Bud is a 24-year-old Draft Cross and has been a cherished member of the HorseSense herd since 2009, making him our longest-serving equine partner. With his gentle demeanor, patience, love of attention, and signature goofy personality, Bud has earned a special place in the hearts of participants and volunteers alike. He serves as our primary horse for adaptive riding and veteran lessons, consistently offering a safe, steady presence to riders of all backgrounds and ability levels. Whether he’s helping a young rider gain confidence or independent riding skills, or supporting a veteran working through trauma, Bud as an equine partner intuitively meets each individual where they are—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Bud represents HorseSense as an organization: compassionate, dependable, and deeply connected to the people he serves. His unwavering commitment to healing through horse-human connection makes him the ideal Equine Ambassador for our program! Learn more about HorseSense here .

DK Miss America is a very special equine Standardbred ambassador at Sunshine Horses. She represents the mild mannerisms of this breed. Dawn was saved from slaughter many years ago, actually pulled off the truck. The woman that saved her was named Dawn, hence the name Sunshine Horses chose for this mare. She had been adopted but then returned through no fault of her own. Because of her kind, patient nature the organization uses her for horse/human bonding with visitors and volunteers. She loves the attention. Recently, Dawn was diagnosed with glaucoma and requires daily medication and an ultraviolet protection mask to prevent further damage. The enclosed photo shows her with her mask as she interacts with one of our younger volunteers. Learn more about Sunshine Horses Inc. here .

Morning Glory is the heart and soul of our therapeutic riding program. Her mellow temperament, tolerance for loud noises and erratic behavior, and unflappability make her the perfect horse for our children with special needs. Glory takes care of her young riders day after day, ensuring their safety and enjoyment. Learn more about Horse SenseAbility at Wildstar Farm here .

“McDreamy” Ten years before Mac arrived at Mitchell Farm, his owner bought him straight out of the kill pen at an auction. She was shown a photo of this handsome paint gelding and immediately thought he would make a great “Husband horse”. She was told that he had a small wound on his right front fetlock that was well on the way to healing. So, sight unseen, she had him shipped to the barn where she was boarding her other horse. Mac arrived late in the evening, and it was immediately apparent that he was gravely ill. He had full blown strangles complete with abscessing glands. The vet was called, and they worked all night to stabilize him. Once that crisis was under control, their attention turned to the “small wound” on his right front fetlock. The wound was anything but small and was infected. His poor new owner had several moments of “what should I do?” “is the boarding stable going to kick me out?” how am I going to afford the vet bills going forward?” “is he even rideable?” “what is my Husband going to say?” “should we euthanize him?”. One look in his eyes gave her the courage to persevere. Mac recovered from his battle with strangles. The Boarding facility did not kick her out. She nursed him through 90 days of medical isolation and tended to his wound. He was never rideable. His right front fetlock bears the impressive scar of a horrific injury. The radiographs show the same with added arthritis. His owners, yes, her Husband was “all in”, moved to a small farm and brought home both horses. Mac spent the next 9 years as a much-loved companion. Our hats off to his owners who not only saved this beautiful creature, but also prepared for his safe future at the point where they were not able to physically care for him any longer. Mac is about 23-25 and will have many more happy years retired to the care of loving staff and volunteers at Mitchell Farm. Learn more about Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, Inc. here .

Moon is a miniature horse that was born in 2010. He is a dark bay with a star that is shaped like a quarter moon, thus his name! We rescued Moon four years ago from a rescue organization. Over time and with training he has settled into his job at the therapeutic center. His work include equine-assisted psychotherapy with trauma victims, hippotherapy, specifically speech and language, and with youth development and seniors with equine-assisted learning where he teaches grooming, including picking his hoofs, haltering and leading. He has his own little shed and paddock area that is centrally located, so he serves as a visitor greeter too! Because we don't ride him he takes staff, visitors and volunteers for long walks on our sensory trail for exercise. As you notice from his photo (with the raspberry beret) he also helps with fundraising at our annual gala through his paintings - acrylic on canvas, where the paintings are auctioned off. Moon is one special equine and we all love him to the moon and back! We are beyond proud to nominate our mini moon as our Equine Ambassador for 2024! Learn more about Shepard Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. 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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .