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Barney is kind, tolerant, and very interactive with people. He is unassuming, friendly, and can safely be used for 'able-bodied' riders as well as those with significant disabilities (including children with cerebral palsy who cannot even sit up and require a 'back rider' for stability and interventions). He is the perfect horse to introduce new riders to horses since he is very calm and obedient. He has also been used to help riders who are bi-polar (since he is so steady), anxiety (because he is so calm), and in rehabilitation for a stroke survivor. Interestingly, he is also able to do basic dressage for older, larger riders who want to revisit their riding skills and/or build confidence. Additionally, he is consistently a favorite of our volunteers! All in all, we estimate that Barney has impacted an average of 45 persons each year (for a total impact of more than 300 persons over the time he's been a therapy horse). We have dozens of stories about how Barney has impacted lives, but will share just one. The family of Lisa*, 10-year old girl with significant impairments from cerebral palsy, drive over an hour each week to see and ride Barney. They do this as a family activity; the mother 'back rides' and the father is a sidewalker. Lisa can't talk but makes it clear that she loves riding outside and even trotting on Barney. We have her do 'walking Barrel Racing,' 'jumping' (walking over a course of poles), etc.; then she and her mother watch that sport on YouTube. Her parents have shared that she uses her communicator to tell them that riding is the highlight of her week and that 'she loves Barney!' Learn more about Ridin' High, Inc. 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 .

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 .