11 hand Pony gelding, Born 2014
Charlie was ridden as a show jumper and pleasure horse in Christian Curry’s barn before coming to Saddle Up!. As you can tell from his picture, he is loving his life here, including hanging out with the many kids and volunteers. He loves to play with his friends in the pony pasture!
16hh Morgan Friesian Cross gelding, Born 2017
Governor was generously purchased for the Saddle Up! program by funds from the Annual Governor’s Club Holiday Auction and he is a wonderful addition to our program. Governor has lovely walk/trot/canter gaits for our more advanced and independent riders and he is also learning how to be a vaulting horse, with much success. He is the biggest lovebug and adores people and attention! His stately presence, glossy black coat and beautiful conformation have earned him “Most Handsome” honors (but don’t tell the others!).
8.3hh Miniature Horse mare, Born 2009
Super sweet and very pretty, this petite paint mare brings a smile to everyone’s face. She loves people and her forever best buddy, Dan. Thumby is part of our Equestrian Learning Programs and her small size makes her super portable for those times that we take the power of equine assisted therapy to groups and outside events. Thumby was donated to Saddle Up! by Mary Beth Fortugno.
9hh Miniature Mule gelding, Born 2009
Another small but mighty member of the herd, Dan was generously donated to us by Mary Beth Fortugno and came to Saddle Up! with his very best friend Thumbelina. Dan is well known as a stubborn little fellow and a super messy eater but, despite his quirks, he is fun to be around and a great addition to our Equine Assisted Learning program.
14.2hh American Quarter Horse mare, Born 2002
Custom is the daughter of the reining legend, Custom Chrome, and comes with an impressive pedigree and the reining career to match. She spent her last years as a mama and as the trusted family horse of Marco Formentin, a NRHA Open World Champion. We knew she would be special but, wow, this girl took to her new job like she had always done it – even earning 100’s on her instructor evaluations. We are grateful to the Formentin family for the donation of this beautiful girl.
14.3hh Andalusian Cross mare, Born 2005
Lovely Rita (Meter Maid) is a 17 years young Andalusian Cross and, like Harry, is on loan to us through the generosity of Susannah Denney. Rita has been a lesson horse, therapy horse, and all-around great mare in her career. We love her gentle eyes and long bangs as well as her great attitude.
14hh Gypsy Cob gelding, Born 2010
Harry is a 12 year old gypsy cob, affectionately known around the barn as “Hairy Harry” because of his beautiful feathers, long whiskers and flowing mane and tail (the Harry comes from his mom’s favorite musician, Harry Styles!). You can tell Harry and Buddy apart because Harry has more white on his face and cute spots on his neck. Harry has therapy horse experience, having been part of the herd at Equest in Texas.
17.1hh Percheron gelding, Born 2008
Bishop is the biggest horse in the barn at over 1500 pounds and the only full draft at SU! Bishop may have pulled barges down the Ohio River and was likely an Amish farm horse. He is a true “gentle giant” and is the frequent subject of visitor selfies.
15hh Quarter Horse mare, Born 2003
Cocoa’s registered name is Spot My Chips and she has great bloodlines including Zips Chocolate Chip and Impressive. Cocoa was shown very successfully in western pleasure and has almost 40 lifetime AQHA Youth Points to her credit. She was generously donated by Karla Champion.
Lesson Assistant