Our amazing team of therapy horses and ponies provide an invaluable service to the special needs community and we are tremendously grateful to have the chance to work with them every day.
We extend our most sincere appreciation to our 2012 Horse and Pony Sponsors for your shared commitment to offering a world free from disability to our inspirational students. Thank you for supporting our four-legged heroes!
Sadie is a Retired Virginia Beach Mounted Police Horse, one of three that EQUI-KIDS has had in our program over the years. At 16 hands high, this black Percheron-Quarter Cross mare is a staple to our herd, and it would take two horses to fill her shoes! The joy you see in the faces of her young riders when working with this larger-than-life girl is truly priceless!
Navigator is a 16 hand bay Thoroughbred gelding born in 1995. Best known as Gator, he is an amazing mount for our more independent riders and he absolutely adores his workouts in the ring. His inquisitive nature sometimes gets him into mischief, but his kind and affable personality always gets him out of it!
Franklin is a 14.3 hand grey Welsh cross gelding born in 2005. He is one of the youngest members of the EQUI-KIDS team with a playful personality and a big heart. Franklin was bred to be a show pony, but he prefers to offer his talents to help his riders experience freedom through his strong and steady strides.
Champagne Wishes, better known as Rainy, was born in 1993. She is a white Welsh cross mare who may be small, but her personality is as big as they get! Rainy joined the EQUI-KIDS team in the summer of 2010.
Sum Treasure a dun Quarter Horse gelding was born in 1987. His name perfectly suits his job because he is a true “Treasure” to have in our program. His prior western training has given him a smooth, slow trot that is ideal for lessons, and his laid-back personality makes him an all-around great guy!
Bananarama, also known as Bananas, is a pint-size palomino Welsh pony gelding who retired from the hunter show circuit to take on a new job here at EQUI-KIDS. He stands 12.1 hands high and was born in 1990. Bananas loves the smallest of riders and he always wants to be the center of attention. When he is in his stall, will often nicker out to remind us that he waiting for his next lesson!
VT Klondike was born in 2000 at the equestrian facilities of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. This dark bay Hanoverian-Oldenburg cross mare is all heart! With her graceful movement and gentle temperament, Klondike has proven to be a wonderful addition to our EQUI-KIDS team!
Joey Seeker is a wonderful Quarter Horse gelding whose very dark bay coat is so glossy, he almost looks black. Joey’s previous dressage training makes him a wonderful mount for riders of all levels, and this sweet boy is always eager to please both his riders and handlers!
Choppo is a chestnut Quarter Horse gelding. Affectionately known as ‘Chops,’ this big boy has an incredibly steady nature and he loves working with his many riders. As one of the newest members of the team, Choppo is the perfect mount for our EQUI-KIDS and EQUI-VETS.
Though Astro has striking looks, he would prefer to be the class clown rather than the hunk! Don’t let his 13.1 hand stout Haflinger body fool you, this boy is the life of the party. Sometimes we wonder if he likes the toys in our riding ring more than his dinner! He keeps his riders on their toes and laughing throughout most of his lessons. He has the perfect build for many of our riders-he is short and stocky, and always ready to work.
Pantaloon’s Classic Touch, affectionately known as “Katie,” is undoubtedly one of the sweetest girls we have in our barn. (Volunteers not included, of course!) Born in 1996, this light grey 14 hand Welsh cross was made to be a part of our program! Her past career in the children’s show circuit gives her a level headed attitude, and her sweet personality gives her an almost maternal personality with visitors, staff, volunteers, and students alike. Don’t let her petite frame fool you, this girl has a giant heart of gold that makes her a priceless addition to our program.
From his distinct paint markings to his unusual pace, Geronimo gives our rider’s a different ride than what they are used to given his symmetrical gait. Much like Astro, he loves to clown around and be the center of attention, but he also knows when it is time to settle down and do his job. His thick mane helps riders feel safe and secure in the saddle, and in a short time, he has proven to be one of our most dynamic therapeutic heroes in the herd.
The youngest member of our herd, Bandit is curious and excited about his new career at EQUI-KIDS! He is a great program horse because he does not startle easily and he enjoys learning new activities. This stunning 16 hand buckskin has brains and beauty! He turns almost silver when he grows his winter coat, and then he shines bright dapples in the summer.
It’s hard to believe that this wonderful equine therapist was found at an auction house and his fate hung in the balance, but thanks to the compassion of a family who saw something special in him, he was given a new life as a lesson pony prior to joining the EQUI-KIDS team. With his calm demeanor and easy-going attitude, Levi has proven to have what it takes to serve severely disabled riders, as well as independent riders. With his floppy ears, kind eye and playful curiosity, it’s no wonder Levi has become the barn favorite of so many here at EQUI-KIDS!
Corona, affectionately known as CoCo, is a dark buckskin Criollo horse in her “twenty-somethings.” She has retired from her successful career as a polo pony and now enjoys her new career as a therapy horse. After years of leading her team on the polo field, she seems to have decided that “slow and steady” is her new mantra. Her careful steps give our students an easy and safe ride. For people who are timid around horses, CoCo is the ultimate ice-breaker with her unassuming and reassuring nature.
Mickey Made is a flashy chestnut Quarter Horse gelding. He has had an extensive carrier. He was the 2008 State Reserve High Point Champion in Novice Armature division for NCQHA, State Circuit Champion in showmanship, trail, and horsemanship for NCQHA and the State High Point Western horse for North Carolina 4-H in 2009. His been there done that attitude along with his slow smooth jog has made him quick the favorite among his riders.
Best Friends Forever, known around the barn as Carey, was one of our longest residents. This chestnut Arabian cross mare stood 13.3 hands high making her the ideal size for riders who need extra support; and our students enjoyed her bouncy trot and big personality! Carey will be forever remembered by her riders for giving them the chance to have their ability outshine their disability. She remains loved by us all.
EQUI-KIDS Therapeutic Riding Program
2626 Heritage Park Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
(757) 721-7350
information@equikids.org
