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 2011 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!
Roo Roo stands at 14.3 hands tall and is a grey Arabian-Appaloosa cross mare. Born in 1991, her past experience in the show ring makes her an ideal mount for our students who want to do more that ride in lessons. She loves traveling the show circuit and bring home blue ribbons for her riders!
An Honorable Trend, affectionately known as Jane, is a liver chestnut Quarter Horse mare. She was born in 1996 and was a Pony Club horse prior to joining the EQUI-KIDS herd.With her easy-going personality, gentle nature and exceptional good looks, Jane is a barn favorite among students and staff.
Franklin is a 14.3 hand grey Welsh cross gelding born in 2005. He is the youngest member 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.
Sum Treasure a buckskin 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!
Maybelline is a dun Grade pony mare, standing just 10 hands tall.She is the smallest member of our equine team and can often be seen traveling with the Mobile Equestrian Outreach Unit to schools and special events. Mabelline was born in 2002 and joined EQUI-KIDS in the fall of 2010.
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.
Willow is a calm and sweet Haflinger Mare. Her blonde mane and tail, along with her long eyelashes, make her one of our top barn beauties! Her broad back makes her a cozy ride for our students, and her shorter legs and steady temperament make her a favorite among volunteers.
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
