A Paint gelding

Poncho

Poncho is a Paint horse who moved all the way from Florida. Sweet and steady Poncho is a 14-year-old quarter horse who came to us from a therapeutic riding program in Florida where he also competed in Special Olympics in Western pleasure classes. He was having trouble with the heat and humidity in Florida because of a condition called “heaves”, which is similar to asthma in humans. Poncho thrives in our cooler, dryer climate and he is a favorite of students, volunteers and staff because of his laid-back personality and willingness to please. Poncho is of narrow build, which means he will be a good horsey match for riders with tighter leg muscles!

A Quarter horse gelding from Colorado

Tate

We are excited to introduce a new horse to our herd. Tate is a 19 yo Quarter horse gelding from Whitewater, Colorado. Before he came to Promise Ranch, Tate was already a therapy horse. We are already in love with Tate and hope he will get many fans here.

A 17 year old Mustang

Ryker

Ryker is a 17 year old Mustang, who was rounded up in Rock Springs, Wyoming when he was between 1 and 2 years old. His owner trained him and exposed him to many different things, which is why we thought he would be a good candidate for our program. He just recently joined our herd and is currently going through training with our Equine Manager Nickole. Keep an eye out for our monthly newsletter to see how Ryker progresses in training.

A speckled paint gelding

Hidalgo

Hidalgo is a speckled paint gelding about 12 yrs old. He comes from the northern Wyoming mountains where he enjoyed backcountry wilderness trail rides daily but was getting too tired for the demanding lifestyle. With Hidalgo’s love of people, and being a great ponying horse for kids to ride, his family thought Promise Ranch might be a great environment for a needed vacation and to get some special attention.
So far he is settling in very well and enjoying the company of people while learning the new ways of the therapeutic world. Hidalgos owner is Alicia Engebretson, our Promise Ranch Board Secretary. We will keep you posted when he’ll be ready to start in our therapy program.

A former Carriage Horse

Velvet

Velvet is a beautiful 17-year-old Grade with double facial whorls, an air of mystique, a past career as a carriage horse.. She  is a recent adoption from Harmony Equine Center and was a part of the Right Horse Initiative which is a mission to improve the lives of horses in transition and increase horse adoption in the United States. We are grateful to Harmony Equine Center for helping us to find Velvet, who is described as a saint. Most impressive upon her evaluation is her attentiveness to her rider!

A Kiger Mustang

Kola

Kola is a 12-year-old Kiger Mustang who was gathered in Oregon. Kola is owned by Kaity Glicini and she has “been there and done that,” whether running drills for the Westernaires, trail rides, reining, jumping, barrel racing… the list goes on and on. Kola loves children and aims to please in all she does. She’s so happy to be at Promise Ranch!

The pony in the herd

Pickles

Pickles is a 25 year old chestnut gelding currently on trial at the ranch.  He used to work on a dude ranch giving pony rides and now loves his job at the ranch.  Pickles is any little kid’s dream! He loves giving rides, getting cuddles, and forehead kisses.

A gentle giant

Jessie

Jessie is a sweet 15 year old Clydesdale cross who was rescued from a tough living situation about a year and a half ago.  Jessie loves nothing more than to be brushed, go for a light ride, and spend time in the presence of people.  She is the most gentle giant, and is already a wonderful addition to our therapy team.

A very kind buckskin mare

Fiona

Fiona is a 20 year old buckskin mare.  She has been with her current owners for around 8 years now, and was in training to be a Westernaires horse.  We are thankful for her kind heart and calm being and how much she loves having a job! She is going to be partnering with clients in our mental health program while in training for our mounted sessions, and is doing very well settling in and learning the ropes.

TJ