Meet the Horses

Our horses are the real heroes of the therapeutic riding program at NMCTR. Our horses come to NMCTR from previous lives ranging from show jumping to ranch work.  When considering whether to accept a horse for our program we look not only at their training and skills but also at their temperament – not every horse is suited for working with our riders. We think our horses have the biggest hearts for helping, showing great patience and willingness to work with every person they encounter. They enrich the lives of all our participants and contribute to the success of our program every day. We currently work with eight active equine partners. We will always remember our retired horses who changed many lives and will always have a special place in our hearts.

Blue

Blue is a 24-year-old Quarter Horse mare, and before she came to NMCTR, she worked as a mounted shooting pony. As cute as a button, Blue is very sweet and calm when she’s working with a rider, but when she is turned out she loves to run around fast and is full of energy! Likes: running around in turn-out; her best friend Lola. Dislikes: taking her meds.

Cisco

Cisco is a gorgeous boy, and his distinctive blue/brown eyes are his trademark. He is a registered paint Quarter Horse gelding, and earned his chops as a ranch horse. Cisco is 25, and he is not interested in snuggling – he’d rather teach you how to ride. He loves trail rides, and thinks he is the king of the herd! Likes: messing around with Lola; feeding time. Dislikes: being cuddled; having his face touched.

Ginger

Ginger is a 22-year-old red roan Quarter Horse mare, formerly a roping horse. She was retired from roping due to a minor injury, and absolutely loves her job as an equine partner at NMCTR. Ginger is very sweet and quiet, and loves to be groomed. She teaches all the new volunteers how to halter and lead a horse. Likes: massages; lying down and sunbathing. Dislikes: if someone else drinks out of her water bucket.

Lola

Our beautiful big Lola is a 21-year-old bay Brandenburger mare, who in her previous life was a Grand Prix show jumper in the US and Germany. Lola is a wonderful partner at NMCTR, she is very kind and forgiving, and, despite her size, incredibly gentle! Lola always wants to know what’s going on in the barn, and will come to say hello when folks arrive. Likes: clicker training; turn out with Blue and the other horses. Dislikes: when people are too rough.

Maina

Maina is a very striking black Quarter Horse/Arabian cross mare. She is 18, but she has the personality and physicality of a much younger horse. Maina moves beautifully, but most importantly, she is the sweetest, kindest and most patient horse in our herd. She loves connecting with humans, and will happily fall asleep in your arms. Likes: humans. Dislikes: not getting enough cuddles.

Poncho

Poncho is a 25-year-old veteran of the program at NMCTR. He is an extremely solid and handsome blue roan gelding who spent most of his previous life as a trail horse. Poncho is a wise old guy, and takes his time to figure new people out. He absolutely loves working with independent riders, and working as a team with humans. Likes: turn out with his best friend, Yoda; getting his rear-end scratched. Dislikes: when people are too rough with him; being lunged.

Yoda

Yoda is a 17-year-old Norwegian Fjord gelding. He came to us from a Fjord breeding farm, and had an easy-going life prior to his job at NMCTR. He is our class clown, and is always looking for ways to make us laugh. Yoda is a perfect big clunky boy, and likes when he can go slow and take his time. He loves to show off his monthly new haircut, and his tricks! Likes: his best friend Poncho; going out for walks. Dislikes: being bossed around.

Rugged

Rugged is a 16 yo Appendix Quarter Horse. His grand-sire is legendary Rugged Lark. He was born in VA, moved to AZ right before he turned 3, and spent most of his career doing 3-day eventing. In 2016, he was Area X Preliminary Champion! After taking a young teen to many competitions, he came to NMCTR ready to serve people with disabilities! He is a great addition to our herd! He is kind, gentle, likes to grunt, and has an Altoids obsession!

Sherman

Sherman is an 11-year-old miniature pony bay gelding. Becoming NMCTR's Equine-Assisted Learning pony is his first career. He loves to be groomed and enjoys being led around by children. He’s curious and interested in everything. He helps people overcome fears and likes attending community events to tell the world about NMCTR!

Sponsor a Horse!

Keeping our horses stabled, fed, and in good health is one of our biggest monthly expenses.  Over the course of a year, feed, farrier care, routine and emergency veterinary care, and other expenses become quite costly. You can help by providing horse sponsorships that will fund these expenses, allowing us to provide quality care for our heroes.

Please follow the link in the sidebar above or click here to sponsor one of our horses.