Kleng can do it all.

“He is the most versatile and delightful horse I have ever known,” said Julia Bozzo, founder and director of the Northwest Therapeutic Riding Center in Bellingham, Washington.

Kleng is strong, kind, athletic, and versatile. He has “a calm steady walk, a tireless trot and a ‘rocking horse’ canter,” according to Bozzo. He’s an excellent mover and extremely adjustable in all three gaits. Kleng walks, trots, canters, jumps, trail rides, lounges well with a rider or vaulter, fox hunts and can pull a cart. He takes very good care of his riders and adjusts to each rider’s needs and level.

Despite having a back injury as a colt and two colic surgeries, Kleng remains the backbone of the Northwest Therapeutic Riding Center.

Norwegian Fjord horses are said to have been in evidence during the time of the Vikings, but Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International’s 2009 Equine of the Year, originally hailed from Vancouver Island, where he was related to most of the other Norwegian Fjords on the island.

“I first saw Kleng In Dec ember of 1995 when my family and I went to British Columbia to look for a potential therapeutic horses, “ recalled Bozzo.

Kleng starting working as a therapeutic horse for the Center when he was just four years old in 1995, and this amazing horse has continuously provided safe, pleasant and enjoyable lessons to hundreds of riders. Kleng has instilled confidence, courage, horsemanship skills, physical benefits and delight to so many for so so many years.

Trained to work in equine-assisted activities, Kleng performs in many disciplines, in many environments and for many ability levels.

“He thrives on lots of riding and handling and always seems to look forward to ‘what’s next,’” said Bozzo, “especially at the end of the session when he gets a carrot.”

Kleng’s personality is so steady that early in his therapeutic riding career he responded to the bouquet of purple balloons that arrived at the ring by leading his leader and rider over to get a better look and a sniff of the new purple arrivals.

All the riders who come in contact with Kleng adore him �" he makes even the most challenged rider feel safe.

When a disabled rider is on his back he is extremely obedient and sensitive�" changing his demeanor and pace to challenge any rider exactly the way they need.

Kleng’s broad back, smooth gait and friendly, calm personality make him an integral part of Northwest’s therapeutic riding program.

Kleng is a tried and true gentleman - always game to the unpredictable �" and always reliable. Kleng can do it all!