Meet Our Horses
Braveheart
Born March 27, 1998 – Blood Bay – American Warmblood/Thoroughbred – Gelding
My name is Braveheart! I’m a big ‘ole sweet boy and was bred and born on the Davenports’ farm in Texas and have been with them ever since. My Mom, Sasha, was a beautiful and sweet thoroughbred mare. Though she passed away a few years ago, I still have some of her best qualities. However, keeping my stall as tidy as she did still evades me! When Becky and I were growing up, we would go to shows together and win ribbons! Although I don’t assist in daily hippotherapy sessions, often you will see me giving my friends, Honey or Roanie, scratches on the back while they return the favor!
Roanie
Born February 17, 2007 – Red Roan – Quarter Horse – Gelding
My name is Roanie! I am a calm and sweet boy, though I can be a little shy at times. My show name is “Good N Red,” but you can just call me Roanie. I used my show name more when I did western pleasure in North Carolina before coming to Hope Therapy in 2016. My sweet personality is a great match for my current job as an equine therapist. I’m delighted to meet my riders and love on them as they love on me. Since I am one of the bigger horses on the farm I get to work with adults more, which is neat. They give great hugs! You can find me chilling with Honey and Braveheart.
Merlin
Born September 18, 2005 – Mahogany Bay – Arabian/Paso Fino – Gelding
My name is Merlin! I’m a very kind horse, and a bit of a silly dude at times! My mom is a Paso Fino, like my friend Chewy, and my dad is an Arabian, like my friend Rocky. I joined my Hope Therapy family in 2015 and have been enjoying my job as a therapy horse ever since. My previous work was at a Girl Scout camp, so I am no stranger to kiddos and adore their company. I also love to go on trail rides, spend time with my herd, and get treats from my riders! I also enjoy munching on hay with my buddy, Teddy.
Honey
Born April 22, 2000 – Mealy Flaxen Chestnut – Halflinger – Mare
My name is Honey! I am a very sweet mare, and truly enjoy people and can be quite snuggly at times. Being a Haflinger, I am the right height for some of our younger clients and strong enough for some of our older clients. During sessions, I am attentive to my rider as well as the instructor and side-walker. I am also a leader in my herd and tend to them when I’m not working. I have a bit of mother’s heart and love to initiate mutual grooming with my pasture mates.
GUS
Born June 12, 2008 – Bay – Miniature Horse – Gelding
My name is Gus! I’m a cute, funny, and sweet little guy, and I can be mischievous at times. I was born in Minnesota and my registered name is “JANDTS Shining Lite.” I like to think of myself as the mascot of Hope Therapy. I enjoy traveling, so I sometimes go to events as a representative. On the farm I help those who may fear horses warm up to us, I get groomed by our younger clients, I am ridden by our smallest clients, and I participate in photo shoots. If you come by the farm, feel free to visit me!
Rocky
Born March 31, 1995 – Flea-bitten Grey – Arabian – Gelding
My name is Rocky! I have two nicknames around the farm. The first is “Rocky the Boulder” and the second is “The amazing kissing horse.” The first was given to me by a rider and the second is because I love to give kisses to my riders! I enjoy working with my riders, especially when we do dressage. It’s always fun when we get to go on a road trip and perform off the farm, too. I’m always a happy camper and enjoy hanging out with friends like Hermione, Chewy, Irish, Queenie, and Rosie!
Chewy
Born January 16, 1994 – Flea-bitten Grey – Paso Fino – Gelding
My name is Chewy, but don’t be fooled! I only chew on grain, hay, and treats, which I thoroughly enjoy. I was born in North Carolina and joined the Hope Therapy herd in 2010. Since then, I have enjoyed my job as an equine therapist. Being a Paso Fino, I have a smooth gait, which is just right for clients who need a quiet ride and for those just starting to trot. Life on the farm is lovely and I am happy to serve so many friends!
Irish
Born May 1, 2013 – Palomino Pearl – Gypsy Vanner – Gelding
My name is Irish! Hope Therapy won me through LexLin Gypsy Ranch’s Gypsy Gift Program. I’m pretty easygoing and love to be groomed and scratched. My build seems to be just right for a variety of riders. I’m strong so I can carry adults and veterans, but not too tall or wide for kiddos. I began training under saddle with my friend, Shelby, in October of 2017. After just 2 months, she took me to my first show! I had a blast and did a great job. So far I’ve done a few sessions and have been stellar for my age! I just got back from training for a couple of months with a professional and had so much fun jumping and learned so much, and am now proving to be a stellar therapy horse!
Queenie
Born January 1, 2008 - Black Tobiano - Gypsy Vanner - Mare
My name is Queenie! I am another Gypsy donated to Hope Therapy thanks to LexLin's Gypsy Gift Program. I am a very sweet girl and I even had a few foals, which you can see on my page at LexLin's website! I just finished training and have proved to be an outstanding therapy horse here with Hope Therapy, and I love my new home and new friends!