2022 Platinum Performance
Horse Welfare Award Recipients

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2022 Recipients


Pistol
Official Name: Six Shooter Boogie
Birth Year: 2003 Gender: Gelding. Breed: Quarter

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National Center For Equine Facilitated Therapy (NCEFT)
Pistol’s Background:

Pistol is a 19-year-old Quarter Horse gelding. Before arriving at NCEFT, Pistol was a western cutting horse. He spent several years under the care of his owner, Casey Terribilini, NCEFT’s Board Chair. Casey felt his treasured horse, Pistol, would be a suitable match for NCEFT’s programs as Pistol was a loyal and trustworthy companion to Casey and possessed both the temperament and quality of movement that would be ideal in our work. Pistol is also super affectionate and cuddly which makes it easy for our patients, staff, and volunteers to connect with him. Everyone loves Pistol!


Pistol’s Life as a Therapy Horse:

Pistol came up to speed quickly in his new role as a therapy horse at NCEFT. He was taught how to work in long lines and be led under saddle for our various programs. He took to these new modalities very well, all while maintaining a stolid and safe disposition. His trustworthiness in long-lines, and steady gaits under saddle make him a great mount in both our Therapy and Adaptive Riding programs. The barn staff was delighted to have discovered that Pistol’s niche is Adaptive Riding, where the rider is typically more able-bodied and is working towards riding independently. Pistol is ideal for these clients because he provides immediate and appropriate reactions in response to the rider’s cues. Pistol required very little time to become comfortable in our arena setting, including around the use of toys. It is common for our patients/clients to hold or toss toys while mounted to help with focus, balance, and comfort. These objects consist of pool noodles, rings, balls, and all sorts of toys. The NCEFT staff is so thankful to have Pistol in our herd, as he is willing and well-behaved no matter what we ask of him. As a member of the barn staff, I have had the pleasure of getting to know Pistol over the past year.


Pistol’s Health History:

Upon arriving at NCEFT, Pistol was challenged with hives as well as lameness in his right foot due to his age and past career as a cutting horse. Our staff, under the guidance and help from our primary veterinarian, attempted to resolve Pistol’s hives via a multitude of treatments. After several months, Pistol’s hives finally began to clear up and revealed a beautiful smooth coat, ultimately resulting in a happier and more comfortable Pistol. Additionally, our farriers provided Pistol with corrective shoeing, and with time off to rehabilitate his lameness and through the care of his horse handlers, Pistol was able to begin his training as a therapy horse. Over time, he blossomed into a sound and comfortable horse who was fit for work. Pistol had quite the turn-around and has since proven to be an asset to NCEFT, and is an incredibly valuable equine partner. The NCEFT staff would love the opportunity to supplement Pistol’s diet with Platinum Performance as he continues his health journey, in order to keep him healthy, happy, and supported in all the hard work that he does for us.

Relationship of Nominator to Nominee
The description below was written by Skylar Assaf, NCEFT's full-time Horse Handler. Pistol is used in NCEFT’s Equine-Assisted Therapy and Adaptive Riding programs.

This application is being submitted by the Development Team at NCEFT. Thank you very much for your consideration! -- Cherie Hammer