Therapeutic Riding Horses at Helen Woodward Animal Center
Therapeutic Riding horses are special horses! These kind and generous animals make the Therapeutic Riding program possible. They are the heart of a dynamic team, helping people with disabilities achieve their goals in and out of the saddle. Let’s meet them!
JACK
Affectionately known around the Center as “Kansas Jack,” the 14.1 hand 14-year-old dark bay joined the program in the summer of 2017 all the way from Kansas City, MO. It was there that program manager Courtney first met Jack. His fun and playful, yet dependable, nature has made him a great addition to the program. In November of 2020, Jack was elected the first mayor of Helen Woodward Animal Center! He is thrilled at the honor and looks forward to serving his term with pride and distinction.
Click to Sponsor Jack
BEST BOY
Best Boy is a 14h, 27-year-old Welsh cross gelding. Just as his name suggests, Best Boy is very good at helping our riders achieve independence off lead!
Click to Sponsor Best Boy
DESI
Desi is a 15.3 h, 15-year-old Sorrel Paint gelding. Coming from a Western Pleasure background, Desi has a wonderfully slow and comfortable jog, teaching our timid riders that it’s fun to trot!
Desi is generously sponsored by Sheila and Brad Jacobs.
DANTE
Dante is one of the youngest members of our herd, and probably the one with the most admirers! This striking buckskin has won hearts across the Center. Dante is known for his eagerness to please and willingness to learn. He works well with all types of riders, from those requiring help with balance and control, to independent riders working at the trot and canter.
Dante is generously sponsored by Vicki Brown.
PRINCESS
Princess is a 14 hand buckskin her early 20s. Her smooth trot helps younger, smaller riders gain confidence in faster gaits. Her sweet, unflappable nature allows a rider to use many different types of arena props in their lessons.
Click to Sponsor Princess
SANDY
This pretty palomino mare joined the program in July of 2019. Although young, she has a great curiosity to engage in the world around her and an innate ability to connect with the students she works with. We look forward to her being a part of the program and making a positive impact on the lives of our students for many years to come.
Click to Sponsor Sandy
Sponsor Therapeutic Riding or a Therapy Horse
Without our therapy horses, the Therapeutic Riding program is not possible, and caring for them is no simple undertaking:
- Sponsor-A-Therapy Horse and contribute to this important service. Your sponsorship will help fund the feeding, housing and medical care for a Therapeutic Riding horse of your choice.
- With your $50 per month sponsorship, you will receive five updates with pictures of your horse throughout the year.
- With your $100 per month sponsorship, you will receive updates and the opportunity to schedule five visits with your horse. (Scheduled on our off weeks between sessions.)
- With your $150 per month sponsorship, you will receive updates, visits and an honorary plaque.
You can make it possible for individuals with a wide range of challenges to ride and benefit from these magnificent animals. Thank you!
