Cricket puts the Heart in ‘Heart of the Horse’ - truly.  10 years ago, when she was 6, David was told by pretty much everyone who met this horse, to not get her!  She had medical issues, an attitude, poor training, etc. But there was something about this horse’s spirit that had David overlook what everyone else saw on the surface. She can cut right through most anyone’s defenses and is the most emotionally congruent horse we have ever met.  She is used sparingly now, but she has guided countless people to comfort and peace - or at least provided the roadmap for them.  Most of her days are spent with her pal Amber, yelling for treats, kicking the stall gate for pets from people, rolling around, and occasionally being used for sessions or rides when appropriate.

It is not customary or polite to answer the question, “Who is your favorite horse?”  Since it is not polite, we won’t say if Bandit is or is not the favorite :). When Bandit arrived here, all he wanted to do was run!  After a few years, his age caught up with him.  Now Bandit is the absolute most trustworthy horse that has ever been a part of this place. Unfortunately for most, he is only ridden by small children a couple times a week, as he has aging joints.  For the lucky ones who can ride him, they really get to experience the magic that is Bandit.  Bandit is 24 and lives with his best friend Trooper.  They get to roam the large arena every night as a reward for all their years of handwork and friendship.

Trooper, Earl, and Bandit all arrived at the same time about 9 years ago from a horse rescue.  Trooper was likely a ranch horse in his previous life.  He is stoic, honest, resilient, and fair.  He doesn’t usually show much affection, but you can always tell if he’s happy with you by his eyes.  When you’re in tuned with him, you can just think about what you want, and he will do it.  That said, he will test newer riders to make sure they actually mean for him to do what they are asking.  His hard charging galloping days are behind him, being 23, but you wouldn’t know it loping him in the arena or on the trails.

Earl has also been a mainstay here.  As he has aged, he has become particular about who he lets give him affection and rides. If you can connect with him, he will literally fall asleep while being brushed. He enjoys being ridden by confident riders with soft hands and good hearts. Our old man is now 22 years young.

There is a saying that a free horse is never a good idea, and in most cases that is true, but not in Amber’s case!  8 years ago, a neighbor offered us Amber, saying she had been sitting for the better part of 5 years.  At first, she was high energy and on alert due to being in new surroundings.  As time went on, it became clear that if there was a riding horse to clone, it would be Amber.  She has good training, is very responsive, and has plenty of stamina. She is 19 now, and a great horse for riders learning how to go faster in the trot and canter. She is slightly codependent with her BFF Cricket, but we won't tell her we know that. We are so lucky and grateful that we crossed paths with Amber and that she is part of the family.

Cheyenne came to us from Florence AZ about 7 years ago. She is 11 years old, and as a half Percheron mare, she can make her opinions be known quickly.  The great thing about Cheyenne is that once she feels like she can put her trust in you, she will do absolutely anything for you.  All she really wants is a fair and confident leader. Once she feels that, she is all yours!  You can hop off her mid trail and she will follow you home.  She is used for all levels of riders.  Cheyenne was Darne’s favorite horse, and that says a lot. Darne is the young man of who the scholarship foundation here is named after.

Buford came to us 7 years ago, and he is now 15 years old.  He is the only Arabian in the barn, and arguably the fastest.  He started out as shy and timid due to his previous life experiences, but quickly warmed up to us, as he saw that being here is actually a pretty good deal!  Buford is best suited for advanced beginners and intermediate riders learning to canter a faster horse.

Peanut came to us from Nebraska with Millie 6 years ago.  The change in weather and scenery was a big shock for him, but he soon adjusted, and is now a true desert-dweller. Peanut is a fan favorite for folks looking to make sharp turns and go quick on the trails.  He is best suited for leisurely strolls with beginner riders, and fun hacks with more seasoned riders.

Millie is also from Nebraska, like Peanut. When she first arrived here, she wouldn’t let anyone get very close to her.  It was clear that she had been mishandled at some point, but she also really wanted to feel safe enough to drop her guard. Eventually, this happened!  Millie is such an incredibly sweet soul with the softest, most honest eyes.  She is 16 and a great all-around horse for almost any level rider. Whenever someone is having a hard day, Millie is always a great horse to spend time with.

Mr. Franklin has reached the age of semi-retirement.  He is 23 and has worked so hard to build the confidence of the kids who rode him.  He is a wise old man, who loves to massage himself against large mesquite trees.  Every once in a while, he will let us know that he wants to go for a ride, but other than that, he hangs out in the large pasture with his best buddy Leo.

Montie arrived here 5 years ago.  He is an Appaloosa, and lives up to his breed by exhibiting bouts of stubbornness, but all in good fun.  Everyone loves to ride Montie, as he is levelheaded and sturdy. Montie likes going on trail rides, riding in the arena, and getting groomed.

Dusty (Dustin for formal occasions) was donated to us about 3 years ago, and goodness did we luck out!  Dusty is the ultimate kids’ horse, and helps newer riders to build confidence.  Dusty likes it when people approach him softly and with calm energy.  He is very responsive under saddle.

Mr. Sparkels (Sparky) is a Percheron-Pony cross who came to us about 2 years ago.  He is 17 and loves hanging out with the kids who ride him.  He likes to do lessons for very beginner, or very advanced riders!  He has primarily been a western pony, but the staff have turned him into a wonderful English pony and he seems to actually enjoy this style of riding.

Voodoo is 7 years old, and came here 2 years ago.  We weren’t aware, but Voodoo arrived with a hidden tendon injury.  Once we realized how serious it was, we started her on a long path of recovery. She has been in rehab essentially ever since she arrived here. It is hard for her, being so young and full of energy - but she is such a sweet girl.  She gets out to walk each day, and rolls around in the sand of course.  Eventually, we are confident that Voodoo will be in good shape to ride without concern for her!  Until then, we will continue to take care of her and provide the best possible home. She loves it when people walk by her stall and give her pets!

Sly is a 20 years-young, retired cutting horse.  Sly is incredibly talented, and the everyone who rides him learns so much.  Sly will be responsive to anything you ask him to do, even if you don’t realize you are asking!  He has a mildly unhealthy codependent relationship with his neighbor horse, who is his girlfriend in his mind, but we don’t hold that against him. He values his horsey friends!

Birdie was actually purchased for the owner, David, but since he was so hotly in demand to be ridden by students, David gave in. Birdie has become the perfect lesson horse. Birdie is a great step-up horse for almost any level of rider. He is safe, responsive, and honest.  He used to be a rope horse, so now he enjoys basic horsemanship without specific disciplines, and good old runs on the trails. We are very lucky to have Birdie in our stable.

Kendrick (Uncle Kenny) is one of our newest additions to the herd, and boy are we glad to have him!  We don’t know a great deal about his past, but he is very well trained, in great shape, and loves being around people and his horsey friends alike.  Kendricks's age is up for debate, but he acts and rides like a younger horse.  He is best suited for riders working on technical skills.

Elle Woods, formerly known as Princess Diana, came at the same time as Kendrick.  She is a beautiful Andalusian, and has wonderful smooth gaits. She is very attuned to peoples’ energy, and connects with any person who has a kind demeanor.  Story has it that she once lived in England, and was part of a therapeutic riding center.  Either way, we just adore her and are happy she is part of the team.