Meet our amazing Stirrups ‘n Strides herd!
Many of them came to us from a previous “profession.” Here, they have a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who come here for therapeutic riding, equine therapy and equine assisted learning. Each has their own special “magic” to share. The horses receive tons of loving care from volunteers and participants. We are so thankful for our therapy horses and for all who contribute to their care.
Our > SPONSOR A HORSE program is a way that you can be involved in helping to provide the great care that keeps them happy and healthy.
At our Citra/Orange lake location:
Amigo
Breed: Mini
Year Born: 2002
Amigo has personality plus! He is leased to Stirrups ‘n Strides and has been with us for many years. Amigo drives our wheel-chair accessible carriage and helps out with our equine assisted learning program and kids group visits. He also has a very special place in our Veterans program. This little guy makes a big difference for all ages.
Black Jack
Breed: Mini
Year Born: 2005
Blackjack came to us from the Melbourne area, having previously been a certified therapy mini visiting hospitals and nursing homes in Kansas City for many years. When he made the move to Melbourne, he was retired and then donated to Stirrups ‘n Strides. Blackjack does great work with our Veterans program and is a joy for all the kids to learn with.
Stewart (Willowick Southern Style)
Year born: 2002
Breed: Morgan
STEWART came to Stirrups ‘n Strides at the age of 5. He was shown in the Morgan Hunter Division until he suffered a leg injury. He retired at an early age from competing in the big shows and was donated to Stirrups ‘n Strides. Stewart is a great program horse and a favorite of many. Stewart always takes our riders to top ribbons!
Bodi (Bodi’s Smokin’ Blue Diamond)
Breed: Quarter Horse
Year Born: 2006
Bodi was owned by his original owner all his life & was used only as a trail riding horse until he came to us where he has turned into one of the best program horse’s ever! Bodi loves his job and loves the attention he gets from doting volunteers and riders. His laid back and welcoming demeanor draws many to his side.
Lilli (Look At Me Sail)
Year born: 2002
Breed: Quarter Horse
LILLI came to us from Merritt Island on the Florida East Coast. Lilli was previously a 4-H horse, winning many championships. When Lilli’s rider went off to college, she was donated to Stirrups ‘n Strides. Lilli does extremely well with our riders in the program and at show competitions.
Ben (True Religion)
Year born: 2001
Breed: Warmblood
BEN was imported from Europe as a Hunter show horse. He was shown for many years until he had a leg injury and could no longer jump. Ben came to us from the Jacksonville area and has been with us for several years. He is a big horse with a super sweet disposition and is special to many.
Signey
Year born: 1999
Breed: Fjord
SIGNEY came to Stirrups ‘n Strides from the Brooksville area. She had previously been mainly a driving horse, but did a lot of trail riding. Signey, is a steadfast horse paired often with our “walk only” riders. Her extremely calm attitude makes her perfect for our very disabled riders. She has an adorable teddy bear appeal and unique look of the Fjord breed.
Dallas
Year born: 2004
Breed: Quarter Horse
DALLAS came to us from the Ft. Myers area. He was previously a driving and riding horse. He is a great horse with a personality all his own. He is fondly nicknamed “Big D” around the farm. Dallas has become one of our best reliable horses and a favorite for many.
Regis (Whispering Suite Image)
Year born: 2001
Breed: Morgan
REGIS was previously a World Champion Western Pleasure show horse. After he injured his leg, Regis could no longer handle the rigors of the show world. He was donated to Kathy Gray who leases him to Stirrups ‘n Strides for use in the program. Regis has lots of style and personality plus!
Pal
Year born: 2004
Breed: Morgan
PAL is a real ham! Every morning when his gate is opened to his field to come in for breakfast, instead of running in to eat, he walks along with the person who opens the gate and wants to socialize before breakfast! He has a beautiful flowing flaxen mane and has an extremely comfortable trot. He loves all the activity with the students and volunteers and continues to amaze us all the time.
