Blue Rider Stable

Our Animals

We have set up a sponsor-an-equine program!

Below is a photograph and a little bit about each of our horses or donkeys. Anything you can contribute would be of great help!

If you have a specific equine you would like to sponsor, please send the name of the animal along with your contribution and in exchange we will send you a 4"x6" portrait of the horse or donkey of your specification!

Currently residing is our barn there are 15 equines! Each has their own personalities and specialities, below is a bit of information about each one, if you have more questions please feel free to contact us or visit us!

New horses!!

Zeuss:

Zeuss is a 6-year old Anglo-arab who was sent to us for help with his scoliosis. He is a gentle horse, prone to spooking because he cannot stay in balance. He is slowly learning to put up with the noises of the barn.

Juniper:

Juniper is a pony mare of unknown breed, possibly an Icelandic. She is about 16 years old. She is gentle yet spunky, and just enough stubborn to make her interesting to ride.

Billy Boy:

Billy is our 21yr old trick donkey, he is delta certified and loves his barn duties as tack room manager!

Cilla:

Cilla is one of our newest members, only 9yrs old, she is an excellent therapy horse, but loves to jump and preform, she also loves to have her mane braided!

Mia:

Mia is also new, and quite young, she is just 4 yrs old, but already has a lot of experience! She is learning to become a Blue Rider horse!

Ramona:

Mona is the mother of our herd, she 21yrs old, and our go to therapy horse, she is one of our herd leaders and mother to Bella!

Bella Mia:

Bella, Mona's daughter, is no longer our baby of the herd, she is 11yrs old and quite the renaissance horse, she is great with kids, therapy, dressage and jumping!

Oskar:

Oskar is 14yrs old and has been with us for a year now, he is still learning the ropes of being a blue rider horse, but he willingly does a couple therapy lessons and is being trained by our assistant instructors!

Rhythm:

Rhythm is our blind 15yr old multi-talented horse, he does therapy lessons, adult lessons, but loves to jump and can also do dressage!

Romeo:

Romeo came to us as a lame, western gaming horse, he is currently 15yrs old and has nicely fallen into Blue Rider's therapy routine, as well as children and some of the older kids ride him too!

Rose:

Rose is also a new addition to our herd, she is 13yrs old, she does therapy lessons, but especially loves doing children's lessons.

Taquito:

Taquito is our other donkey, he is 14yrs old, and our riding school donkey, he does therapy lessons, he jumps, canters and is a great ride for all ages!

Twist:

Twist is the biggest member of our herd, at 15yrs old he stands at 18 hands high and 2,200lbs, even with his size he gracefully can jump and do all sorts of dressage, and is great with the kids too!

Willie Wonka:

Willie has recently taken on the role of herd leader, at 17yrs old he is our prime teacher, taking over Mona's roles, whether teaching children how to lead, older kids how to sit a buck or adults what it is to work together, he is our guy!

Falcur:

Falcur is an icelandic horse, 14yrs old and the best therapy horse in the barn! although he does love working with the big kids too, or an adventure in the woods with one of the assistant instructors!

Horse Sponsorship Program

If you like one (or all) of our equines that we portray here, please think of sponsoring them. Call (413-528-5299) or email us about this new program that will help with upkeep costs and give you a more personal way to help. You will receive pictures and updates from 'your' horse.

 

Sad Partings

This last year has been one of saying goodbye to many of our animal friends. Our goat Judy died in March, both the bunny and guinea pig died in the spring, Oreo and Sugar left us in June, and Misty died in September. It is heart wrenching to lose these friends. When we know that we have to help them pass, we can prepare and help each other in the grief. When it is sudden and unexpected, like with Misty, the pain is compounded. Each death brings up memories of past deaths, but with friends and the community we are able to move on and remember the great times as well. Here is a poem written by one of Misty's caregivers.

You died on the most beautiful night in the world
You could practically count every star
And there wasn't a cloud to interfere
You were hurting, but you hardly let anyone know
Except for a couple of us
You were in a losing battle, but you held on to your dignity
When they came to take away your pain, you knew.
You weren't scared. You knew, but you weren't afraid
How could you be? It must have felt so, so good to
finally be able to sleep easily.
Every time I close my eyes, I see your funny dish face
And your little white foot
And your big tubby tummy
And your ripply, rich chestnut coat
And your enormous heart...
We all love you, Misty Moo
You won your battle.