Our Herd
Why horses?
Horses can be an emotional mirror for humans. They respond to the feelings we show. They are gentle and trustworthy and respond in kindness when treated the same. Horses enhance our riders’ lives through their movement.
For children with physical challenges, horses provide a movement experience that is unparalleled in other therapies. A child who utilizes a wheelchair for mobility experiences newly found freedom of movement on a walking horse. This increased self-confidence, balance and posture often translates to activities at school, in the home or on the playground.
TROT’s horse partners are selected for their exceptional temperament, good health, soundness and smooth gaits and are carefully matched to the needs of the rider, helping propel with a variety of psychological issues as well as physical injuries and disabilities. The horse provides ample opportunities for the client to experience movement and sensory input, and that combination can produce powerful results in improved physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.
The horse moves in a rhythmic, symmetrical, and organized way. Each step the horse takes provides strong sensory and physical input in many dimensions including up and down, side to side, and back and forth. By asking for variations in these movements the therapist or instructor gains results that cannot be achieved by a machine or duplicated in a clinic setting.
Carmela
Carmela is a halflinger mare who is a staple in our therapeutic programming. She is a versatile pony who is best known for her good looks and smooth gaits. In her free time, she enjoys snacking on grass and hanging out with her pasture mates.
Dixie
Dixie is a very loving and kind Quarter Horse mare. She takes special care of some of our youngest and most delicate riders. Dixie always seems to know what her riders need as she moves around the arena nice and steady, focusing on each and every step she takes. She is truly a splendid example of horses know best!
Fiesta
Fiesta is a handsome, athletic Paint/Quarter Horse gelding who loves being a part of our therapeutic riding program. Fiesta is the first to greet you with a sweet nicker on your way down to the barn. In his spare time, Fiesta loves to spend time on the green pastures with his friends.
Furs
Furs is a Quarter Horse gelding who joins TROT's herd after his previous career as a ranch horse. He is a sensitive soul whose favorite pastime is following his human friends around a round pen, an arena or even the courage course. He has started his work in our Equine Assisted Counseling program and looks forward to continuing his education at TROT!
Pecos
Prince Julian
Raven
Raven is a well rounded BLM branded Idaho stock Mustang and he is extremely smart! Because of his keen awareness to his environment, Raven has become one of our best partners in equine facilitated psychotherapy. He works with our EFP clients to build confidence, self-efficiency, communication, trust, perspective, social skills, impulse control, and learn boundaries. We are so grateful to have Raven as part of the TROT herd.
Ringo
Ringo is a long-time herd member here at TROT and a well-seasoned therapeutic riding horse. He is a grey Quarter Horse gelding. Ringo has an amazing trot for all our riders and has been able to help transform some of the most-wiggly participants into riders with a quiet seat and proper posture. From the drill team with big flags around him, to riding out on the trail nothing seems to faze this reliable veteran.
Rune
Rune is a Fjord gelding who is a fantastic independent riding horse. He excels at teaching people to be confident, determined, and clear in the use of their aids. He is an excellent independent riding horse, and his playful personality is sure to have you smiling.
Shadow
Shadow is a beautiful palomino gelding and the newest edition to the TROT herd. He is being introduced to his teammates within our herd, and he enjoys his time out in the pastures with them. Shadow is a beautiful mover, and his large stature will be a perfect fit for both our adult and veteran riders.
Sir Lawrence
Sir Lawrence is a Quarter Horse gelding and came to TROT in 2019 as a donation from the Levey Foundation here in Tucson. With his shiny bay coat, everyone is sure to notice him! Sir Lawrence is as loving as he is handsome. He is quick to greet you at the gate, eager to please, and if you scratch just behind his right ear, you will surely make a new friend for life.
Skittles
Skittles is a multi-talented Paint/Draft gelding. Skittles is part of all our programs here at TROT and works with students of all ages and abilities. He is very playful and even knows a few tricks. If you look closely, you can see his handlebar mustache.
Sparky
Sparky is a Shetland pony who is true TROT veteran! Sparky is a perfect gentleman; he even knows how to open the gates for his friends. He works in our Therapeutic Riding program and Equine Assisted Learning programs and is a great teacher for any student.
Wrangler
Wrangler is a Chestnut gelding who has a heart of GOLD! This sensitive soul cares about everyone around him. Wrangler is incredibly smart and tries his best to do the right thing. He has completed his special program training and will make his debut into TROT’s program starting January 2023.
TROT's Best Buddy program gives you the opportunity to support TROT in a very special way. When you sponsor one of our horses, your generosity will directly and positively contribute to the care of TROT's most precious inhabitants.
Sponsor the horse of your choice! There are 16 loveable, unique horses that would love to have you as a sponsor!
Become the Best Buddy of one of our horses with a 100% tax deductible donation of $1,000
Your name will be displayed on a stall plaque on your Best Buddy's stall
You will receive notes from your Best Buddy, gifts and updates from the barn throughout the year
Know that you have helped provide the best care for one of TROT's equine partners...priceless!
Please consider being a best buddy and help change lives, one stride at a time!
Could your horse be a TROT horse?
It takes a very special horse to make it into our programs. Our horses are hard-working with personality traits that make them great at what they do! Having a talented and well-rounded herd is the backbone of our programs. Our horses come in all shapes and sizes in order to accommodate our riders…who also come in all shapes and sizes.
If you think your horse could be a fit for our programs, complete and submit the Horse Questionnaire Form down below!
