Please note our new Email address: info@graceriding.ca
Meet Our Beloved Horses
Our horses are literally G.R.A.C.E.’s “horse power”. Looking after them while ensuring that they are properly trained is our priority. It takes very special horses like these to be someone’s eyes, ears and legs while carrying riders of all sizes, needs and abilities.
Such is the case with our six horses: Abby, Feeney, Scottie, Black Beauty, Misty and Romeo. This is why our veterinarian and barn staff make sure that our equine team is kept in top physical shape at all times.
Costs associated with their care can run in excess of $30,000 per year. Hay and bedding alone are in the order of $18,000. In addition, G.R.A.C.E. is always on the lookout for exceptional horses to add to its fabulous line-up.
All of our horses take their job seriously and work very hard for their care. They deserve nothing but the best in return. And this is why they need your support. Won’t you please consider picking your favourite (or favourites) and let them know you care?
Abby
Abby is our longest horse in program and this has earned her title as the most trusted and most reliable. She often carries our most challenged riders. She is a champ at Hippotherapy but is also a star with an independent rider. Abby is one of our bigger horses and is often used for heavier riders. Her patience and willingness to help this category of rider often make her the choice of those who also favour a quiet ride.
A bay in colour from her part-Appaloosa breeding, Abby came to G.R.A.C.E. in 2009 as an SPCA rescue. She’s a 20-year-old, 15hh-size mare who loves to eat but gains weight fast. Good news is, she’s also very active. We even call her the “Energizer Bunny”.
Her sturdy build, smooth gaits, responsiveness to verbal commands and acceptance of all kinds of equipment and noise in the games played in classes mean that she is often the go-to mount for many riders of different levels.
A mainstay of the G.R.A.C.E. program, we trust Abby will continue her good work for many years to come.
Feeney
Fenny is the class clown. She definitely will have you laughing with her quirky ways. If she's not too busy pushing a ball or putting something in her mouth she will definitely be talking up a storm. Feeney is one of our biggest in spirit and smallest in size horses. She’s an 11-year-old Haflinger who, though tiny in stature is mighty in strength and endurance. She’s even been nicknamed the “Mighty Mouse” of G.R.A.C.E. since 2014. Her short stature makes her easy for a rider to get on and off and not be intimidated, while her stocky body makes it possible for her to handle heavier riders.
Her flowing mane is often decorated and braided, making the children smile. Feeney is also a cart pony and works on Driving Nights, pulling our cart—the job she loves most—which provides an option for those that don’t meet the weight restrictions for riding. This is because each horse has a rider weight restriction depending on the size of the horse.
Mighty Mouse Feeney is fearless and sturdy. Her ability to do two jobs makes her a key member of the equine team.
Kate
Kate is the horse with the blue eyes. Known for her good looks this girl will impress with her steady step too. Kate is one of our newest horses to the GRACE program, however an old hat at Therapeutic Riding. A blue eyed medicine hat paint mare, she is striking to look at with a beautiful personality to match.
Her riders feel a little extra joy with the fancy horse privilege as many think she belongs in a parade or on a carousel. She is 2004 model who we were blessed with in 2022. Kate has come to us with thanks to a grant from the Goreski Private Foundation and is a welcome addition to the team.
Black Beauty
Black Beauty is often the horse selected for the more advanced rider. She has great movement and makes the ride interesting every time. Also known as “Black” or “Beauty”, we have here a striking Standard-bred mare appropriately named after the celebrated horse in Anna Sewell’s book. Black Beauty is admired from afar for her incredible looks. Lucky for the program, she has a personality to match.
Being the youngest horse in our program who joined G.R.A.C.E. in 2017, Black Beauty is no newcomer to therapeutic riding, having previously worked at another center. As one of our bigger horses, she can comfortably carry larger riders, which she does willingly and with great care.
She is also trained in cart driving and knows how to pull heavy weights as well. Much appreciated for her gentle spirit, Black Beauty will likely be with us a long time, especially given her ability to handle several different tasks.
Rocky
Rocky is most loved for his big heart. He loves to reward his rider with a cuddle after a great ride.
Reggie
Reggie is an expert at standing still. This is especially important with a nervous rider. Many gain confidence with this fella
Misty
MISTY is the pony most start on as she is pokey and cute. She makes reaching and bending easy and also specializes in Hippotherapy and lead line classes. Misty has been a member of the G.R.A.C.E. team since 2011. Smaller in size, Misty has a way of being reassuring to potentially nervous, lighter riders.
Known as a delicate stepper, her caring personality and dainty build often make her an appealing option for first-time riders with whom she is particularly experienced. Her slow, gentle step makes it easy for new riders to maintain balance.
A paint pony, this lady is often admired for her distinctive appearance. So much so, that her natural spotted coat often generates interesting conversations, some times with young riders looking for shapes, which often leads to extra smiles.
A telling measure of success, as we see it.
Romeo
ROMEO. Specializes in Hippotherapy and lead line classes. Loved for his steady slow steps and his Fantastic mustache. Romeo joined G.R.A.C.E. in December of 2020. Romeo is of the Gypsy Vanner breed. These horses are known for their calmness and patience. With his superstar hair, feathers and rocking moustache, Romeo quickly became referred to as G.R.A.C.E.’s “poster boy”.
Born in 2007, Romeo has been a therapy horse for most of his life and is extensively trained as such. His big heart and gentle manners make him perfect for our program. His strength and steadiness mean that he is also a highly flexible worker. Not only can he carry heavy riders but could also pull one in a cart. Romeo knows and does it all!
His name seems to suit him admirably, by the way, as anyone who meets him is smitten by his dashing looks. “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo?”
Paisley
Paisley is loved for her slow and gentle step. Beginners love they can trust her and more confident riders love the way she can move without too much asking.
Sponsor a horse
Our horses are the most important part of our G.R.A.C.E. Program. Their training and their patience are essential in keeping our riders safe while having fun. These horses are required to be kept at optimum health and wellness to ensure our program runs at its best. They work very hard for their care and deserve nothing less.
