What does a Therapy Horse do?
The horses of Midnight Farm's therapeutic riding program are amazing and we couldn't do our jobs without them! The roles our horses play in our program are many and varied and can be challenging for a horse's naturally cautious nature. Horses are often ridden up to 8 times a week with riders of all ages and abilities. They must be calm, quiet, and patient in any number of situations that would make other horses nervous. Riders often carry unusual objects over, around and/or through obstacles which are often decorated for games and activities. Riders may not be as balanced or coordinated as riders horses may be used to; the horse must be willing and able to discern what a rider is trying to ask of them.
Therapeutic Riding horses are constantly surrounded by people. They often have 3 volunteers and an instructor working with them in addition to the rider. They must be able to integrate all of the input from everyone around them and still remain quiet and responsive to the riders. In return for their kindness and patience, they get the love and devotion of everyone they meet! The trade-off seems to work well for them.
Interested in Donating a horse?
We do sometimes take potential donation horses in on a trial basis to see if our program would be a good fit for them. While there may be special consideration for horses that fill a specific need for our program, here are qualities we look for in a horse we will consider for the program:
Therapeutic Riding horses are constantly surrounded by people. They often have 3 volunteers and an instructor working with them in addition to the rider. They must be able to integrate all of the input from everyone around them and still remain quiet and responsive to the riders. In return for their kindness and patience, they get the love and devotion of everyone they meet! The trade-off seems to work well for them.
Interested in Donating a horse?
We do sometimes take potential donation horses in on a trial basis to see if our program would be a good fit for them. While there may be special consideration for horses that fill a specific need for our program, here are qualities we look for in a horse we will consider for the program:
- People friendly and willing to interact with people they are not familiar with
- Capable of a walk, trot and canter on both leads with adult rider
- Consistent and even at all gaits
- Physically sound and healthy, no health issues, no vices
- Between the ages of 8 and 12
- Between 14HH and 16HH
- Stands quietly for grooming, tacking and farrier work
- Tolerant of a leader and sidewalkers on both sides
- Horses with show experience, especially in youth classes, often do very well!!
Meet our Horses
Our horses are carefully selected for the specific needs of our riders and the types of services we are offering. We have considered their health and soundness, gaits and manner of going, attitude, temperament, ground manners,previous training, use and finally, adaptability. Once the preliminary selection or acquisition of a horse is made, the trial period begins. Working with the horse during this period allows time to determine whether he will fit into our program. The following horses have been accepted into our program and are undergoing continuous specialized training for our needs.
  
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Color Me Vanzi, aka "Vanzi"Donated by the Haberkorn Family
Vanzi is a 1998 American Quarter Horse gelding. Before coming to Midnight Farm, Vanzi enjoyed a successful show career with AQHA in Hunter Under Saddle, Western Pleasure, Horsemanship and showmanship. Vanzi has a narrow build and is an excellent choice for riders who have difficulty sitting a horse with a wider build. He is very friendly and energetic and loves to interact with his riders and farm visitors.
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