others about horses, the other horses in DEFHR’s care are in various stages of recovery and will move on to retraining and rehoming. Your gift today, inspired by Zillow’s story, will help support the 120 horses we shelter on average each year. Thank you for supporting this important work! Learn more about Days End Farm Horse Rescue here .