Royal (Skip Over Royalty)
Year born: 2001
Breed: Quarter Horse
ROYAL came to us from Ocala in March of 2022. Royal was used
as a pony horse on the track for many years! He then was in a
therapeutic riding program in the St. Pete area. He has a broad
body and stands 15.2 h. He fits in very nicely with our
programs.
Rocky
Year born: 2003
Breed: Morgan
Rocky came to us in April 2022 after being retired as a CDE
driving horse. Rocky was also a great trail riding horse. Rocky
has that mischievous Morgan attitude! With his smooth trot he
is fast becoming a favorite for many riders and volunteers.
Tater (DC French Jessie)
Year born: 2013
Breed: Quarter Horse
TATER came to us from Weirsdale. He was previously used as a
trail horse and just arrived in July 2022. His super quiet
demeanor and smooth trot is sure to make him the perfect
horse for our program.
Mac
Year born: 2009
Breed: ½ Morgan, ½ Irish Sport Horse
MAC came to us from New York where he was used for
dressage and endurance riding. One of our instructor’s raised
him and decided he would make a great therapeutic riding
horse. He is big (16.1h), with a sweet disposition and
personality, great at the farm and at horse shows. He is smooth
to ride both English and western. Everyone loves Mac.
At our Hillcrest School Location:
Boomer
Year born: 2004
Breed: Quarter Horse Pony
Everyone loves Boomer! If there was a re-make of the show “Mr. Ed”, Boomer would get the part, hands down. He was a Hunter Show Pony in his past life and was used in a lesson program. He is a wonderful addition to our group of horses and a joy to have at the barn. He works great with any of the students who need side walkers, he is the perfect height, and he doesn’t care about all the people around him. He is huggable, very vocal little guy bursting with personality.
Goody
Year born: 2013
Breed: Paint Quarter horse
This guy had a big show career and still does with our riders! He is a fancy boy and knows his way around the show ring! He has smooth gaits and is a perfect horse to work with kids independently! He is also our best walk, trot, canter horse!
Justice Year born: 2006 Breed: Quarter Horse
Handsome boy who is trustworthy and a confidence builder for the riders and volunteers. He is sweet and is a super star in the riding program!
Willy Year born: 2009 Breed: Thoroughbred
He was found by animal control wandering the streets of Ocala. He has landed right where he needs to be. He does a wonderful job with our kids who need more support. He knew this was his perfect job from the start.
Bailey Year born: 2003 Breed: Quarter Horse
Retired reining horse. Very well trained and very responsive. He is new to our program but fits right in. He is one of the favorites for the volunteers to lead. He is truly a “go with the flow” kind of guy.
Mel Year born: 2002 Breed: Quarter Horse
He always gives 100%! His job is working with the kids who need more support. He is very patient with riders who take a little more time to mount. Always reliable and dependable!
Doc Year born: 2017 Breed: Saddlebred
Big Goofball!! He will give you his tongue on que! He is an English riding horse, happy to work and loves attention! He always has his ears up and has a “Mr. Happy go Lucky” attitude!
Spirit Year born: 2009 Breed: Quarter Horse
We are lucky to have a new horse! He is learning his job but is becoming a great asset for our students. He is kind and willing to do anything asked of him. He is beautiful to look at and is very well trained. He is just so sweet!
Donkeys:
Snuggles: “In your pocket” kind of donkey! She will only walk at the pace of the leader. She is very aware of what her job is and how important it is for her to build confidence and take care of her leader. She is also a rescue!
Olive: Sweet donkey, used for grooming and leading for the students that do not ride. She was a rescue and knows this is her job. She appreciates her new life! And of course loves her job of being a ‘new mommy!’
Captain (Born 2023): “The Surprise!” When Olive arrived, we had no idea we were going to have a baby! Captain couldn’t be more suited to this program! He loves kids, he really sees them as his new friends. He was that way the minute he was born. He gets so involved with interacting with the students that he loses track of mom!
These horses have a way of capturing your heart!
Our > SPONSOR A HORSE program is a way that you can be involved in helping to provide the great care that keeps them happy and healthy.
